Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a quick and flavorful dish packed with tender slices of flank steak, colorful bell peppers, and aromatic onions, all coated in a savory, tangy sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this stir-fry is a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner that will surely impress. The balance of soy sauce, hoisin, and sesame oil makes for a mouthwatering meal, and the crunchy veggies add a delightful texture. Whether served over rice or noodles, it’s a complete and satisfying dish.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

  • 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced

  • 2 tbsp soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce

  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce

  • 1 tsp sesame oil

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil

  • 1 large green bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 large red bell pepper, sliced

  • 1 large onion, sliced

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced

  • 2 tbsp water

  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar

  • 1 tbsp honey

  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions

  1. Marinate the steak:
    In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sliced flank steak with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for 15-20 minutes.

  2. Cook the vegetables:
    Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced green and red bell peppers, along with the onions. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies soften slightly. Remove them from the pan and set aside.

  3. Cook the steak:
    Using the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the marinated steak in batches and sear each side for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove the steak and set it aside.

  4. Combine everything:
    Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Stir for about 1 minute until fragrant. Return the cooked vegetables and steak to the skillet, then add the water, rice vinegar, and honey. Stir well and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.

  5. Garnish and serve:
    Remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 300

  • Protein: 25g

  • Fat: 16g

    • Saturated Fat: 3g

    • Unsaturated Fat: 11g

    • Trans Fat: 0g

  • Carbohydrates: 12g

    • Fiber: 3g

    • Sugar: 7g

  • Sodium: 900mg

  • Cholesterol: 50mg

The Delicious Combination of Flank Steak and Vegetables

Flank steak is the ideal cut of meat for this recipe due to its rich flavor and tenderness when sliced thinly. Its texture holds up well in stir-fries, and it absorbs the marinade deeply, ensuring that every piece is flavorful. In this recipe, the flank steak is marinated in a blend of savory ingredients, such as soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce, which tenderize the meat while infusing it with rich umami notes.

The vegetables in this dish, including colorful bell peppers and onions, not only add a delightful crunch and color to the dish but also bring their own layers of flavor. The sweet, crisp bell peppers contrast with the savory steak, and the onions add a subtle sweetness that complements the other ingredients. Together, the steak and vegetables create a balanced, satisfying dish with a variety of textures, from tender steak to crispy vegetables.

The Savory Sauce: A Perfect Blend of Sweet, Salty, and Tangy

What truly sets this Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak apart is the sauce. The marinade and cooking sauce use a combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and honey, creating a complex yet harmonious flavor profile. The soy sauce and oyster sauce provide a deep, salty umami base, while the hoisin sauce adds a touch of sweetness and richness. Sesame oil contributes a warm, nutty flavor, which perfectly complements the beef and vegetables.

Rice vinegar and honey are added to the sauce to introduce a tangy and slightly sweet element. The rice vinegar’s acidity helps to balance out the richness of the other ingredients, cutting through the fattiness of the beef, while the honey adds a touch of sweetness that ties everything together. This sauce is key to the success of the dish, as it coats the beef and vegetables perfectly, enhancing their flavors and creating a glossy, satisfying finish.

Quick and Easy Preparation for Busy Weeknights

One of the greatest advantages of this Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions recipe is its speed and simplicity. In just 30 minutes, you can prepare a complete meal that is both flavorful and nutritious. The key to the quick cooking time is using thinly sliced flank steak, which cooks quickly in a hot skillet or wok. The vegetables are stir-fried for just a few minutes to preserve their crunch and flavor, while the steak is seared in batches to ensure even cooking and a perfectly browned exterior.

With just a few basic ingredients and a few simple cooking techniques, this dish is accessible to cooks of all experience levels. The marinade requires only a short amount of time to infuse the steak with flavor, and the stir-fry process is quick and straightforward. This makes it a fantastic option for busy weeknights when you want a meal that’s both delicious and fast.

The Versatility of Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak

While this dish is delicious as written, it’s also incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. For those looking to make it more vegetable-forward, you can increase the amount of bell peppers or add other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms. These additions will add even more texture and nutrition to the dish while still maintaining its balance of flavors.

For those who prefer a gluten-free version, swapping the soy sauce for tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce alternative) and using a gluten-free hoisin sauce ensures that the dish remains gluten-free without sacrificing flavor. You can also adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less honey, depending on your preference. If you enjoy a spicier dish, feel free to add chili flakes or fresh chopped chilies to the stir-fry to add some heat.

Serving Suggestions for Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak

Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions can be served in a variety of ways, making it a versatile and customizable dish. The most common way to serve this dish is over a bed of steamed rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce and balances the flavors of the steak and vegetables. The rice provides a neutral base that allows the savory, sweet, and tangy sauce to shine.

For a lighter option, you can serve the dish over cauliflower rice or a bed of fresh greens for a lower-carb alternative. Alternatively, you can serve the steak and vegetables alongside noodles, making it a complete stir-fry that’s filling and satisfying. The dish also works well as a topping for grain bowls or served as part of a larger spread of Asian-inspired dishes.

If you’re hosting a dinner party or gathering, Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions can also be served family-style, allowing everyone to help themselves to the flavorful dish. The colorful vegetables and glossy sauce make it a visually appealing addition to any meal, and its bold flavors are sure to impress guests.

The Nutritional Benefits of Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak

In addition to being flavorful and satisfying, Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions offers several nutritional benefits. The flank steak provides a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall body function. A 4-ounce serving of flank steak offers about 25 grams of protein, making this dish a great option for those looking to increase their protein intake.

The bell peppers and onions add important vitamins and minerals to the dish. Bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, which supports immune function, and contain antioxidants that promote skin and eye health. Onions are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, and they also have anti-inflammatory properties. Together, the vegetables help make this dish more nutrient-dense, providing additional health benefits.

The sauce, while rich in flavor, is relatively low in sugar and fat compared to many other stir-fry sauces. Using sesame oil and a small amount of honey helps keep the dish balanced, while still providing a satisfying, flavorful sauce that coats the steak and vegetables perfectly.

Conclusion: A Flavorful, Quick, and Satisfying Meal

In conclusion, Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a delicious, quick, and satisfying dish that is perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of tender flank steak, colorful vegetables, and a savory, tangy sauce makes for a well-rounded meal that’s sure to impress. The balance of flavors—salty, sweet, and tangy—creates a dish that is both complex and comforting. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish is accessible to cooks of all skill levels and can be customized to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. Whether served over rice, noodles, or on its own, Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a flavorful and versatile meal that will quickly become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.

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