Name: Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 large onion, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup beef broth; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

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Introduction

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion is a delicious and savory stir-fry that combines tender beef with crisp bell peppers and onions. This quick and flavorful dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that brings vibrant colors and bold flavors to your plate.

A close-up view of a dish showing several layers: at the bottom, a black pan sits on a wooden board. Inside the pan, there are thick chunks of brown glazed beef mixed with bright orange bell pepper strips and sliced white onions, all coated in a shiny sauce. Small pieces of green onion are sprinkled on top, along with white sesame seeds, adding small spots of contrast. The textures range from tender meat to soft vegetables, all covered in a glossy finish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound of beef sirloin, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of cornstarch
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
1 large onion, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
1 teaspoon of sugar
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
1/4 cup of beef broth

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine the sliced beef, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes to tenderize and flavor the meat.
Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir-fry for another minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Return the beef to the skillet. Add the oyster sauce, sugar, black pepper, and beef broth. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the ingredients.

Tips & Variations

Use flank steak or skirt steak as alternatives to sirloin for a different texture and flavor.
For extra heat, add sliced chili peppers or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes.
Swap out beef broth for chicken broth or water with a splash of soy sauce for a lighter sauce.
Serve over steamed rice or noodles to make it a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out.

How to Serve

A shiny steel pot filled with a mix of sliced cooked beef pieces covered in brown sauce, mixed with thick slices of cooked onions that are light brown and soft-looking, with long strips of red and green bell peppers that add bright red and fresh green colors. The ingredients are well mixed and coated with the glossy sauce. To the side, there is a white bowl filled with white rice grains. Everything sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth near the pot. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh beef for stir-frying, as frozen beef may release excess moisture and become less tender. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

If the sauce is too thin, mix a small amount of cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it into the skillet. Cook for another minute until the sauce thickens to your liking.