Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

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🌶️ Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Description

Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a classic stir-fry that’s bold, savory, and incredibly satisfying. Tender slices of flank steak are marinated for flavor and tenderness, then quickly seared with crisp onions and colorful bell peppers. Everything is coated in a glossy, peppery sauce with deep umami notes, making this dish perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or a homemade takeout-style meal served over fluffy rice.

🥩 Ingredients

Steak & Marinade

  • 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Stir-Fry

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 bell pepper (any color or mixed), thinly sliced
  • 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

Sauce

  • ½ cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon sesame oil (finish)

For Serving

  • Cooked white or steamed rice
  • Optional garnish: chopped green onions or sesame seeds

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Marinate the Steak
    In a bowl, combine steak, soy sauce, cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon oil. Mix well and let marinate for 15–20 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Sauce
    In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, vinegar, sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
    In a separate small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Set aside.
  3. Sear the Steak
    Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add steak in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until just browned. Remove and set aside.
  4. Stir-Fry Vegetables
    Add remaining oil to the pan. Stir-fry onions and bell peppers for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
  5. Add Aromatics
    Add garlic and ginger; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Combine & Sauce
    Return steak to the pan. Pour in sauce and bring to a simmer. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until sauce thickens, about 1–2 minutes.
  7. Finish & Serve
    Remove from heat, drizzle with sesame oil if using, garnish, and serve hot over rice.

📝 Recipe Notes

  • Slice steak against the grain for maximum tenderness.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook steak in batches if needed.
  • Sauce thickens quickly; stir constantly once slurry is added.

💡 Tips for Best Results

  • Use a hot pan for proper searing.
  • Low-sodium soy sauce helps control salt levels.
  • Prep all ingredients before cooking—stir-fry moves fast!

🍽️ Servings

  • Serves 4 people

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