Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

🌶️ Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

🥩 Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

For the steak

• 1 lb (450 g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp vegetable oil

For the vegetables

• 2 bell peppers (green is classic, but any color works), sliced

• 1 large onion, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced (optional but recommended)

For the sauce

• 3 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce

• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, adds sweetness)

• ½ cup beef broth or water

• 1 tsp sugar

• ½ tsp black pepper (add more for extra heat)

• 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water)

For cooking

• 2 tbsp vegetable or peanut oil

🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Marinate the Beef

In a bowl, combine sliced beef, soy sauce, cornstarch, and oil.
Mix well and let it sit for 15–20 minutes.

2️⃣ Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix:

• Soy sauce

• Oyster sauce

• Hoisin sauce

• Beef broth

• Sugar

• Black pepper

• Cornstarch slurry

Set aside.

3️⃣ Sear the Beef

Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
Add beef in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until just browned.
Remove beef and set aside.

4️⃣ Stir-Fry Vegetables

Add remaining oil.
Stir-fry onion for 1 minute, then add bell peppers.
Cook until slightly tender but still crisp.

Add garlic and ginger; stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.

5️⃣ Combine & Sizzle

Return beef to the pan.
Pour in the sauce and stir well.
Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything.

6️⃣ Serve

Serve hot over:

• Steamed white rice 🍚

• Fried rice

• Or noodles 🍜

❓ Q & A Section

Q: What cut of beef is best for pepper steak?

A: Flank steak is traditional, but sirloin or skirt steak also work well. Just slice thinly against the grain.

Q: Why is my beef tough?

A:

• It may be sliced with the grain instead of against it

• Overcooked beef becomes chewy

• Skipping cornstarch in the marinade reduces tenderness

Q: Can I make this without a wok?

A: Yes! A large, heavy skillet or cast-iron pan works great.

Q: Is this dish spicy?

A: It’s mildly spicy from black pepper.
For more heat, add:

• Crushed red pepper

• Chili oil

• Sliced fresh chilies

Q: Can I add other vegetables?

A: Absolutely. Popular additions:

• Snow peas

• Broccoli

• Mushrooms

• Baby corn

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave.

Q: Can I make it healthier?

A:

• Use low-sodium soy sauce

• Add more vegetables

• Serve with brown rice