This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak is a fun and tasty dish! It mixes tender beef with crunchy bell peppers and onions, all cooked in a tasty sauce that’s slightly sweet and a bit spicy.
Cooking this dish is always a joy because it sizzles in the pan! I love serving it over rice, so every bite is packed with flavor. You might want to keep your faster fork ready—it disappears quick! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I like using sirloin or flank steak because they’re tender and cook quickly. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try chicken or tofu instead! They absorb flavors well too.
Sauces: Soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce are key for flavor. If you’re avoiding shellfish, use a mushroom-based oyster sauce or a soy sauce alternative. Tamari is great for gluten-free options!
Vegetables: The bell pepper adds crunch and sweetness, but feel free to mix it up! Broccoli, snap peas, or even zucchini work nicely too. Carrots add color, but you can skip them if you want.
Spices: Black pepper adds warmth. If you want a kick, adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your spice level—you can even use fresh chili if you prefer!
How Can I Get the Beef Just Right?
Searing the beef perfectly is crucial for tender results. Here’s how you’re going to do this:
- Make sure your skillet or wok is very hot before adding the beef. This will help it sear rather than steam.
- Cook the beef in a single layer without crowding the pan. If needed, do it in batches to keep that nice sear.
- Only turn the beef once. This will help lock in juices and create that lovely brown crust.
- Set it aside on a plate as soon as it’s browned to avoid overcooking.
Following these steps will give you the perfect base for your sizzling pepper steak!
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch
For Stir-Frying:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 large onion, cut into chunks
- 1 large green bell pepper or green chili peppers, cut into pieces
- 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced (optional, for color and sweetness)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes or chili powder (adjust to taste)
For Garnish:
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15-20 minutes of prep time for marinating the beef, plus another 10-15 minutes for cooking. Allow a total of about 30-35 minutes to have a delicious meal ready to serve on the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinating the Beef:
In a medium bowl, combine the bite-sized pieces of beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix everything together well and let it sit to marinate for about 15-20 minutes. This will enhance the flavor of the beef nicely!
2. Searing the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until the oil starts to lightly smoke. Once hot, add the marinated beef to the skillet in a single layer. Sear the beef for about 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s nicely browned. Once browned, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
3. Stir-Frying the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the oil and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, toss in the onion, green bell pepper, and carrots (if using). Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp, adding a vibrant crunch to your dish!
4. Combining Beef with Vegetables:
Return the seared beef to the skillet and gently toss it together with the vegetables. Sprinkle in the freshly ground black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes, mixing well to combine everything. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors and ensure the beef is heated through.
5. Final Touches:
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish your delicious pepper steak with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for that fresh pop of color and taste!
6. Serve It Up:
Serve your sizzling pepper steak immediately on a hot plate or in a large bowl alongside steamed white rice. Enjoy the wonderful sizzle and bold peppery flavors with family and friends!
Happy cooking! 😄
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin or flank steak are great choices, you can also use ribeye or skirt steak. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly based on the thickness of the cuts!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicy?
Yes, definitely! You can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add fresh chili peppers for extra heat. For a milder version, just reduce the amount of red pepper or eliminate it entirely.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes! This dish is very versatile. Feel free to add bell peppers of different colors, broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture. Just make sure to cut them into even-sized pieces for consistent cooking!
