Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

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🌶️ Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

A classic Chinese-American stir-fry: tender beef strips, crisp bell peppers, sweet onions, and a savory garlic-ginger sauce that becomes glossy and rich as it cooks.

🛒 Ingredients (4 servings)

For the Beef

  • 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp vegetable oil
  • ½ tsp baking soda (optional—makes beef extra tender)

Vegetables

  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced

Stir-Fry Sauce

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp Chinese black vinegar (or rice vinegar)
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)
  • ½ cup beef broth or water
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed into 2 tbsp water (slurry)

For Cooking

  • 2–3 tbsp oil (for high-heat stir-frying)
  • Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

🔪 Preparation Steps

1. Marinate the Beef (10–20 minutes)

Mix the sliced beef with:

  • soy sauce
  • Shaoxing wine
  • cornstarch
  • oil
  • (optional) baking soda
    Let it rest—this makes it silky and tender.

🔥 2. Mix the Stir-Fry Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together:

  • soy sauce
  • oyster sauce
  • vinegar
  • hoisin (if using)
  • broth or water
  • sugar
  • sesame oil

Set aside. Keep the cornstarch slurry separately for thickening.

🍳 3. Stir-Fry the Beef

  1. Heat a large pan or wok until very hot.
  2. Add 1–2 tbsp oil.
  3. Spread the beef in a single layer.
  4. Sear for 1–2 minutes until browned; don’t overcook.
  5. Remove the beef to a plate.

🥘 4. Stir-Fry Vegetables

  1. Add another splash of oil if needed.
  2. Toss in onions and bell peppers.
  3. Stir fry for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender.
  4. Add garlic and ginger; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

🍶 5. Combine Everything

  1. Return the beef to the wok.
  2. Pour in the stir-fry sauce.
  3. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
  5. Cook 1 more minute until glossy and sizzling.

🍽️ 6. Serve

Serve hot over:

  • steamed jasmine rice
  • fried rice
  • noodles

Garnish with:

  • sesame seeds
  • chopped scallions
  • extra red pepper flakes (optional)

✨ Tips for the Best Pepper Steak

  • Slice beef thin—freeze for 20 min first for cleaner cuts.
  • Cook beef in batches if needed to keep it from steaming.
  • Use a hot wok to get that authentic restaurant “wok-hei.”
  • Add mushrooms or snap peas for more texture.

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