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Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Flank Steak or Sirloin: These cuts are great for this dish as they become tender when sliced thinly. If you’re looking for a budget option, skirt steak or even chicken breast (for a lighter version) can work well!

Onions: Using yellow or sweet onions can add a nice sweetness. If you’re in a pinch, shallots make a good substitute, bringing a milder, sweeter flavor to the mix.

Bell Peppers: Red and green bell peppers add color and crunch. You can swap them for other colors like yellow or orange for variety. Keep in mind that some peppers can be sweeter than others.

Rice Wine or Dry Sherry: These enhance the beef’s flavor. If you don’t have them, you can use white wine or even apple cider vinegar—just use a bit less, as vinegar is more potent!

Oyster Sauce: It gives a rich umami flavor to the dish. If you’re avoiding seafood, look for mushroom oyster sauce or soy sauce to get a similar taste.

How Do You Get Tender Beef in a Stir-Fry?

Getting tender beef is key for a great pepper steak. Here are some tips to ensure success:

• Slice against the grain: This makes the fibers shorter and less chewy.
• Marinate properly: A quick marinade with soy sauce and cornstarch helps tenderize the meat.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if necessary. This helps achieve a nice sear instead of steaming the meat.

Follow these tips, and you’ll have mouthwatering beef that’s bursting with flavor in every bite! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Main Dish:

• 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, sliced thinly across the grain
• 1 large onion, cut into large wedges
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)

For the Marinade:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice wine or dry sherry
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/4 cup beef broth or water
• 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This dish takes about 15 minutes to prep and 10 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at around 25 minutes to have this delicious, sizzling meal ready to serve. Quick and so flavorful!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Marinate the Beef:

In a bowl, combine the flank steak slices with soy sauce, rice wine, cornstarch, and ground black pepper. Toss everything together well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This helps the beef become tender and flavorful.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

In a separate small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and beef broth or water to create a delicious stir-fry sauce. Set this aside for later.

3. Sear the Beef:

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until it’s nice and hot. Add the marinated beef slices in a single layer and sear them for about 2 minutes. Keep stirring until they’re browned but not fully cooked through. Once done, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:

In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until they’re fragrant. Next, add the onion wedges and bell pepper strips, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften but still have a little crunch.

5. Combine and Finish:

Return the beef to the pan and stir well with the vegetables. Pour in the sauce you made earlier and give everything a good stir. Allow it to bubble for one minute, then add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, stirring constantly until you have a glossy, slightly thickened sauce.

6. Garnish and Serve:

Remove the pan from the heat and garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds if you’re using them. Serve the Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak immediately, ideally on a hot platter, with steamed white rice. Enjoy your meal!

This dish is perfect for any occasion with its juicy beef, colorful peppers, and sweet onions, all in a savory sauce that will make your taste buds dance!

Can I Use Another Cut of Beef for This Recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin works best, you can also use ribeye or even chuck roast—just make sure to cut it thinly against the grain for tenderness.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave to keep the beef tender.

Can I Make This Dish Spicier?

Yes, you can add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili paste to the stir-fry for extra heat. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference!

What Can I Serve with Pepper Steak?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice, but you could also serve it over fried rice or noodles for a heartier meal. Enjoy it alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for balance!