If you’re craving a savory, stir-fried dish that’s bursting with flavor, this Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion is the perfect meal to satisfy. Tender slices of beef, sautéed with vibrant bell peppers and onions, come together in a rich, soy-based sauce with a hint of ginger. This dish is quick to prepare and is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients for Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion
- 1 pound of beef top sirloin, thinly sliced (across the grain for tenderness)
- 1 onion, thinly sliced or finely diced
- 2 tablespoons of granulated white sugar (for balancing the flavors)
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (for thickening and tenderizing the beef)
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce (for rich umami flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon powdered ginger (or use fresh ginger if preferred)
- 1-2 bell peppers, sliced (mix colors like red, green, and yellow for a vibrant presentation)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, separated (for stir-frying)
Instructions for Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion
1. Prepare the Beef
- In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef, soy sauce, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir well to coat the beef evenly, and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step helps tenderize the beef and infuses it with flavor.
2. Stir-Fry the Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef slices in a single layer. Stir-fry the beef for 2-3 minutes, until browned and nearly cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add the onions and bell peppers, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften but still retain some crispness.
- Sprinkle in the powdered ginger (or fresh ginger if using) and stir to combine with the vegetables.
4. Combine Beef and Vegetables
- Return the beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If the sauce appears too thick, you can add a splash of water or additional soy sauce to loosen it.
5. Serve Hot
- Once the beef and vegetables are fully cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion hot over steamed white rice or noodles, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Cook’s Notes and Tips
- Tender Beef: To ensure the beef stays tender, slice it thinly against the grain. You can also slightly freeze the beef for about 15-20 minutes before slicing to make it easier to cut thin slices.
- Ginger: For a more intense ginger flavor, you can use 1 tablespoon of freshly grated ginger instead of powdered ginger.
- Vegetable Additions: Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas, broccoli, or carrots to make the dish heartier.
Variations for Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion
1. Gluten-Free Version
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the regular soy sauce with tamari or another gluten-free soy sauce. Be sure to check that the cornstarch is also gluten-free.
2. Spicy Pepper Steak
- If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a splash of Sriracha to the sauce. You can also stir-fry some sliced chili peppers along with the bell peppers for extra spice.
3. Low-Sodium Version
- For a healthier, low-sodium option, use low-sodium soy sauce and adjust the amount of added salt to your preference. You can also cut back on the sugar slightly if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! While top sirloin is a great choice, you can also use flank steak, skirt steak, or ribeye for this recipe. Just make sure to slice the meat thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
2. How long can I marinate the beef?
You can marinate the beef for as little as 15 minutes, but for deeper flavor, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. Just be careful not to over-marinate, as the cornstarch may break down the meat too much if left too long.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the beef and vegetables in advance and store them separately. When ready to serve, quickly stir-fry everything together to reheat and finish the dish.
4. What can I serve with Chinese Pepper Steak?
This dish pairs perfectly with steamed white or brown rice, fried rice, or stir-fried noodles. You can also serve it with a side of stir-fried vegetables or spring rolls for a complete meal.
A Flavorful, Easy Stir-Fry
This Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion is an easy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner or a special meal. With tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce, this stir-fry delivers on taste and texture. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or spice level, and enjoy it over a bed of rice or noodles for a satisfying meal
