This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak is a treat for your taste buds! Tender beef strips cooked with crunchy bell peppers and sweet onions bring a colorful twist to your dinner plate.
If you love a bit of spice, this dish delivers! I enjoy serving it on a hot plate for that appealing sizzle. Trust me, everyone will want to join the table when they hear that sound! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I recommend using sirloin or flank steak for their tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider using turkey or chicken breast, though it will change the flavor profile a bit.
Onions: A large onion gives sweetness and depth. If you prefer, shallots can work well too! Red onions add a mild flavor and some color if you’re feeling adventurous.
Peppers: Red bell peppers are sweet and add color. Feel free to mix in yellow or green bell peppers or even some sliced jalapeños if you like it spicy.
Sauces: For the Shaoxing wine, dry sherry or even rice vinegar can serve as a substitute. If you’re avoiding alcohol, just use extra beef broth or water.
Chili Paste: If you’re not into spicy food, you can completely skip the chili flakes or use a mild sauce instead, like sweet chili sauce, for a different twist.
How Do I Get Juicy and Tender Beef?
Getting tender beef is crucial for this dish. Here’s how to ensure it comes out perfectly:
- Slice against the grain: This shortens muscle fibers, making each bite more tender.
- Marination: Marinade the beef mix for at least 20 minutes. This not only adds flavor but helps soften it too.
- High heat cooking: Cooking quickly on high heat seals in juices. Aim for about 1-2 minutes per side for a nice sear while keeping it tender!
By following these steps, your beef will turn out juicy and full of flavor, making the dish irresistible!
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 large onion, cut into chunky wedges
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or any high smoke point oil)
- 2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
For the Marinade and Sauce:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (Chinese cooking wine) or dry sherry
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes or chili paste (adjust to taste)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 20 minutes marinating the beef and just about 10 minutes cooking everything. Perfect for a quick and tasty weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
In a bowl, mix together the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, black pepper, and sugar. Make sure everything is well combined! Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes at room temperature or up to 1 hour in the fridge. This step is essential for flavor and tenderness.
2. Sear the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer. Sear it quickly for about 1-2 minutes per side until it’s browned but still tender. Once done, take it out of the pan and set aside—this is where the magic begins!
3. Stir-Fry the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until you can smell the wonderful aroma. This step sets the flavor base for our dish!
4. Cook the Vegetables:
Add the chunky onion wedges and thinly sliced red bell pepper to the pan. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly soft but still crispy. The colors should be vibrant, and they will add a nice crunch to the dish!
5. Combine and Thicken:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Return the beef to the pan and pour in the beef broth or water along with the chili flakes or chili paste. Mix well and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and beautifully coats the beef and veggies.
6. Final Touches:
Taste your creation and adjust the seasoning if needed—maybe a splash more soy sauce or a dash of pepper to enhance the flavors! Once satisfied, get ready to serve.
7. Serve it Up:
Transfer the sizzling pepper steak and vegetables onto a heated serving plate or a cast iron sizzle plate if you have one. That’s where the sizzle comes from! Garnish generously with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for that extra flair.
8. Enjoy:
Serve your flavorful Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak hot with a side of steamed white rice. Enjoy every bite filled with the richness of beef, the sweetness of onions, and a spicy kick that brings everything together. Happy eating!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef?
Absolutely! While sirloin and flank steak are great options, you can also use ribeye or skirt steak for a different flavor and texture. Just make sure to slice it thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
If you love heat, add more chili flakes or chili paste to your sauce. You can also include some sliced jalapeños or serrano peppers when stir-frying the vegetables for an extra kick!
Can I Prepare This in Advance?
Yes! You can marinate the beef a few hours ahead of time or even the night before for deeper flavor. Just keep it covered in the fridge. Stir-fry it fresh before serving for the best texture!
What Should I Serve This With?
Sizzling Pepper Steak is perfect over steamed white rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. You can also pair it with fried rice, quinoa, or even steamed vegetables for a lighter meal.
