Name: Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) beef strips (sirloin or ribeye); 4 tbsp (60g) vegetable oil (divided 2 tbsp for marinade, 2 tbsp for cooking); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp (15g) grated fresh ginger; 3 tbsp (45g) soy sauce (divided 1 tbsp for marinade, 2 tbsp for sauce); 1 tbsp (15g) oyster sauce (optional for marinade); 1 tsp sesame oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp (30g) hoisin sauce; 2 tbsp (30g) rice vinegar; 1 tbsp (15g) cornstarch; 1 large onion, sliced

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why make this recipe

Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of Chinese cuisine right to your kitchen. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a filling meal that’s both quick to prepare and satisfying to eat. The tender beef strips mixed with sweet, caramelized onions and a variety of bold flavors will undoubtedly please your family and friends. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy a classic takeout dish without leaving your home!

how to make Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Ingredients :

1 lb (450g) beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
4 tbsp (60g) vegetable oil (divided into 2 tbsp for the marinade and 2 tbsp for cooking)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp (15g) grated fresh ginger
3 tbsp (45g) soy sauce (divided into 1 tbsp for the marinade and 2 tbsp for the sauce)
1 tbsp (15g) oyster sauce (optional, for the marinade)
1 tsp sesame oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp (30g) hoisin sauce
2 tbsp (30g) rice vinegar
1 tbsp (15g) cornstarch
1 large onion, sliced

Directions :

Prepare the Steak:

In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. This creates a flavorful marinade for the beef.
Add the beef strips to the bowl and toss them in the marinade. Make sure the beef is well-coated. Allow it to marinate for 10-15 minutes.

Cook the Onions:

While the beef is marinating, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Allow it to heat up a bit.
Add the sliced onions to the pan. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes or until they are soft and slightly caramelized. This will bring out their natural sweetness.
Season the onions with a little salt and pepper to taste. Once they are ready, remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Sear the Beef:

In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and heat it over high heat. You want the pan to be hot to get a good sear on the beef.
Once the oil is shimmering, add the marinated beef strips. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked to your liking. Remember, the key here is to keep the beef moving in the pan to get an even cook.

Make the Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. This mixture will thicken a bit when it’s heated.
Pour this sauce over the cooked beef in the skillet. Stir well and let it simmer for a minute or two, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the beef.

Combine & Serve:

Add the sautéed onions back into the pan. Give everything a good stir to combine the flavors and heat through.
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Make sure to enjoy it while it’s sizzling!

how to serve Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Serving Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is simple and can be quite impressive. Start by placing a generous helping of steamed rice or noodles on the plate. Scoop the beef and onions right on top, making sure to drizzle some of that delicious sauce over everything. You can also garnish it with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch. Pair it with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

how to store Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

If you have leftovers, you can store your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply use a microwave or heat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. Avoid reheating more than once to keep food safe.

tips to make Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Choose the right beef: For the best results, use tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye. Cheaper cuts can also work, but may need a longer cooking time for tenderness.
Don’t overcook the beef: Aim for a medium-rare to medium cook. Overcooking can lead to tough beef.
Use high heat: Cooking on high heat helps to sear the beef quickly while keeping it tender and juicy.
Marinate longer for more flavor: If you have time, marinating the beef for about 30 minutes to an hour can enhance the flavors even more.
Fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger make a big difference in flavor compared to dried variants, so use fresh whenever possible.

variation

There are several ways you can vary this Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs:

Add vegetables: You can toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added nutrition and color.
Spicy kick: For those who enjoy heat, add sliced chili peppers or a bit of Sriracha sauce to spice things up.
Gluten-free option: Substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and ensure that hoisin sauce is gluten-free.
Vegetarian version: Replace beef with tofu or tempeh to create a plant-based version of this dish.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen beef, but be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before marinating. This helps the marinade adhere better.

2. What can I serve with Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak?

This dish pairs well with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal.

3. Can I meal prep this dish?

Definitely! You can prepare the beef and onions ahead of time and store them separately. Just reheat and combine when you’re ready to eat.

4. How do I get my beef tender?

Marinating the beef is key. Additionally, avoid overcooking it and slice against the grain to help maintain tenderness.

5. What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?

If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can use a mixture of soy sauce and a little sugar to provide sweetness, although the flavor will be slightly different.

Enjoy creating this amazing Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions and savor each bite! This dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Happy cooking!

Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions