Pepper Steak: Bold Fusion at Home

Photo byAngie Bright

If you're looking for a dish that brings bold flavors and sizzling excitement to your dinner table, Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is the perfect choice. This savory stir-fry combines tender slices of marinated steak with a colorful mix of bell peppers, onions, and aromatic seasonings. The sauce, a blend of soy, oyster, and hoisin, delivers a rich, umami-packed punch that ties everything together. It's a dish that looks as good as it tastes, and with a few simple steps, you can have it ready in no time.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance of textures and flavors. The steak is marinated to perfection, keeping it juicy and flavorful as it sears in the hot pan. The bell peppers and onions provide a crisp, fresh contrast to the richness of the meat, while garlic and ginger add an unmistakable aroma that fills your kitchen. The stir-fry sauce, with its sweet, salty, and slightly tangy notes, brings everything together into a mouthwatering meal that pairs perfectly with a bowl of steaming white rice.

Whether you're looking to impress at a family dinner or just need a quick weeknight meal, Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is an easy, crowd-pleasing option that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Recipe: Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Ingredients:

For the Steak Marinade:

• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (any color)
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• Cooked white rice or steamed rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Steak: In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, cornstarch, and vegetable oil. Toss the thinly sliced flank steak in the mixture and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
2. Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and black pepper. Set aside.
3. Cook the Steak: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Cook the marinated steak in a single layer for 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add more oil if necessary, and stir-fry the onions and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Combine and Thicken: Return the cooked steak to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the prepared stir-fry sauce and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the steak and vegetables.
6. Serve: Plate the sizzling Chinese pepper steak with onions over cooked white rice or steamed rice, and enjoy the vibrant flavors.

The combination of tender steak, crunchy vegetables, and a rich, flavorful sauce makes this dish a hit for any occasion. The steak’s savory marinade paired with the sweetness of bell peppers and the depth of the sauce creates a perfect harmony in each bite.

This Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions recipe captures the essence of traditional Chinese flavors in a simple, accessible dish. It’s not just about the taste but also about the joy of creating a meal that brings family and friends together around the table, where each bite tells a story of bold spices and well-balanced ingredients.

Here are some valuable sources to help you perfect your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions:

1. I Heart Umami offers a detailed guide to making a flavorful Chinese pepper steak, with tips on using coconut aminos and specific marinating techniques to tenderize the beef. It also highlights the importance of using high-heat oils for stir-frying and creating a perfect sauce balance​I Heart Umami®.
2. Taste Asian Food explains the importance of cornstarch in both marinating the beef and achieving that glossy finish on the steak. It also provides insights into stir-frying with a wok, discussing the process of searing the beef and vegetables to maintain flavor and texture​Taste Of Asian Food.
3. Serious Eats discusses the advantages of stir-frying beef in batches and provides options for achieving wok hei (the smoky flavor achieved by high-heat cooking). This source also includes alternative methods for grilling the beef to replicate the wok's high heat​Serious Eats.
4. Allrecipes provides a user-friendly recipe, with classic ingredients like soy sauce and cornstarch, while focusing on stir-frying steak and vegetables to perfection. This is ideal for home cooks looking for a quick and straightforward method​Allrecipes.

These sources offer a mix of professional tips and easy-to-follow instructions to elevate your pepper steak recipe.