Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and satisfying textures, you absolutely have to try this Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions. It’s a mouthwatering combination of tender beef strips, sweet caramelized onions, and a perfectly balanced savory sauce that will have your taste buds dancing with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends, this recipe brings the vibrant tastes of Chinese cuisine right into your kitchen with simple yet deeply flavorful ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions plays an essential role, combining to create a vibrant dish that’s rich in taste, color, and texture. From the tender beef strips to the sweet onions and punchy sauces, every component works together to make this recipe truly unforgettable.

• 1 lb (450g) beef strips (sirloin or ribeye): Choose well-marbled beef for tenderness and rich flavor.
• 2 tbsp (30g) vegetable oil: Perfect for high-heat cooking to give the steak a beautiful sear.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant, savory depth that’s classic in Chinese dishes.
• 1 tbsp (15g) grated fresh ginger: Brings a lovely zing and fresh warmth to the marinade.
• 1 tbsp (15g) soy sauce: Essential for that umami backbone that pulls everything together.
• 1 tbsp (15g) oyster sauce (optional): Adds extra richness and subtle sweetness, but you can leave it out if you prefer.
• 1 tsp sesame oil: Just a hint infuses the dish with a beautiful nutty aroma.
• Salt and pepper to taste: To season and enhance every ingredient.
• 2 tbsp (30g) soy sauce: For the luscious sauce coating the beef.
• 2 tbsp (30g) oyster sauce (optional): Adds a rich, savory depth to the sauce.
• 2 tbsp (30g) hoisin sauce: Brings a touch of sweetness and complexity to the dish.
• 2 tbsp (30g) rice vinegar: Adds brightness and a subtle tang that balances the flavors.
• 1 tbsp (15g) cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to that irresistible glossy finish.
• 2 tbsp (30g) vegetable oil: For stir-frying the beef to perfection.
• 1 large onion, sliced: Slowly sautéed until soft and caramelized to bring natural sweetness.
• 1 tbsp (15g) vegetable oil: For cooking the onions just right.

How to Make Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Step 1: Prepare the Steak

Start by whisking together soy sauce, oyster sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil in a bowl to create a flavorful marinade. Toss the beef strips into this mixture, ensuring every piece is nicely coated. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes so those robust flavors get absorbed deep into the meat—this little wait is what makes the steak irresistibly tasty.

Step 2: Cook the Onions

While the beef is marinating, heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté them gently until they become soft and just start to caramelize, releasing their natural sweetness. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then set them aside. These onions will add that signature sweet-savory contrast which lifts the entire dish.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Now it’s time to heat things up—literally! In the same skillet, pour in two tablespoons of vegetable oil and crank the heat to high. Add the marinated beef strips and stir-fry quickly for 2 to 3 minutes until each piece develops a beautiful golden-brown crust. This fast, hot sear locks in the juices and gives the steak a gorgeous texture you’re going to love.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

While the beef cooks, mix together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch in a small bowl. Pour this luscious sauce over the seared steak and reduce the heat slightly, letting it simmer. The sauce will thicken swiftly, coating each steak piece with a shiny, flavorful glaze that’s both tangy and sweet.

Step 5: Combine & Serve

Finally, add those golden caramelized onions back into the skillet, folding them gently into the beef and sauce. Give everything a few stirs so the flavors mingle perfectly. Serve this sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions hot, preferably over steamed rice or your favorite noodles, and watch it disappear fast!

How to Serve Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Garnishes

For a burst of freshness and a pop of color, sprinkle some thinly sliced green onions or fresh cilantro right on top before serving. A few toasted sesame seeds also add a delightful crunch and enhance the nutty notes of the dish. Garnishes are a simple way to amp up your presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions pairs wonderfully with fluffy steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up every bit of that irresistible sauce. You can also serve it with stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy for a balanced meal. For a comforting twist, try it alongside egg noodles or even cauliflower rice.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to change it up a bit? Serve this delicious steak sizzling in a heated cast iron skillet right at the table for that authentic restaurant feel. You can also pile it generously in lettuce cups for a handheld version or pile it onto steamed bao buns for an innovative, snack-worthy bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, transfer any leftover Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes for a fantastic next-day quick meal that just needs a quick reheat.

Freezing

To freeze, place your cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Frozen Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions can last up to 2 months while maintaining good flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This method keeps the beef tender and ensures the sauce remains silky. Avoid microwaving if possible to preserve that fresh-cooked texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sirloin or ribeye are great for tenderness and flavor, flank steak or skirt steak can also work well as long as you slice them thinly against the grain to keep the strips tender.

Is oyster sauce necessary?

Oyster sauce adds a lovely depth and sweetness, but if you prefer, you can omit it or substitute with extra soy sauce or mushroom sauce for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.

How spicy is this dish? Can I make it spicier?

This recipe is mild and focuses on savory and sweet flavors, but you can easily add sliced fresh chili peppers, a dash of chili oil, or some red pepper flakes if you want to turn up the heat.

Can I make this dish without cornstarch?

Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce, giving it that glossy finish. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or flour, but the texture may be slightly different.

What’s the best way to slice the onions for this recipe?

Slicing the onions thinly and uniformly allows them to cook evenly and caramelize beautifully, balancing their sweetness against the peppery beef perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions recipe is truly a delightful way to bring bold, vibrant flavors into your home cooking. With its tender, juicy beef and sweet, caramelized onions bathed in a glossy, tangy sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll quickly become one of your favorite go-to dishes when you want something special and satisfying on your table.

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