This delicious Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions comes together in about 30 minutes and is all in one pan for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the veggies or the protein to suit your taste, or use it as a “clean out the fridge” meal to use up those leftover odds and ends! Seriously, you can’t go wrong with this recipe!
Ingredients Breakdown
Beef Strips
1 lb (450g) beef strips (sirloin or ribeye) : I absolutely love using sirloin for this recipe because it’s tender and packs tons of flavor. But feel free to use ribeye if you want something even juicier! You can also swap in chicken, tofu, or even a mix of bell peppers for a meat-free version.
Vegetable Oil
2 tbsp (30g) vegetable oil : This oil is perfect for stir-frying, as it can withstand high heat without smoking. I tend to stick with canola or grapeseed oil, but you can use whatever you have on hand, just avoid extra virgin olive oil since it has a lower smoke point.
Garlic
2 cloves garlic, minced : Garlic is a superstar in this recipe! It adds a wonderful aroma that makes your kitchen smell divine. Always use fresh garlic when you can. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder will work, but honestly? Fresh garlic is unbeatable.
Fresh Ginger
1 tbsp (15g) grated fresh ginger : The zesty warmth of ginger is such a game-changer in stir-fries. It adds a delightful depth and a subtle spice that rounds out the dish. You might think about using ground ginger in a pinch, but keep in mind that fresh ginger brings so much amazing flavor.
Soy Sauce
1 tbsp (15g) soy sauce : A classic ingredient in Chinese cooking, soy sauce enhances the umami flavor of the beef. You can swap for low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake, or try tamari for a gluten-free option!
Oyster Sauce (Optional)
1 tbsp (15g) oyster sauce : While optional, this sauce adds a rich, savory depth that takes the dish to the next level. If you don’t have it, you can simply double the soy sauce or use hoisin sauce for a different twist.
Sesame Oil
1 tsp sesame oil : Just a tiny bit goes a long way! This oil gives the dish a nutty aroma that’s truly irresistible. You can skip it if you need to, but it’s worth having on your pantry shelf for authentic flavors.
Salt and Pepper
Salt and pepper to taste : A couple pinches of each goes a long way. Freshly ground black pepper really brings out the flavors, so keep a grinder handy!
Hoisin Sauce
2 tbsp (30g) hoisin sauce : This sweet and savory sauce is perfect for balancing out the bold flavors. If you don’t have hoisin, try using a bit of teriyaki sauce as a substitute.
Rice Vinegar
2 tbsp (30g) rice vinegar : Adds the perfect tanginess to the dish without being overpowering. You can replace it with apple cider vinegar in a pinch, but I really recommend sticking with rice vinegar if possible.
Cornstarch
1 tbsp (15g) cornstarch : This is a critical ingredient for thickening the sauce. Just a tablespoon gives it that glossy quality we all love. If you’re out of cornstarch, you can use flour, but it won’t be as shiny.
Onion
1 large onion, sliced : Onions add a lovely sweetness and texture, and they become beautifully caramelized when sautéed just right. You can use yellow, red, or even green onions if that’s what you have.
How to Make Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
1. Prepare the Steak:
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Toss the beef strips into the marinade and let sit for 10-15 minutes. This step infuses the meat with flavor!
2. Cook the Onions:
Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until soft and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally, and season them with a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Once they’re translucent and fragrant, remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Sear the Beef:
In the same pan, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil over high heat. Add the marinated beef strips and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until browned. Make sure to stir occasionally to get all sides nicely cooked and a touch crispy. You want that lovely sear!
4. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Pour the sauce over the beef and let it simmer for about 2 minutes or until it thickens up a bit. And oh man, the smell will be incredible!
5. Combine & Serve:
Add those sautéed onions back into the pan, stirring to combine everything. Cook for one more minute until everything is warmed through, then serve it hot over steamed rice or noodles. Trust me, your family will be begging for seconds!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when I need something quick, comforting, and absolutely delicious during those busy weeknights! I’m a real sucker for stir-fries because you can get a hearty meal on the table in a snap, not to mention the fact that it’s so easy to customize! The best part is that I can switch up the veggies according to the seasons or whatever’s lying around my fridge. Last week, I added some bell peppers and snap peas, which made the dish even more colorful and tasty. What’s not to love?
If you loved this Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions, be sure to check out this Easy Hobo Casserole, my Healthy Broccoli Pasta, or my Garlic Butter Pan-Seared Pork Chops for more weeknight dinner inspiration!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This dish comes together in under 30 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a comfort food fix without spending hours in the kitchen.
One-Pan Wonder
It’s all cooked in just one pan! This means minimal cleanup for you. Just sauté, sear, simmer, and serve. Easy peasy!
Customizable
Feeling adventurous? You can swap in whatever veggies you have on hand or even change up the protein! Zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli, they all work beautifully!
Budget-Friendly
Uses affordable, everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry! Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover vegetables. Win-win!
Crowd-Pleaser
Trust me, the whole family will love this dish! It’s flavorful, visually appealing, and tastes just like takeout but without all the fuss. Kids and adults alike will be asking for seconds!
Serving Suggestions
This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak is best served over steamed white or brown rice. You can also pair it with noodles for a comforting twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving it with a side of baby bok choy or roasted broccoli to keep up the healthy vibes!
Storage
Leftovers will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. Just be sure to let it cool completely before sealing it up to prevent any sogginess.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, a quick stir in a skillet over medium heat is best for keeping the beef tender. You can also microwave it, but it might lose some of that wonderful texture. You don’t want rubbery steak, right?
Freezer Friendly
Absolutely! To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for about 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as mentioned above!
And there you have it! Your go-to recipe for Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions. It’s everything you need in a weeknight meal quick, full of flavor, and sure to please even the pickiest eaters! Enjoy cooking!
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Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Toss the beef strips into the marinade and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until soft and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil over high heat. Add the marinated beef strips and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until browned.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Pour the sauce over the beef and let it simmer for about 2 minutes or until it thickens.
- Add the sautéed onions back into the pan and stir to combine. Cook for one more minute, then serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.