Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a delightful and savory dish that brings a taste of the restaurant experience right into your home kitchen. If you’ve ever craved that perfect balance of tender beef, fragrant garlic and ginger, and vibrant vegetables, look no further. This dish is not just delicious; it’s almost theatrical in its presentation, especially when served sizzling hot. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, date night, or whenever you want to impress someone with your culinary skills.

Why you’ll love this dish

One of the many reasons to dive into this recipe is its incredible speed and simplicity. You can whip up Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings. With just a few fresh ingredients and some pantry staples, you’re on your way to a satisfying meal that your family will adore.

"I made this for dinner last night, and it was a hit! The flavors were bold and perfectly balanced. That sizzle as it hit the plate was the best part!"

Preparing Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

This recipe is a straightforward process that requires marinating the beef, sautéing onions, and quickly stir-frying everything together. With the beef’s savory marinade and a delicious sauce, this dish is designed to showcase the rich flavors of Chinese cuisine with minimal effort.

Marinate the Beef: First, you’ll want to combine soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil to infuse the meat with flavor.
Sauté the Onions: Next, cook your onions until they’re perfectly caramelized, laying the groundwork for a slightly sweet contrast to the savory beef.
Sear the Beef: Sear your marinated beef strips quickly in high heat, allowing their natural juices and flavors to shine.
Make a Sauce: Finally, you’ll create a rich sauce that ties everything together, adding both depth and a glossy shine to your dish.

What you’ll need

Gather these items for your delicious creation:

1 lb (450g) beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
2 tbsp (30g) vegetable oil
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
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
2 tbsp (30g) vegetable oil
1 large onion, sliced
1 tbsp (15g) vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Feel free to swap out soy sauce for tamari to make it gluten-free or use whatever cut of beef you prefer!

Directions to follow

Prepare the Steak: In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Toss the beef strips in this marinade and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Cook the Onions: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and slightly caramelized. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sear the Beef: Using the same skillet, increase the heat to high. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and once it’s hot, toss in the marinated beef strips. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the beef is nicely browned.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Pour the sauce over the beef, allowing it to simmer until it thickens.
Combine & Serve: Add the sautéed onions back to the pan, mixing them in with the beef and sauce until everything is warm and well-coated. Serve this sizzling masterpiece hot over a bed of steamed rice or tossed noodles.

Best ways to enjoy it

Plating your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is all about vibrancy and presentation. Serve over a generous scoop of fluffy white rice or toss with your favorite noodles for a complete meal. Consider garnishing with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added color and freshness. This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side of steamed vegetables or a crispy Asian slaw.

How to store & freeze

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which I doubt after everyone gets a taste!), let the dish cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate and consume within 3 days for best quality. When reheating, do so over low heat on the stovetop to maintain flavor and texture. If you want to freeze it, pack the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container. It should keep for up to 3 months, but be aware that the texture of the beef may alter slightly upon thawing.

Helpful cooking tips

Temperature Control: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the beef. This will help achieve that delicious, seared exterior without overcooking the inside.
Batch Marinating: Consider marinating the beef overnight for even more depth in flavor.
Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic elevate this dish tremendously over powdered varieties, so opt for real ingredients when you can.

Recipe variations

This dish can be quite versatile! Consider adding bell peppers or snap peas for additional crunch and color. For a spicy kick, toss in some sliced jalapeños or a dash of red pepper flakes. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh, and keep the rest of the recipe the same for an equally satisfying meal.

Your questions answered

How long does it take to prep this recipe?
Preparation including marinating the beef takes about 15-20 minutes, followed by about 10 minutes of cooking. You can have dinner ready in under 30 minutes!
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! While beef is traditional, you could also use chicken or firm tofu for a delicious twist.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat incrementally on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to avoid uneven cooking.
Is this dish gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free soy sauce and skip the oyster sauce, this recipe can cater to a gluten-free diet.
Can I make it ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can marinate the beef a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator for quick cooking the next day.

Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

A delightful and savory dish that combines tender beef, fragrant garlic and ginger, and vibrant vegetables, perfect for a fast and impressive meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

For the Marinade

1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional) can be omitted for gluten-free
2 cloves garlic, minced use fresh for best flavor
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger fresh ginger preferred over powdered
1 tsp sesame oil

For the Stir-Fry

2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 large onion, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sauce

2 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp hoisin sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tbsp cornstarch for thickening

Instructions

Preparation

In a bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), minced garlic, grated ginger, and sesame oil. Toss the beef strips in this marinade and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

Cooking

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and slightly caramelized. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from the skillet and set aside.
Using the same skillet, increase the heat to high. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and once it’s hot, toss in the marinated beef strips. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the beef is nicely browned.
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Pour the sauce over the beef, allowing it to simmer until it thickens.
Add the sautéed onions back to the pan, mixing them in with the beef and sauce until everything is warm and well-coated.