Here’s a detailed recipe for Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions! It’s a tasty and flavorful dish, perfect for anyone who loves a mix of savory, peppery flavors with a bit of a kick. Here’s how you can make it!
Ingredients:
For the Steak Marinade:
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1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp oyster sauce
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1 tbsp rice wine or dry sherry
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1 tsp cornstarch
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1/2 tsp sugar
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1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
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1 tbsp sesame oil (optional)
For the Stir-Fry:
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1 large onion, sliced
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2 green bell peppers, thinly sliced
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2 red bell peppers, thinly sliced
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1 tbsp vegetable oil (or any oil with a high smoke point)
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
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1 tbsp black peppercorns, crushed (for extra peppery flavor)
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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1 tbsp sugar (or honey)
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1/4 cup water or beef broth
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2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening sauce)
For Sizzling:
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1-2 hot cast iron skillets or sizzling plates (available at most Asian supermarkets or cookware stores)
Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
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In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine (or dry sherry), cornstarch, sugar, and black pepper. Mix well.
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Add the thinly sliced steak to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated well. Let it marinate for at least 20-30 minutes. The longer you marinate, the more flavor it’ll absorb!
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
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While the steak is marinating, slice the onions and bell peppers (red and green) into thin strips.
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Mince the garlic and, if you’re using it, grate the fresh ginger.
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If you’re using a cast-iron skillet or sizzling plate, preheat them over medium-high heat for a couple of minutes (they should be super hot before you cook).
Step 3: Stir-fry the Vegetables
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Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
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Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the pan, stirring frequently for about 3-5 minutes until they’re tender but still slightly crisp. Remove them from the pan and set them aside.
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In the same skillet, add the garlic and ginger (if using) and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Cook the Steak
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In the same skillet, add a little more oil if necessary, and then stir-fry the marinated steak over high heat. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring it sears well on each side. Don’t overcrowd the pan — cook the steak in batches if needed.
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Once the steak is cooked through and browned, return the onions and peppers to the pan. Toss everything together to combine.
Step 5: Make the Sauce
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In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar (or honey), black peppercorns, and water or beef broth. Pour the sauce over the cooked steak and vegetables.
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Stir everything together and bring to a simmer.
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In another small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to make a slurry, and add this mixture to the pan. Stir until the sauce thickens (this will take about 1 minute).
Step 6: Sizzle It!
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If you’re using a sizzling plate or cast iron skillet, ensure it’s heated properly (it should be extremely hot — you should hear a sizzle as soon as you place the steak and vegetables on it).
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Carefully transfer the stir-fried steak and vegetables onto the hot plate. The sizzling effect will add a nice touch to the presentation and flavor.
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Serve immediately, allowing the sizzling plate to keep the dish warm and add a bit of excitement!
Serving Suggestions:
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Serve your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with steamed white rice or fried rice.
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Garnish with some fresh chopped green onions or cilantro for extra flavor and color.
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If you like a little more heat, add some chili peppers to the stir-fry!
Tips:
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For extra flavor: Add a splash of Chinese black vinegar or hoisin sauce to the sauce mix for a deeper, more complex taste.
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For a more authentic taste: Consider using Chinese-style black pepper (the coarsely ground kind), which gives it an earthy, peppery punch.
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For heat: Add fresh sliced chilies or chili paste into the stir-fry to kick up the spice level.