Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender strips of beef marinated in soy and oyster sauce, cooked with aromatic garlic and ginger, and complemented by sweet caramelized onions. Served hot over steamed rice or noodles, it offers a perfect balance of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors in a quick and satisfying meal.
- Author: Tara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Beef and Marinade
- 1 lb (450g) beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp (15g) grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp (15g) soy sauce
- 1 tbsp (15g) oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 2 tbsp (30g) soy sauce
- 2 tbsp (30g) oyster sauce (optional)
- 2 tbsp (30g) hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp (30g) rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp (15g) cornstarch
Other Ingredients
- 2 tbsp (30g) vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp (15g) vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Prepare the Steak: In a bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil to create the marinade.
- Marinate the Beef: Toss the beef strips in the marinade ensuring they are evenly coated. Let the beef sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the Onions: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté them until they become soft and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sear the Beef: In the same skillet, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil over high heat. Add the marinated beef strips and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned but still tender.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 2 tbsp hoisin sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp cornstarch until smooth.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef in the skillet and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef evenly.
- Combine & Serve: Add the sautéed onions back into the pan with the beef and stir to combine all the flavors. Serve the pepper steak hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add freshly ground black pepper or sliced chili peppers during the stir-fry stage.
- Oyster sauce is optional but adds depth; substitute with additional soy sauce if desired.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for best flavor, but ground ginger and garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce alternatives.
- Be careful not to overcook the beef to keep it tender and juicy.
- Serve with steamed jasmine rice or your choice of noodles for a complete meal.
Keywords: Chinese pepper steak, stir-fry beef, caramelized onions, soy sauce beef, Chinese beef recipe, easy stir-fry, hoisin sauce beef