There’s nothing quite like the irresistible aroma and vibrant flavors of a good stir-fry, and Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a true classic. This dish brings together tender, marinated flank steak with crisp-tender bell peppers and savory onions, all coated in a rich, garlicky, and slightly sweet sauce. It’s a powerhouse of flavor that comes together incredibly fast, making it the perfect solution for a delicious weeknight dinner that rivals your favorite takeout. Get ready for a symphony of textures and tastes in every bite!
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge fan of stir-fries because they’re a masterclass in efficiency and flavor, and this Pepper Steak is no exception. What I absolutely love about this recipe is how quickly it transforms simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal. The marinade on the flank steak is a game-changer, ensuring every piece is incredibly tender, while the vibrant bell peppers and onions add a wonderful sweetness and crunch. It’s a dish that feels incredibly gourmet but is surprisingly easy to execute, making it a go-to whenever I crave authentic Chinese flavors without leaving my kitchen.
List of Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak:
For the Steak Marinade:
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (any color, like red or yellow)
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Cooked white rice or steamed rice, for serving
Swaps and Notes
- Flank Steak: While flank steak is traditional and excellent here, you could also use sirloin, top round, or even skirt steak. Always slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Bell Peppers: I love the classic green bell pepper for its slightly bitter, fresh flavor, but using a mix of colors (red, yellow, orange) adds sweetness and visual appeal.
- Ginger and Garlic: Freshly minced ginger and garlic are crucial for the authentic flavor of this dish. Don’t use dried powders if you can help it!
- Oyster Sauce: This adds a depth of umami and a subtle sweetness. If you have a shellfish allergy or prefer a vegetarian option, you can find vegetarian mushroom-based oyster sauce substitutes.
- Hoisin Sauce: Sweet and savory, hoisin is a staple in Chinese cooking.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a touch of tang to balance the rich sauce. Do not substitute with white vinegar, as the flavor profile is different.
- Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking. Omit for no heat, or add more for a fiery kick!
- Cornstarch Slurry: This is essential for thickening the sauce. Make sure to mix the cornstarch thoroughly with water before adding it to prevent lumps.
List of Steps for the Recipe
Follow these steps to create your sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions:
- Marinate the Steak: In a medium bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon vegetable oil. Add the thinly sliced flank steak and toss well to coat every piece. Let the steak marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature while you prepare the other ingredients. This short marinade is key for tenderizing the meat.
- Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup beef broth, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. If using, add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes now. Set this sauce mixture aside.
- Cook the Steak: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, add the marinated steak in a single layer. You may need to cook the steak in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can steam the meat instead of searing it. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the steak is browned and cooked through. Remove the cooked steak from the skillet and set it aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: If needed, add a bit more vegetable oil to the same skillet. Add the thinly sliced large onion and both bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. They should still have a slight bite to them.
- Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and minced ginger to the skillet with the vegetables. Cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until they are fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine and Thicken: Return the cooked steak to the skillet with the stir-fried vegetables. Give the prepared stir-fry sauce a quick whisk (to re-incorporate anything that settled) and pour it over the steak and vegetables. Stir well to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Thicken the Sauce: While the sauce is simmering, whisk together the 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl to create your cornstarch slurry. Pour the slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency and beautifully coats the steak and vegetables.
- Serve: Serve the sizzling Chinese pepper steak with onions immediately over generous portions of cooked white rice or steamed rice.
Tips for Success
- Slice Against the Grain: This is paramount for tender flank steak. Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making the meat easier to chew.
- High Heat, Quick Cook: Stir-frying requires high heat to achieve that perfect sear and tender-crisp vegetables. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature.
- Prep Ahead: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready (mise en place) before you start cooking. Stir-fries cook very quickly, so you won’t have time to chop while the pan is hot.
- Don’t Overcook Steak: Flank steak cooks fast! Overcooking will make it tough, even with the tenderizing marinade. Cook until just browned and cooked through.
- Adjust Sauce to Taste: Taste the stir-fry sauce before adding the cornstarch slurry and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want a touch more soy sauce for saltiness, sugar for sweetness, or vinegar for tang.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak is a complete meal when served over fluffy white rice or steamed rice. The rice soaks up all that incredible sauce, making every bite delicious. For added freshness, you could garnish with some chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. For a simple side, consider steamed broccoli or a light cucumber salad. For beverages, a light beer, green tea, or even a crisp sake would pair well.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftover Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also microwave individual portions, but the texture of the vegetables might be softer. It’s best enjoyed fresh!
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoyed the savory flavors and quick preparation of this Chinese Pepper Steak, you’ll love exploring these other delicious and comforting recipes:
- For another fantastic one-pan meal that’s always a hit, check out This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
- If you’re in the mood for a hearty and soulful dish with a kick, my recipe for This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl Of Southern Comfort is a must-try.
- For a timeless classic that’s perfect any night of the week, you can’t go wrong with my Classic Spaghetti Recipe With Homemade Sauce.
- Looking for another cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner idea? These These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To For Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners are a fantastic choice.
- And for a quick and flavorful southern-inspired skillet meal, you’ll love This Tomato Skillet With Okra And Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed With Southern Flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions truly brings the excitement of your favorite Chinese restaurant right into your home. It’s quick, packed with incredible flavor, and surprisingly easy to make. Once you master this, it’s sure to become a regular in your rotation for satisfying those takeout cravings!
Have you tried making pepper steak at home before? What are your go-to stir-fry vegetables? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and inspiring recipes!
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