Introduction
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a mouthwatering, savory dish that packs a punch of flavors and a delightful smoky aroma. The tender slices of steak are stir-fried with onions and bell peppers, coated in a flavorful, savory sauce, and served sizzling hot on a cast-iron plate. This dish is perfect for any occasion when you’re craving Chinese-inspired flavors with a bit of heat and spice. The sizzle adds a dramatic flair, making it as fun to eat as it is delicious!
Ingredients
For the Steak:
1 lb flank steak (or sirloin steak), thinly sliced against the grain
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
For the Stir-Fry:
1 large onion, thinly sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, minced (optional)
For the Sauce:
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup oyster sauce
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp water
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For Serving:
Hot cooked rice (white or brown)
2-3 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Steak: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced steak, soy sauce, cornstarch, rice vinegar, black pepper, and salt. Toss to coat the steak evenly and let it marinate for 10-15 minutes.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, water, sugar, sesame oil, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
Cook the Steak: Heat 1-2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak slices and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the steak is browned and cooked through. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Add the sliced onions, red and green bell peppers, garlic, and ginger (if using). Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked steak to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the steak and vegetables, stirring to coat evenly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
Serve: Serve the sizzling pepper steak over hot cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions. For the full sizzling effect, you can serve it on a hot cast-iron platter, preheated in the oven.
Optional Sizzling Effect: For the sizzle, place the hot cast-iron plate over medium heat on the stove, then pour the steak and vegetable mixture onto the plate just before serving.
Description
This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a vibrant and bold dish with tender beef and crispy vegetables in a glossy, savory sauce. The umami-rich sauce, made with soy, oyster, and hoisin sauces, provides depth, while the black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes deliver a spicy kick. When served on a sizzling hot plate, it creates a dramatic presentation that makes the flavors even more enjoyable. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish brings the flavors of Chinese cuisine to your home kitchen!
Tips
Marinate the Steak: The longer you marinate the steak (up to 30 minutes), the more flavorful it will be. The cornstarch helps to tenderize the meat.
Searing: For a better sear on the steak, make sure your pan or wok is very hot before adding the meat.
Customize the Heat: If you like more heat, add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a small amount of chili paste to the sauce.
Use a Cast-Iron Plate: If you want the authentic sizzling experience, serve the dish on a preheated cast-iron skillet or hot stone plate, which will keep the steak and vegetables sizzling when it reaches the table.
Vegetable Options: Feel free to add or swap other vegetables like mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn to fit your preference.
Variations
Beef Alternatives: Use other cuts of beef like sirloin or ribeye for a richer flavor.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the beef with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version, and make sure to adjust the marinating and cooking time accordingly.
Spicy Garlic Sauce: For an extra spicy kick, add chili garlic sauce or Sriracha to the sauce mixture.
No Sizzle: If you don’t have a cast-iron plate, you can skip the sizzling step and just serve the dish in a regular bowl or plate.
Corrections
Avoid Overcrowding: When cooking the steak, make sure not to overcrowd the pan to get a good sear. You may need to cook the steak in batches if your pan is small.
Adjust Cooking Time: The steak cooks quickly, so be careful not to overcook it. You want it just browned but still tender.
Enjoy!
Now that your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is ready, enjoy the juicy, tender beef, crisp vegetables, and spicy, savory sauce. Whether served sizzling or just hot, this dish will surely delight your taste buds and become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire!
Let me know if you need any other adjustments!