Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

---

🥩 Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

📌 Servings: 4

⏱️ Prep Time: 20 minutes

⏱️ Cook Time: 15 minutes

🔥 Total Time: 35 minutes

---

🧾 Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)

• 1 tsp cornstarch

• 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)

• ½ tsp baking soda (optional – for extra tenderness)

For the Sauce:

• 3 tbsp soy sauce (light soy)

• 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (for color and depth)

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce

• 1 tsp hoisin sauce (optional for a hint of sweetness)

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or Chinese black vinegar)

• 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey

• ¼ cup (60 ml) beef broth or water

• 1 tsp cornstarch (for thickening)

• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper (or more to taste)

• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional – for heat)

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tbsp oil (peanut or vegetable oil)

• 1 large onion, sliced into wedges

• 1 green bell pepper, sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced

• 2–3 scallions (green onions), chopped

• Extra black pepper for garnish

---

🥢 Instructions

✅ Step 1: Marinate the Beef

1. In a bowl, combine sliced beef with:

   • 1 tbsp soy sauce

   • 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine

   • 1 tsp cornstarch

   • 1 tsp sesame oil

   • (optional) ½ tsp baking soda (for ultra tender meat)

2. Mix well and let it marinate for 15–30 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours.

---

✅ Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together:

   • 3 tbsp soy sauce

   • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce

   • 1 tbsp oyster sauce

   • 1 tbsp vinegar

   • 1 tbsp sugar or honey

   • ¼ cup broth

   • 1 tsp cornstarch

   • ½–1 tsp black pepper

   • Red pepper flakes (if using)

Set aside.

---

✅ Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

2. Add onions and stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until slightly soft.

3. Add bell peppers and stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes until just tender but still crisp.

4. Add garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Transfer the veggies to a plate and set aside.

---

✅ Step 4: Sear the Beef

1. Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil to the pan.

2. Add marinated beef in a single layer (do in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding).

3. Let it sear undisturbed for about 30 seconds, then stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes until just browned. Do not overcook.

---

✅ Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked vegetables to the pan with the beef.

2. Pour in the prepared sauce.

3. Stir everything together and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat and vegetables.

---

✅ Step 6: Sizzle & Serve

1. Sprinkle chopped scallions and a bit more freshly cracked black pepper.

2. For a sizzling presentation, serve on a pre-heated cast iron skillet.

3. Serve hot with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried noodles.

---

🍽️ Tips & Variations

• Beef cuts: Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye work well. Slice thin against the grain.

• Tenderness trick: A small amount of baking soda in the marinade helps tenderize the meat (used in Chinese restaurants).

• Make it spicy: Add sliced chili peppers or increase red pepper flakes.

• Vegetables: Add mushrooms, baby corn, or snap peas for variety.