IntroductionChinese pepper steak with onions is a savory and flavorful dish that blends the vibrant taste of tender beef with the perfect balance of peppers and onions.
The dish offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making it a popular choice among Chinese-American cuisine lovers.
It is quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients
To make Chinese pepper steak with onions, you’ll need the following ingredients:
_1 pound of flank steak or sirloin beef, thinly sliced against the grain
_1 tablespoon of soy sauce
_1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
_1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
_1 tablespoon of hoisin sauce
_1 teaspoon of sugar
_2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (for frying)
_1 onion, sliced
_2 bell peppers (preferably one green and one red), sliced
_2 garlic cloves, minced
_1-inch piece of ginger, minced
_1 tablespoon of cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
_1/2 cup of water
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions
Begin by preparing the beef. Slice it thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness when cooked.
Place the beef in a bowl and add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sugar.
Mix everything well, ensuring the beef is evenly coated. Let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
While the beef marinates, prepare the vegetables. Slice the onions and bell peppers into strips, and mince the garlic and ginger.
The vegetables should be uniform in size for even cooking, and the garlic and ginger will provide an aromatic foundation for the dish.
In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in 1/2 cup of water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce later. Set it aside for later use.
Next, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef in batches.
Stir-fry the beef for 2-3 minutes until it is browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside to prevent overcooking.
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Then, add the sliced onions, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger.
Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they become tender but still crisp. The garlic and ginger will infuse the oil with their flavors, creating a fragrant base for the dish.
Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables. Stir to combine, and add the cornstarch slurry to the pan.
Stir well to coat the ingredients evenly with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef and vegetables.
Once the sauce has thickened and everything is well combined, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.
The dish should have a nice balance of savory, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors.
How to Make
To start, ensure that you have all the ingredients prepped and ready. The key to this dish is the marinade.
which imparts rich flavor to the beef. Marinating the beef allows it to absorb the flavors of the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other seasonings, which gives it depth and tenderness.
The stir-frying process is critical, as it ensures the beef cooks quickly while retaining its juiciness.
Stir-frying the vegetables until just tender ensures they remain crisp and vibrant, providing a nice contrast to the tender beef.
The garlic and ginger are essential in bringing an aromatic quality to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Adding the cornstarch slurry is crucial for thickening the sauce. Without it, the sauce may be too thin, and it may not coat.
the beef and vegetables as effectively. Stir the mixture constantly when adding the slurry to avoid any lumps from forming and ensure a smooth sauce.
To ensure a successful outcome, it’s important not to overcrowd the pan when cooking the beef. Cooking.
the beef in batches prevents steaming and ensures it browns evenly. Also, be mindful not to overcook the vegetables, as they should maintain their texture and color.
The sauce should be a glossy, slightly thickened coating that clings to the beef and vegetables. If the sauce is too runny.
let it cook a little longer to reduce and thicken further. Taste the sauce for seasoning, and adjust as needed to suit your preferences.
For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients. Fresh peppers and onions will provide a crunch and sweetness.
that complements the beef and sauce. If you want extra heat, you can add some chili flakes or fresh chili peppers to the stir-fry.
Once everything is cooked, serve the pepper steak with steamed rice or noodles. The rice absorbs the savory sauce.
making each bite even more satisfying. This dish is best served hot, so be sure to have everything prepared in advance.
Tips
For a more tender beef, you can use flank steak or sirloin. Both cuts are ideal for stir-frying as they cook quickly and remain tender when sliced thinly.
If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding some sliced fresh chilies or a dash of chili paste to the stir-fry.
Adjust the spice level based on your taste preferences, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different types of peppers.
If you’re looking to make this dish a bit healthier, you can reduce the amount of oil used for frying. Instead.
opt for a non-stick pan to reduce the fat content without sacrificing the texture of the beef or vegetables.
For those with dietary restrictions, gluten-free soy sauce can be used as a substitute for regular soy sauce to make.
this dish gluten-free. Similarly, check that the oyster sauce and hoisin sauce are gluten-free if necessary.
To add more variety to the dish, feel free to incorporate other vegetables, such as mushrooms, carrots, or snow peas.
These additions will bring additional flavor and color to the dish.
If you’re short on time, you can use pre-sliced beef from your local grocery store. This can save time during preparation, but be sure to marinate it properly for the best flavor.
For a sweeter dish, increase the amount of sugar in the marinade. Alternatively, you can add a touch of honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness that balances the savory components.
Conclusion
Chinese pepper steak with onions is a delightful and flavorful dish that brings together the richness of beef and the freshness of vegetables.
It’s easy to prepare and customizable to suit various tastes and dietary preferences, making it an ideal meal for any occasion.
Whether you’re a fan of Chinese cuisine or just looking for a quick and satisfying dinner, this dish is sure to impress.
With its tender beef, vibrant peppers, and savory sauce, it offers a perfect balance of flavors that will leave you wanting more.
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