Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Description:

Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a flavorful, stir-fried dish that features tender strips of beef, sautéed onions, and bell peppers in a savory and slightly spicy sauce. This sizzling steak is served on a hot platter, creating a delightful aroma and sound when it hits the table. With its rich flavors and crispy vegetables, this dish offers an authentic Chinese experience and is perfect for serving with steamed rice.

Origin:

This dish is inspired by Chinese-American cuisine, where stir-fried beef and vegetables are paired with a bold, tangy sauce. It’s often found in Chinese restaurants and is loved for its balance of sweetness, spiciness, and savory umami. The sizzling effect adds a fun and exciting element to the presentation.

Ingredients:

For the steak:

• 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 large onion, sliced into rings
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (green, red, or yellow)
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (for marinating)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (for marinating)
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper (for marinating)

For the sauce:

• 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) beef broth or water
• 1 tsp cornstarch (for thickening)

For garnish:

• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Green onions, chopped (optional)

Optional Ingredients:

• 1 small carrot, thinly sliced (for added crunch)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) cooking wine (Shaoxing or dry white wine)
• Chili paste or sriracha (for extra heat)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the steak:
   • In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss to coat the beef evenly and set it aside to marinate for 15-20 minutes.
2. Prepare the sauce:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and beef broth or water. Set aside.
3. Stir-fry the steak:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in batches, ensuring it sears quickly and evenly. Stir-fry the beef for about 2-3 minutes until it’s browned but not fully cooked. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
4. Cook the vegetables:
   • In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Stir-fry the onions, bell pepper, and any optional vegetables (like carrots) for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften but are still crisp.
5. Combine and cook:
   • Return the beef to the pan with the vegetables. Give the sauce a quick stir and pour it over the beef and vegetables. Stir everything to coat evenly.
   • Allow the sauce to simmer for 1-2 minutes, then mix the cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce. This will thicken the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the beef is fully cooked.
6. Sizzle and serve:
   • For an authentic “sizzling” effect, heat a cast-iron skillet or sizzling platter in the oven until very hot. Carefully transfer the cooked beef and vegetable mixture onto the hot platter, which will create a sizzling sound.
   • Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and color.
7. Serve:
   • Serve the Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions immediately with steamed white rice or noodles.

Tips for Success:

• Tender beef: Be sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
• High heat: Stir-fry over high heat to quickly sear the beef and vegetables without overcooking them.
• Sizzling effect: If you want the sizzle to be truly dramatic, make sure the platter is hot enough before adding the beef and vegetables. You can heat the skillet in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
• Thick sauce: If you like a thicker sauce, you can add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in water.

Recommendations:

• Serve with a side of steamed rice or fried rice for a complete meal.
• For an extra crispy texture, you can add crispy fried noodles on top of the dish just before serving.

Nutrition (per serving, based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 980mg

(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.)