Why Make This Recipe
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful sauce. This recipe is not just about eating; it’s about enjoying a delightful experience in cooking and sharing a meal. One of the best things about this dish is its bold flavors, which come together beautifully with simple ingredients that are easy to find. Whether you are new to cooking or an experienced chef, this recipe provides a fun and rewarding cooking adventure.
When you make this dish at home, you gain control over the ingredients, ensuring that everything is fresh and to your liking. Homemade meals are often healthier than takeout options, as you can adjust the amount of oil, salt, and other seasonings. By cooking this dish yourself, you also have the opportunity to customize it further by adding other vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste.
Moreover, this recipe is perfect for family dinners, gatherings with friends, or even a cozy date night. The sizzling sound of the beef as it cooks adds to the excitement, making everyone eager to eat. Plus, serving this dish over steaming rice or noodles creates a complete, satisfying meal that will have everyone craving seconds.
How to Make Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Creating Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is simple and straightforward. You will go through several steps that include preparing the marinade, cooking the onions, searing the beef, and combining everything with a delightful sauce. Let’s break down the process into easy-to-follow directions.
Ingredients
Before you get started, gather the following ingredients:
- 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
Directions
Prepare the Steak:
- In a mixing bowl, add soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Whisk these ingredients together to create a marinade.
- Place the beef strips in the bowl, ensuring they are well-coated in the marinade. Let the beef sit in the marinade for about 10-15 minutes. This will enhance the beef’s flavor and tenderness.
Cook the Onions:
- While the beef marinates, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions to the skillet. Sauté them until they become soft and slightly caramelized, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once cooked, remove the onions from the pan and set them aside.
Sear the Beef:
- Using the same skillet, increase the heat to high and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef strips. Stir-fry the beef for about 2-3 minutes, or until it is browned and cooked through.
Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch.
- Pour this sauce over the beef in the skillet and stir well. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
Combine & Serve:
- Carefully add the sautéed onions back into the skillet, stirring to combine everything evenly.
- Serve the sizzling beef and onions hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy your meal!
How to Serve Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Serving Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions can be as fun as preparing it. Here are a few tips to serve this delicious dish:
- Plating: Use a large plate or platter to assemble the beef and onions. Creating a colorful presentation can make the dish look even more appetizing.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish the dish with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for a pop of color and extra flavor.
- Sides: Complement the meal with sides like spring rolls or vegetable stir-fry. A simple green salad with sesame dressing also pairs well.
- Beverages: Serve your meal with refreshing drinks such as iced tea, or something fizzy like ginger ale or sparkling water.
How to Store Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
If you have leftovers, it’s easy to store Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions. Here’s how:
- Cooling: Allow the dish to cool to room temperature before storing.
- Containers: Use airtight containers to keep the beef and sauce fresh. You may also choose to store the beef separately from the rice or noodles.
- Refrigerating: Store the container in the refrigerator. The dish can last for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the steak and sauce. Just ensure that it is in a freezer-safe container. It may last up to 2 months in the freezer.
When you are ready to eat, simply reheat the dish in a skillet over medium heat until it is heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to prevent it from drying out.
Tips to Make Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
- Choose the Right Beef: Select tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye for the best results. They will provide a juicy, flavorful bite.
- Marinate Longer: For even more flavor, consider marinating the beef for 30 minutes to an hour, especially if you have the time.
- High Heat for Stir-Frying: Make sure your cooking oil is hot when you add the beef. High heat gives you that nice sear and helps lock in flavor.
- Adjust the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sauce ingredients according to your taste. If you like it sweeter, add more hoisin sauce. For a spicier kick, include some chili sauce or red pepper flakes.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for added color and nutrients.
Variation
There are many ways to customize Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions. Here are a few variations you might consider:
- Add More Vegetables: Include bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Spicy Version: If you enjoy spicy food, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili sauce to the marinade.
- Switch Up Proteins: Substitute the beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different take on the dish.
- Low-Sodium Options: Use low-sodium soy sauce and oyster sauce to make this dish healthier.
FAQs
Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it’s best to thaw it completely before marinating and cooking. This will ensure even cooking.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! You can substitute beef with tofu or seitan. Use the same marinade and cooking methods for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
What should I serve with Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles. You can also serve it with spring rolls or a simple stir-fried vegetable mix.
Feel free to try this delicious recipe today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home!
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Ingredients
Method
- In a mixing bowl, add soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Whisk these ingredients together to create a marinade.
- Place the beef strips in the bowl, ensuring they are well-coated in the marinade. Let the beef sit in the marinade for about 10-15 minutes.
- While the beef marinates, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced onions to the skillet. Sauté them until they become soft and slightly caramelized, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove the onions from the pan and set them aside.
- Using the same skillet, increase the heat to high and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
- Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef strips. Stir-fry the beef for about 2-3 minutes, or until it is browned and cooked through.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch.
- Pour this sauce over the beef in the skillet and stir well. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Carefully add the sautéed onions back into the skillet, stirring to combine everything evenly.
- Serve the sizzling beef and onions hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles.