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- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1 bell pepper (red, green, or yellow), sliced - 1 medium onion, sliced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1-inch piece ginger, minced - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 1 tablespoon sugar - ¼ teaspoon black pepper - ¼ cup beef broth - Chopped green onions for garnish When making Chinese pepper steak and onions, the right ingredients make all the difference. Start with flank steak, which is tender and flavorful. Slice it thinly; this helps it cook fast. Marinate the steak with soy sauce and cornstarch. This mix adds flavor and gives the meat a nice texture. You'll need fresh vegetables too. Pick a bell pepper—red, green, or yellow—along with a medium onion. These add color and crunch. Garlic and ginger are a must for that authentic taste. They pack a punch of flavor that wakes up the dish. Don't forget the sauces! Oyster sauce adds depth, while a bit of sugar balances the flavors. Black pepper gives it a kick, and beef broth keeps everything moist. Finally, top it off with chopped green onions for a fresh finish. With these ingredients, you're all set for a delicious meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} - First, grab a bowl. Combine sliced flank steak with soy sauce and cornstarch. - Mix well, then set aside to marinate for 15 minutes. This helps add flavor and tenderness. - While the steak marinates, slice the bell pepper and onion. - Mince the garlic and ginger. Set these aside for later. - Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. - Add the marinated steak to the skillet in one layer. Sear for 2-3 minutes. - After that, stir for 1 minute, then remove the steak from the skillet. - In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, bell pepper, garlic, and ginger. - Cook for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. - In a small bowl, mix oyster sauce, sugar, black pepper, and beef broth. - Pour this sauce over the steak and vegetables. Toss well to coat everything. - Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish your dish with chopped green onions. When choosing flank steak, look for cuts with good marbling. Marbling means fat goes through the meat. Fat keeps the steak juicy and tasty. Freshness is key too. Check for bright red color and no strange smells. This assures you get tender meat. Cooking at medium-high heat is crucial. This heat helps form a nice crust on the steak. If your skillet is too cold, the steak will steam instead of sear. Always preheat your skillet before adding the meat. To achieve the perfect sear, add the steak in a single layer. Let it cook without stirring for 2-3 minutes. This allows a deep brown crust to form. After that, stir-fry for an extra minute to finish cooking. You can enhance flavor with simple seasonings. A splash of sesame oil adds a nutty taste. Try adding some crushed red pepper for heat. You can also mix in a dash of five-spice powder for depth. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more sugar. Each of these choices will elevate your dish. Pro Tips Use a Hot Skillet: Make sure your skillet or wok is very hot before adding the steak. This helps to sear the meat quickly, locking in the juices and creating a great crust. Cut Against the Grain: Always slice your flank steak against the grain. This will make your meat more tender and easier to chew. Don’t Overcook the Vegetables: Stir-fry the vegetables until they are just tender but still crisp. This will ensure they maintain their vibrant color and nutrients. Customize Your Heat: Adjust the number of bell peppers or add some chili flakes if you prefer a spicier dish. Tailor the recipe to your taste! {{image_2}} You can switch up the veggies in this dish. Try adding snap peas for a nice crunch. Carrots also add color and sweetness. Both choices will make your meal more colorful and fun. You can also mix in broccoli or zucchini for even more flavor. Use your favorite vegetables to keep things fresh. If you want to change the protein, chicken works great too. Just slice the chicken thinly and follow the same steps. Shrimp is another tasty option. It cooks fast and adds a nice touch. For a plant-based choice, use tofu. Make sure to press it first to remove extra water. These options let you enjoy the dish in many ways. Besides oyster sauce, you can try other sauces for new tastes. Teriyaki sauce will add a sweet and savory kick. Hoisin sauce brings a rich, thick flavor that pairs well with meat. You can also mix soy sauce with chili paste for some heat. Experimenting with sauces makes your dish unique each time. To store leftovers in the fridge, let the dish cool first. Place it in an airtight container. You can keep it fresh for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date so you know when to eat it. When you're ready to enjoy it again, just reheat it. If you want to freeze Chinese Pepper Steak & Onions, use a freezer-safe container. Let the dish cool completely before you freeze it. It can last for about three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, heat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. For optimal freshness, use glass or BPA-free plastic containers. These materials help keep the food safe and tasty. Make sure the containers have tight-fitting lids to prevent air from getting in. This way, your flavors stay vibrant, and your meal remains enjoyable. Marinate the steak for about 15 minutes. This time allows the soy sauce and cornstarch to soak in. It helps to tenderize the meat and adds great flavor. If you have more time, you can let it marinate for up to 30 minutes. Just don’t go overboard, or it might become too salty. Yes, you can use other cuts of beef. Try sirloin or ribeye as good options. Both cuts are tender and work well in stir-fries. Just remember to slice them thin against the grain for the best texture. If you want a leaner choice, you can also use eye of round. This dish pairs well with steamed rice or fried rice. You can also serve it with noodles for a fun twist. Add some stir-fried vegetables on the side for extra color and nutrition. If you want more crunch, a fresh cucumber salad is a great choice. Yes, this recipe can be made kid-friendly. To make it milder, reduce the black pepper and garlic. You can also use a sweeter bell pepper. Cutting the veggies into smaller pieces can make it easier for kids to eat. Encourage them to add their favorite sides for a fun meal! You learned how to make a tasty Chinese Pepper Steak with simple steps. From marinating the flank steak to sautéing fresh veggies, each part adds flavor and color. Feel free to adjust the recipe to fit your taste, like adding different veggies or sauces. Remember to store your leftovers properly for future meals. Enjoy experimenting with this dish and sharing it with friends and family!

Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak & Onions

A flavorful stir-fry featuring tender flank steak, colorful bell peppers, and onions, all coated in a savory sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Chinese
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 each bell pepper (red, green, or yellow), sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch piece ginger, minced
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 cup beef broth
  • to taste none green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, combine the sliced flank steak with soy sauce and cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for about 15 minutes.
  • While the steak is marinating, slice the bell pepper and onion, and mince the garlic and ginger. Set aside.
  • In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it's hot but not smoking.
  • Add the marinated steak to the skillet in a single layer. Sear for about 2-3 minutes without stirring, allowing it to form a nice crust. Then stir-fry for another minute until it's cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, bell pepper, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
  • Return the steak to the skillet. Mix oyster sauce, sugar, black pepper, and beef broth in a small bowl, then pour it over the steak and vegetables. Toss everything together, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions.

Notes

For a spicier kick, consider adding sliced chili peppers.
Keyword onions, pepper, steak, stir-fry