Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions 

Introduction:

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a delicious stir-fry dish featuring juicy strips of beef cooked with colorful bell peppers and onions. The savory sauce adds depth of flavor, making this a classic and comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

For the Beef Marinade:

  • 1 lb flank steak or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine (or dry sherry)

For the Stir-Fry:

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • ¼ cup soy sauce

  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Beef:

  • In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, cornstarch, and rice wine. Add the sliced beef and toss to coat. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

2. Prepare the Stir-Fry:

  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  • Add the marinated beef in a single layer and cook until browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
  • Add the garlic and ginger and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. Make the Sauce:

  • In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sugar, sesame oil, and beef broth.
  • Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the vegetables. Bring to a simmer.

4. Combine and Thicken:

  • Return the cooked beef to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
  • Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.

5. Serve:

  • Serve the pepper steak over steamed rice. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Tips for Success:

  • Slice beef thinly: For the best texture, slice the beef thinly against the grain. This ensures it remains tender.
  • Stir-fry quickly: Cook the beef and vegetables over high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to get a good sear and crisp texture.
  • Adjust sauce sweetness: Taste the sauce and adjust the sugar or soy sauce to suit your preference.

Recommendations:

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice. You can also serve it with a side of vegetable spring rolls or dumplings for a complete meal.

Enjoy your flavorful and satisfying Pepper Steak with Onions!

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