I love exploring the flavors and colors of Asian cuisine. The smell of sizzling beef, spices, and veggies always excites me. It takes me back to the lively streets of China. Today, I’m sharing a recipe that captures the heart of Chinese cooking – Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions.
This dish is a perfect mix of sweet, savory, and spicy. Thin slices of beef are marinated in a flavorful soy sauce mix. Then, they’re stir-fried with crunchy bell peppers, onions, and a touch of ginger and garlic.
The outcome is a dish that looks as good as it tastes. It’s full of complex flavors that will make your mouth water.
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a beloved Chinese-American dish. It’s made with tender beef and crisp veggies in a savory sauce. This recipe brings the bold flavors and sizzling texture of a Szechuan-style dish to your table. It’s great for a weeknight meal or a fancy dinner party.
This recipe serves four, perfect for meal prep or family dinners. Marinating the steak for 30 to 60 minutes makes it tender. You can use top sirloin, tenderloin, tri-tip, or ribeye for the best results. The recipe calls for a pound of beef top sirloin steak.
The sauce is thickened with cornstarch for a velvety texture. Canola oil is used for stir-frying because of its high smoke point. Garlic and ginger add flavor to the oil. Bell peppers and mushrooms add volume and texture, keeping them crunchy.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef top sirloin steak | 1 lb |
| Soy sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Cornstarch | 1 tbsp |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 3 cloves |
| Fresh ginger, minced | 1 tbsp |
| Bell peppers, julienned | 2 cups |
| Mushrooms, sliced | 8 oz |
Enjoy the Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak over hot cooked rice. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for three to four days or frozen for up to three months. Reheat it on the stovetop to keep the texture and flavor.
Ingredients for the Steak Marinade
The secret to the sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak is the flavorful marinade. It tenderizes the beef and adds delicious umami notes. The marinade has a few simple yet essential ingredients:
Flank Steak
Flank steak is the best cut for this recipe. It’s lean and tender, becoming succulent when sliced thin and marinated.
Soy Sauce Marinade
The marinade includes soy sauce, which tenderizes the flank steak and adds flavor. The soy sauce’s salty, savory taste complements the dish’s other ingredients.
Cornstarch for Tenderizing
A bit of cornstarch in the marinade makes the flank steak even more tender. It creates a silky texture when cooked.
Vegetable Oil
Lastly, vegetable oil is added to the marinade. It coats the flank steak evenly, ensuring it cooks well.
These simple yet powerful ingredients turn the flank steak into a tender, flavorful protein. It’s the base of this tasty Chinese Pepper Steak dish.
Ingredients for the Stir-Fry
The stir-fry ingredients include onions, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger. These add color and flavor to the dish. The sauce is made with beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and a cornstarch slurry. Together, they create the dish’s balanced flavors and textures.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Onions | 2 medium, sliced |
| Bell peppers | 2 large, sliced |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Ginger | 1 tablespoon, grated |
| Beef broth | 1/2 cup |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Oyster sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Hoisin sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Rice vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Cornstarch slurry | 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Get ready to make a delicious Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions! Follow these easy steps to make this tasty and tender dish.
Marinate the Steak
First, marinate the steak. Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain. Place it in a bowl. Mix in soy sauce, cornstarch, and vegetable oil. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce
While the steak marinates, prepare the stir-fry sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, and black pepper. Set it aside.
Cook the Steak
Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add vegetable oil. Once hot, cook the steak in batches. Sear it on both sides until browned and cooked, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Move the cooked steak to a plate.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet or wok, stir-fry the vegetables. Add bell peppers and onions. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Pour in the stir-fry sauce and simmer for 1-2 minutes, until it thickens.
Combine and Thicken
Return the cooked steak to the skillet or wok. Combine everything together. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to let the sauce thicken. Serve hot over steamed rice for a full meal.
Serving Suggestions
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a delightful dish. It pairs perfectly with steamed white rice or noodles. The flavorful sauce makes the grains or noodles taste even better.
For an extra flavor boost, try garnishing with sesame seeds, sliced green onions, or a drizzle of chili oil.
The recipe makes four servings, great for dinner or meal prepping. Marinating the steak for 30 to 60 minutes makes it tender and flavorful. It features top sirloin steak and fresh veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, and green onions.
Beef cooks for 4 to 6 minutes until it’s no longer pink. Vegetables cook for 2 to 4 minutes, staying tender-crisp. The dish is a perfect mix of flavors, served over rice or noodles.
For a different twist, try using chicken, pork, or tofu instead of beef. The Serving over rice dish will still impress and satisfy.
Variations and Substitutions
The traditional Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions recipe uses flank steak. But, you can try protein alternatives like thinly sliced pork, chicken, or tofu for a vegetarian choice. You can also serve the stir-fry over different noodle variations, such as rice noodles, ramen, or spaghetti, for a unique taste and texture.
If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or your favorite chili sauce. This will make the dish spicier and perfect for those who love a kick.
| Protein Alternatives | Noodle Variations | Adding Spice |
|---|---|---|
| Pork | Rice Noodles | Red Pepper Flakes |
| Chicken | Ramen | Chili Sauce |
| Tofu (Vegetarian) | Spaghetti | – |
By trying these variations and substitutions, you can make the Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions your own. It’s a great way to enjoy the dish in new and exciting ways.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you have leftovers of the Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions, you’re in for a treat. This dish keeps well and reheats beautifully. Follow a few easy steps to enjoy its flavors days later.
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions fresh, put it in an airtight container. Then, refrigerate it for 3-4 days. This keeps it fresh and prevents it from drying out or picking up fridge odors.
Reheating the Dish
Ready to enjoy your leftovers? Here are ways to reheat the Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions:
- On the stovetop: Heat it in a skillet over medium, stirring often, until it’s hot.
- In the microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each interval, until it’s steaming.
Freezing Options
For longer storage, freeze the Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it using the methods above. The veggies might soften a bit, but the taste remains great.
By storing and reheating your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions correctly, you can enjoy it for days. The quality and taste will be just as good as the first time.
Tips for Tender Steak and Perfectly Cooked Vegetables
To get your Tips for tender steak and Tips for perfectly cooked vegetables just right, follow these key stir-frying techniques:
- Slice the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness. This breaks down the muscle fibers, making it tender.
- Marinate the steak in a flavorful mix of soy sauce, cornstarch, and oil before cooking. This tenderizes the meat and adds savory flavors.
- Use a hot wok or skillet to stir-fry the vegetables for just a few minutes. This keeps them crisp-tender and colorful.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when cooking the steak and vegetables. Work in batches, if needed, to ensure even cooking.
By following these simple tips, you’ll get perfectly tender steak and perfectly cooked vegetables every time. This delicious Chinese pepper steak recipe will be a hit.
| Ingredient | Carb Content |
|---|---|
| Flank Steak | 0g net carbs |
| Bell Peppers | 2-3g net carbs per serving |
| Onions | 2-3g net carbs per serving |
| Xanthan Gum (for sauce thickening) | 0g net carbs |
The History and Origins of Chinese Pepper Steak
The dish known as Chinese pepper steak has a rich history. It comes from the Fujian cuisine of China. Originally called qīngjiāo ròusī, it’s a stir-fry of tender beef, crisp veggies, and bold flavors.
This dish has its roots in Fujian province. It combines local ingredients and cooking techniques. The use of flank steak, soy sauce, and spices are key to Fujian cuisine.
Chinese immigrants brought their cooking traditions to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Chinese pepper steak became popular in Chinese-American restaurants. It was loved for its sizzle, vibrant colors, and bold flavors.
Today, Chinese pepper steak is still a favorite. It shows the lasting impact of Fujian cuisine and the mix of Chinese and American cooking. It’s enjoyed in Chinatown restaurants and made at home, delighting food lovers everywhere.
Conclusion
The Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a flavorful stir-fry dish. It brings the bold and authentic tastes of Chinese cuisine to your kitchen. With tender beef, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce, it’s a hit with families.
This dish is great over fluffy rice or noodles. It’s a quick and satisfying meal choice. The recipe is simple, from marinade to cooking, making it easy to make a restaurant-quality meal at home.
The spices, aromatics, and umami flavors make it mouthwatering. It’s sure to impress your loved ones. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the wok, and enjoy the bold and vibrant flavors of this Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions.
Looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful dish for your next gathering? This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is perfect. It offers a perfect balance of tender beef, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce. You’ll be craving more.