Introduction
Chinese pepper steak with onions is a savory and flavorful dish that blends the vibrant taste of tender beef with the perfect balance of peppers and onions.
The dish offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making it a popular choice among Chinese-American cuisine lovers.
It is quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
To make Chinese pepper steak with onions, you’ll need the following ingredients:
_1 pound of flank steak or sirloin beef, thinly sliced against the grain
_1 tablespoon of soy sauce.
_1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
_1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
_1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce.
_1 teaspoon of sugar
_2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (for frying)
_1 onion, sliced.
_2 bell peppers (preferably one green and one red), sliced
_2 garlic cloves, minced
_1-inch piece of ginger, minced.
_1 tablespoon of cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
_1/2 cup of water
Salt and pepper to taste.
Cooked rice or noodles for serving.
Instructions
Begin by preparing the beef. Slice it thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness when cooked.
Place the beef in a bowl and add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sugar.
Mix everything well, ensuring the beef is evenly coated. Let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
While the beef marinates, prepare the vegetables. Slice the onions and bell peppers into strips, and mince the garlic and ginger.
The vegetables should be uniform in size for even cooking, and the garlic and ginger will provide an aromatic foundation for the dish.
In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in 1/2 cup of water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce later. Set it aside for later use.
Next, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef in batches.
Stir-fry the beef for 2-3 minutes until it is browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside to prevent overcooking.
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Then, add the sliced onions, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger.
Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they become tender but still crisp. The garlic and ginger will infuse the oil with their flavors, creating a fragrant base for the dish.
Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables. Stir to combine, and add the cornstarch slurry to the pan.
Stir well to coat the ingredients evenly with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef and vegetables.
Once the sauce has thickened and everything is well combined, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
The dish should have a nice balance of savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors.
Tips
For a more tender beef, you can use flank steak or sirloin. Both cuts are ideal for stir-frying as they cook quickly and remain tender when sliced thinly.
If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding some sliced fresh chilies or a dash of chili paste to the stir-fry.
Adjust the spice level based on your taste preferences, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different types of peppers.
If you’re looking to make this dish a bit healthier, you can reduce the amount of oil used for frying. Instead.
opt for a non-stick pan to reduce the fat content without sacrificing the texture of the beef or vegetables.
For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free soy sauce can be used as a substitute for regular soy sauce to make.
this dish gluten-free. Similarly, check that the oyster sauce and hoisin sauce are gluten-free if necessary.
To add more variety to the dish, feel free to incorporate other vegetables, such as mushrooms, carrots, or snow peas.
These additions will bring additional flavor and color to the dish.
If you’re short on time, you can use pre-sliced beef from your local grocery store. This can save time during preparation, but be sure to marinate it properly for the best flavor.
For a sweeter dish, increase the amount of sugar in the marinade. Alternatively, you can add a touch of honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness that balances the savory components.