Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a delightful stir-fry dish that brings together tender beef, colorful bell peppers, and crisp onions, all enveloped in a savory sauce. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a burst of flavor for the palate. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe captures the essence of Chinese cuisine while being easy to prepare at home. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients:
For the Beef Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
- In a medium bowl, combine the sliced flank steak, soy sauce, cornstarch, rice wine, and sesame oil.
- Mix well to coat the beef and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for a deeper flavor).
2. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, black pepper, and beef broth. Set aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced onion and bell peppers and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until they start to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Cook the Beef:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer.
- Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through.
5. Combine and Thicken:
- Return the stir-fried vegetables to the skillet with the beef.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and stir well to combine.
- Bring to a simmer and add the cornstarch-water mixture to thicken the sauce, stirring constantly until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
6. Serve:
- Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove from heat.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired.