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- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain - 1 bell pepper (choose red, green, or yellow), sliced into strips - 1 medium onion, sliced into rings - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1-inch piece ginger, finely minced - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 2 tablespoons cornstarch - 2 tablespoons vegetable oil - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 1 tablespoon sugar - ¼ cup beef broth - ¼ teaspoon black pepper You need fresh ingredients for this dish. Start with flank steak. It is tender and flavorful. Slice it thin against the grain. This helps it stay juicy. Next, grab a bell pepper. You can choose any color. Red, green, or yellow will work great. Slice it into strips. Now, take a medium onion. Slice it into rings for the stir-fry. The onion adds sweetness. You will also need garlic and ginger. Mince them finely. They give the dish its signature flavor. For the marinade, soy sauce is key. It adds saltiness and depth. Mix it with cornstarch for a nice coating. The vegetable oil helps everything cook evenly. Finally, the sauce needs oyster sauce for richness. Sugar helps balance the flavors. Beef broth adds moisture and flavor. Don’t forget black pepper for a hint of spice. These ingredients come together for a tasty meal. Prepare them fresh for the best results. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Combine steak with soy sauce and cornstarch. - Allow steak to marinate for 15 minutes. Start by taking your flank steak. Slice it thinly against the grain. This helps keep it tender. In a medium mixing bowl, add the sliced steak. Pour in the soy sauce and cornstarch. Mix well until each piece is coated. Let it sit for 15 minutes. This step boosts the flavor and makes the steak melt in your mouth. - Slice bell pepper and onion. - Mince garlic and ginger. While the steak marinates, turn your focus to the veggies. Grab a bell pepper and an onion. Slice the bell pepper into strips. Cut the onion into rings. Next, take 3 cloves of garlic and mince them finely. Don’t forget about the ginger. You only need a small piece, about an inch. Mince that too. Keep these veggies separate on a plate until you are ready. - Heat the oil. - Sear the steak. - Stir-fry the vegetables. - Add sauce and combine. Now, let's get cooking! In a large skillet or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Wait until the oil is hot but not smoking. Carefully add the marinated steak. Spread it out evenly in the pan. Let it sear for about 2-3 minutes. You want a nice crust on one side. After that, stir-fry the steak for another minute until it turns brown and is cooked through. Remove the steak and place it on a plate. In the same skillet, toss in the sliced onion and bell pepper. Stir-fry them for 2-3 minutes. You want them to be tender but still crunchy. Next, add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Return the cooked steak to the skillet. In a small bowl, mix the oyster sauce, sugar, black pepper, and beef broth. Pour this sauce over the steak and veggies. Toss everything together. Cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats every piece. Now you're ready to serve! Choosing flank steak is key. This cut is lean, tender, and full of flavor. Other cuts may not give you the same taste. When slicing, always cut against the grain. This means you go across the lines of muscle. Doing this makes the meat more tender and easier to chew. To make your dish pop, think about adding more veggies. Try snap peas, mushrooms, or carrots. These add color and crunch. You can also adjust your sauce. If you like it sweeter, add more sugar. If you want more depth, increase the oyster sauce. This is your dish, so make it your own. Getting the right doneness is important. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F. Use a meat thermometer to check. Avoid overcooking the steak. Cook it just until it's browned. Then, remove it from the heat. The meat will continue to cook a bit after you take it off the stove. Remember, you want it juicy and tender—not tough and dry. Pro Tips Slice Against the Grain: Cutting the flank steak against the grain helps to break down the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender bite. Use High Heat: Cooking over high heat allows for a great sear on the steak and keeps the vegetables crisp, enhancing both texture and flavor. Let It Rest: After searing the steak, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices, making the meat more flavorful. Add Spice: For an extra kick, consider adding some sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili flakes when stir-frying the vegetables. {{image_4}} You can switch flank steak for chicken or tofu. Chicken works well when sliced into thin strips. Use skinless chicken breast or thighs for the best flavor. Tofu is a great plant-based option. Press it to remove excess water, then cut it into cubes. Marinate it just like the beef to soak up those great flavors. Feel free to change up the veggies. Broccoli adds a nice crunch and color. Just chop it into small florets and add it with the bell peppers. Snap peas are another tasty choice. They add sweetness and a crisp bite. Toss in any veggies you like for a fun twist! If you love heat, make it spicy! Add chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mix. Start with a little and taste as you go. You can also toss in sliced fresh chilies during the stir-fry. This will give it a nice kick that wakes up your taste buds! To store your Chinese pepper steak and onions, first let it cool. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh longer. It lasts in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you track how long it has been stored. If you want to freeze the dish, first let it cool completely. Use a freezer-safe container or a zip-lock bag. Press out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. This dish can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in a pan over medium heat until hot. Serve your Chinese pepper steak with steamed rice or noodles. These sides soak up the sauce well. You can also add a side of stir-fried vegetables for more color and nutrients. A simple salad can round out the meal nicely. Enjoy your delicious dish! To make Chinese Pepper Steak & Onions, follow these steps: 1. Marinate the Steak: Mix thinly sliced flank steak with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it sit for 15 minutes. 2. Prepare the Vegetables: Slice the bell pepper and onion. Mince the garlic and ginger. 3. Heat the Oil: Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 4. Sear the Steak: Add the marinated steak to the skillet. Sear for 2-3 minutes. Stir-fry for another minute. 5. Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Add sliced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 30 seconds. 6. Add the Sauce: Return the steak to the skillet. Mix oyster sauce, sugar, black pepper, and beef broth. Pour over ingredients. Cook for 2 minutes. 7. Finish and Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with green onions. Serve hot over rice or noodles. Yes, you can use frozen steak. However, consider these tips: - Thaw Properly: Always thaw the steak in the fridge overnight. This keeps it safe. - Slice Thinly: Once thawed, slice the steak against the grain. This helps keep it tender. - Marinate Longer: If using frozen steak, marinate for a bit longer to enhance flavor. If you cannot use oyster sauce, try these alternatives: - Soy Sauce: Use additional soy sauce for a similar flavor. - Hoisin Sauce: This adds sweetness and depth. - Vegetarian Oyster Sauce: Made from mushrooms, this is great for a plant-based option. Yes, Chinese Pepper Steak & Onions works well for meal prep. Here’s how: - Portioning: Divide into servings before storing. This makes it easy to grab and go. - Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. - Storage: Store in airtight containers. It lasts up to 4 days in the fridge. This recipe for Chinese Pepper Steak & Onions highlights key ingredients like flank steak, bell pepper, and garlic. You learned how to marinate the steak and prepare the vegetables. We discussed tips for selecting the best cuts and variations to try. You can store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. In conclusion, this dish is a delicious option for any meal. With a few simple steps, you can bring tasty flavors to your table. Enjoy cooking and try new ideas to make this dish your own!

Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak & Onions

A flavorful dish featuring marinated flank steak stir-fried with bell peppers and onions, finished with 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 whole bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 1 medium onion, sliced into rings
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch piece ginger, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 cup beef broth
  • to taste none chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced flank steak with soy sauce and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated. Allow the steak to marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  • While the steak is marinating, prepare your vegetables. Slice the bell pepper and onion into manageable strips, and mince the garlic and ginger. Place the prepared vegetables on a plate and set aside.
  • In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot.
  • Carefully add the marinated steak to the skillet in an even layer. Let it sear undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes, then stir-fry for an additional minute until browned and cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and transfer it to a plate.
  • In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Return the seared steak to the skillet. In a small bowl, mix together the oyster sauce, sugar, black pepper, and beef broth. Pour this mixture over the steak and vegetables. Toss everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  • Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot over rice or noodles.

Notes

Serve hot over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Keyword Chinese cuisine, steak, stir-fry