Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Introduction

If you’re in the mood for a delightful culinary experience that combines vibrant flavors with a satisfying crunch, look no further than Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions. This dish perfectly marries tender strips of beef with bell peppers and onions, creating a colorful, flavorful stir-fry that will impress anyone at your dinner table. This article will guide you through the process of creating this sizzling sensation at home, making it an excellent addition to your weeknight meals or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

To prepare an authentic Chinese Pepper Steak, gather the following ingredients:

For the Steak Marinade

  • 1 pound flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Stir-Fry

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
  • 2–3 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • Cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Add the sliced flank steak and mix well to ensure that the beef is evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For more depth of flavor, you can refrigerate it for up to 2 hours.

Step 2: Prep the Vegetables

  1. Chop the Vegetables: While the steak marinates, slice the onion and bell peppers into thin strips. Mince the garlic and ginger. Set all the vegetables aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

  1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Cook the Vegetables: Add the sliced onions and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until they become slightly soft. Then add the bell peppers, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry everything together for another 2–3 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Steak

  1. Sizzle the Steak: In the same skillet, add the marinated steak in a single layer. Allow it to sear for about 1-2 minutes without stirring to develop a nice crust. Then, stir-fry it for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

  1. Add the Sauces: Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the steak. Pour in the oyster sauce, soy sauce, black pepper, and rice vinegar. Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Plate Your Dish: Serve the sizzling pepper steak over a bed of fluffy white rice, allowing the sauce to soak into the grains.

Conclusion

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is not only a feast for the eyes but also a blend of contrasting textures and flavors that makes it a hit for dinner any night of the week. The savory notes from the beef combined with the sweetness of the onions and peppers create a symphony of taste. So fire up your skillet, invite some friends over, and enjoy this wonderful dish that embodies the spirit of Chinese cuisine right in your own home. Happy cooking!