- In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, baking soda, and rice vinegar.
- Add the thinly sliced beef and mix well. Let it marinate for at least 15–20 minutes (or up to an hour for maximum tenderness).
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch slurry, sugar, black pepper, and beef broth.
- Set aside—this will be the finishing sauce for the dish.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large pan over high heat.
- Add the onions and bell peppers, stirring frequently for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Beef
- In the same pan, add another 1 tablespoon of oil and heat until shimmering.
- Add the marinated beef in a single layer and let it sear without stirring for 1 minute to develop a golden-brown crust.
- Stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes, then add the minced garlic and ginger.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked onions and bell peppers to the pan.
- Pour in the prepared sauce, tossing everything to coat evenly.
- Stir-fry for 1–2 more minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef and vegetables.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired.
- Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve immediately while sizzling hot for the best taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce.
Variants
- Spicy Pepper Steak – Add extra red pepper flakes or 1 sliced chili pepper for extra heat.
- Mushroom Pepper Steak – Stir in sliced mushrooms for a richer, earthy flavor.
- Sweet & Savory Pepper Steak – Add ½ teaspoon honey or maple syrup to the sauce for a slightly sweeter twist.
- Garlic-Lover’s Pepper Steak – Double the amount of garlic for a robust, aromatic flavor.
- Low-Carb/Keto Pepper Steak – Serve with cauliflower rice or in lettuce cups instead of regular rice.
FAQ
1. What’s the best beef cut for this dish?
Flank steak and sirloin work best due to their tenderness when sliced thinly against the grain.
2. How do I make the beef extra tender?
Marinating with baking soda and cornstarch (a technique called « velveting ») helps break down the meat fibers, making the beef extra soft and tender.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the beef with tofu, seitan, or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
4. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Slice and marinate the beef ahead of time, then store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
5. How do I prevent soggy vegetables?
Cook the vegetables quickly over high heat and remove them from the pan before adding the beef. Add them back at the end to keep them crisp.
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a restaurant-quality dish that you can easily make at home with simple ingredients. It’s packed with umami, spice, and texture—perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week. Give it a try, and enjoy the irresistible flavors of this Chinese-American classic! 🥩🔥🥢