Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a delightful dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Chinese cuisine right into your kitchen. With its tender beef strips, savory sauce, and aromatic onions, this recipe has become a family favorite of mine. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something to impress at a dinner gathering, this dish fits the bill perfectly.
Why you’ll love this dish
There are a multitude of reasons to add Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions to your cooking repertoire. First and foremost, it’s a quick dish to prepare—perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty yet satisfying. The combination of marinated beef, fresh vegetables, and bold sauces creates an authentic Asian flavor that will rival your favorite takeout spot without straining your budget. Plus, it’s an excellent way to introduce your kids to the joys of homemade Chinese food.
"This dish was such a hit at our dinner party! Everyone loved the flavor, and it was so easy to make!" – A satisfied cook
The cooking process explained
Mastering Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is easier than you might think. This dish requires marinating the beef, sautéing the onions, and quick-cooking the beef strips before finishing it off with a delightful sauce. Let’s get started by gathering our ingredients!
Gather these items
To create this mouth-watering dish, you’ll need:
- 1 lb (450g) beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
- 6 tbsp (90g) vegetable oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp (15g) grated fresh ginger
- 3 tbsp (45g) soy sauce, divided
- 1 tbsp (15g) oyster sauce (optional)
- 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
If you don’t have hoisin sauce, you can substitute it with plum sauce or even a homemade blend of brown sugar and soy sauce.
Step-by-step instructions
Prepare the Steak: In a bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Toss the beef strips in the marinade and let them sit for 10-15 minutes.
Cook the Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they’re soft and slightly caramelized. Season with salt and pepper, and then remove them from the pan and set aside.
Sear the Beef: In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over high heat. Add the marinated beef strips and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until browned.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Pour this sauce over the beef and simmer until it thickens.
Combine & Serve: Add the sautéed onions back into the pan, stirring to combine. Serve the sizzling pepper steak hot over steamed rice or noodles for an authentic touch.
Best ways to enjoy it
Present your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions on a warm plate, garnished with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for that extra pop of color. This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy jasmine rice or crispy egg noodles. Consider serving it alongside steamed bok choy or some quick-pickled cucumbers to balance out the savory richness.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your leftovers fresh, store the Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or oil to help maintain its moisture. If you want to store it for longer, consider freezing it for up to a month and simply thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to use it.
Pro chef tips
For the best results, always use high-quality beef strips, as they will impact the tenderness of your dish. Additionally, marinating the beef not only infuses it with flavor but also tenderizes the meat—don’t rush this step! If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a dash of crushed red pepper to your marinade for some added spice.
Creative twists
Feel free to experiment with the vegetables! Bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli are excellent additions to give your dish more color and crunch. For a gluten-free option, you can substitute the soy sauce with tamari.
Common questions
What is the prep time for this recipe?
The prep time is approximately 10-15 minutes, with an extra 15 minutes for marinating the beef.
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Cuts like flank steak or tenderloin can also work well—just adjust cooking times accordingly for thinner or thicker meats.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions brings the aroma and flavors of a classic Chinese dish to your dining table. With its vibrant flavors and easy cooking process, it’s bound to become a go-to family favorite!
PrintSizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
A delightful dish featuring tender beef strips, savory sauce, and aromatic onions, perfect for weeknight meals or dinner gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: None
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
- 6 tbsp (90g) vegetable oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp (15g) grated fresh ginger
- 3 tbsp (45g) soy sauce, divided
- 1 tbsp (15g) oyster sauce (optional)
- 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
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Toss the beef strips in the marinade and let them sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they’re soft and slightly caramelized. Season with salt and pepper, then remove them from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over high heat. Add the marinated beef strips and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until browned.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Pour this sauce over the beef and simmer until it thickens.
- Add the sautéed onions back into the pan, stirring to combine. Serve the sizzling pepper steak hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
For best results, use high-quality beef strips, and let the beef marinate for full flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
