Description
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender beef strips marinated in soy, ginger, and garlic, quickly seared and combined with caramelized onions and a savory hoisin-based sauce. This dish offers a perfect balance of umami, tang, and a hint of sweetness, making it a quick and delicious meal ideal for weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Marinade and Beef
- 1 lb (450g) beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
- 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) vegetable oil (divided)
For the Sauce
- 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
For the Onions
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp (15g) vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Steak: In a bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce (if using), grated ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil to create the marinade. Toss the beef strips in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Cook the Onions: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté them until they become soft and slightly caramelized, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the onions from the pan and set aside.
- Sear the Beef: In the same skillet, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil over high heat to get it smoking hot. Add the marinated beef strips in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned on all sides but still tender inside.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional), 2 tbsp hoisin sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp cornstarch until smooth. Pour this sauce over the beef in the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef evenly.
- Combine & Serve: Return the sautéed onions to the pan with the beef and stir everything together to combine the flavors. Cook for an additional minute to heat through. Serve the sizzling pepper steak hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use sirloin or ribeye for the best tenderness and flavor in the beef strips.
- Oyster sauce is optional but adds a rich umami depth to the dish.
- Be careful not to overcook the beef to keep it tender and juicy.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add freshly ground black pepper or sliced chili peppers when cooking.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the sizzling hot flavors.
- This recipe can be gluten-free if using gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 220g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Chinese pepper steak, beef stir-fry, hoisin sauce, caramelized onions, quick Chinese recipe, weeknight dinner
