Chinese pepper steak with onions

Ingredients

To make a delicious Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions, you will need the following:

For the beef and marinade:

• 1 lb (450g) beef flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the stir-fry:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or peanut oil)
• 2 medium onions, sliced into thin wedges
• 1 bell pepper (green, red, or yellow), sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp oyster sauce
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/4 cup beef or chicken broth (optional, for extra sauce)
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)

Step-by-Step Method

1. Marinate the Beef

Place the thinly sliced beef in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine, 1 teaspoon cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Mix well, ensuring each slice is coated. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes—this tenderizes the meat and boosts its flavor.

2. Prepare the Vegetables

While the beef marinates, slice the onions into thin wedges and cut the bell peppers into strips. Mince the garlic. Keeping the vegetables ready helps ensure a fast and even stir-fry.

3. Stir-Fry the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the beef in a single layer (do not overcrowd the pan). Stir-fry quickly for 2–3 minutes until the beef is just browned but not fully cooked. Remove the beef and set aside.

4. Cook the Onions and Peppers

In the same wok, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain some crunch. Add the minced garlic and freshly ground black pepper, stir-frying for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Combine Beef and Vegetables

Return the beef to the wok. Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon oyster sauce, and 1/2 teaspoon sugar. If you prefer a slightly saucier dish, pour in 1/4 cup broth. Stir everything together to coat the beef and vegetables evenly.

6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and add it to the wok. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and glazes the beef and vegetables.

7. Serve Hot

Serve your Chinese Pepper Steak immediately over steamed white rice or noodles. Garnish with extra freshly ground black pepper for an extra kick.

Tips for the Perfect Pepper Steak

• Cut against the grain: This ensures the beef is tender, not chewy.
• High heat stir-frying: Cooking quickly over high heat locks in the beef’s juices.
• Fresh black pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper rather than pre-ground for maximum flavor.
• Optional vegetables: Mushrooms or green beans can be added for extra texture.

Conclusion:

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a simple yet flavorful stir-fry that combines tender beef, crisp vegetables, and bold black pepper for a restaurant-quality meal at home. With this step-by-step guide, you can master this dish and enjoy a savory, satisfying dinner in less than 30 minutes.

If you want, I can also create a version with step-by-step images for each stage, so it’s like a visual cooking guide. That usually makes it much easier to follow.

Do you want me to do that?