Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Wok This Way
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a bit of Chinese takeaway without the takeaway price? I've got you covered.
This sizzling Chinese pepper steak with onions recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. It's packed with flavour, surprisingly easy to whip up, and honestly, way better than anything you'd get delivered.
Okay, let's get this sorted: What is Chinese Pepper Steak Anyway?
Chinese pepper steak is a stir fry dish. It’s got tender beef, bell peppers, and onions in a savory sauce. It's thought to have been adapted from Cantonese cuisine, bringing those authentic flavours home.
Difficulty? I'd say it's medium. It takes around 35 minutes total. You’ll get about 4 servings, enough for the whole family.
Why you Need This in Your Life?
This beef and pepper stir fry is secretly good for you! The steak is packed with protein. The peppers give you a vitamin C boost.
It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner when you need something comforting and tasty. Plus, who doesn't love a bit of homemade Chinese takeout ? It’s fresher, healthier, and you know exactly what’s going in it.
Honestly, I love this sizzling steak stir fry because it’s so versatile. You can easily adapt it to your liking.
More spice? Go for it! Less sugar? No problem. Plus, it's a real crowd pleaser.
Let's get to the good stuff: the ingredients!
Ingredients & Equipment
Okay, let's get this sorted, shall we? Before we dive headfirst into creating this sizzling Chinese pepper steak with onions, let's make sure we have all our ducks in a row.
It's no good starting a stir fry only to find you're missing a crucial ingredient! Honestly, nothing's worse than that panic, you know? I’ve been there!
Main Ingredients: Sorted!
Right, listen up! Here’s what you need for this restaurant style pepper steak sensation:
- Beef: 1 lb ( 450g ) sirloin steak. Get decent quality stuff. Look for marbling; it means flavour!
- Marinade: 1 tbsp ( 15ml ) soy sauce, 1 tbsp ( 15ml ) cornstarch, 1 tbsp ( 15ml ) vegetable oil, 1 tsp ( 5ml ) sesame oil, ¼ tsp (approx 1.5ml ) ground black pepper.
- Veggies: 1 large yellow onion, 1 green bell pepper, 1 red bell pepper. All sliced. We're going for colourful, yeah? Also, 2 cloves garlic (minced) and a 1 inch piece of ginger (minced) .
- Sauce: 2 tbsp ( 30ml ) soy sauce, 2 tbsp ( 30ml ) oyster sauce, 1 tbsp ( 15ml ) brown sugar, 1 tbsp ( 15ml ) rice vinegar, 1 tbsp ( 15ml ) cornstarch, ½ cup ( 120ml ) beef broth, ½ tsp ( 2.5ml ) ground white pepper, 1/4 tsp (approx 1.5ml ) red pepper flakes (optional).
- Cooking: 2 tbsp ( 30ml ) vegetable oil.
For the beef, look for sirloin with good marbling. It’ll give you that melt-in-your mouth texture. If you are looking to create an Easy pepper steak recipe this would be a great place to start
Spice it up with Flavour!
- Essential Spice Combinations: Black and white pepper are key for that authentic Cantonese pepper steak vibe.
- Flavor Enhancers and Aromatics: Garlic and ginger are non-negotiable. They provide that fragrant base for any good stir fry.
- Quick Substitution Options: No oyster sauce? Hoisin sauce can be your saviour. Rice vinegar playing hide and-seek? White wine vinegar will do in a pinch.
Equipment Needed
Less is more, especially when you are looking for a Quick Chinese dinner .
Essential tools only: A good wok or large skillet is vital. Also, a sharp knife and chopping board. Measuring spoons and cups are also important!
Common household alternatives: No wok? No problem! A large skillet will do just fine. Just make sure it's nice and hot!
Right, I think we are now ready to start this Beef and pepper stir fry journey!
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak: Cooking Like a Boss
Right then, Okay, let's get this sorted, shall we? So, you fancy making some sizzling chinese pepper steak with proper restaurant vibes, eh? This isn't just dinner; it's an experience! I remember the first time I tried making this; honestly, it was a disaster.
The steak was tough as old boots. But, don't you worry, I've learned a thing or two since then.
Prep Steps: Your Secret Weapon
Mise en place is your best mate here. Chop your yellow onion , slice those green bell pepper and red bell pepper .
Mince that garlic and ginger . Get the steak all sliced up. Have the soy sauce , oyster sauce , and all your other bits and bobs ready to go.
It's like prepping for a battle, but with better snacks. Time saving tip: Pre-chop your veggies the night before. Trust me, future you will thank you.
Wok This Way: The step-by-step
- Marinate the Steak: Mix that steak with soy sauce , cornstarch , vegetable oil , sesame oil , and black pepper . Let it sit for at least 15 minutes .
- Sauce It Up: Whisk together soy sauce , oyster sauce , brown sugar , rice vinegar , cornstarch , beef broth , white pepper , and red pepper flakes (if you're feeling brave).
- Aromatics Ahoy: Heat oil in a wok. Sauté garlic and ginger for around 30 seconds . Don't burn it, or you'll cry.
- Veggie Time: Toss in the onions and peppers . Stir fry for 2- 3 minutes . They should still have a bit of crunch.
- Sear the Steak: Sear the steak for 1- 2 minutes per side, aiming for an internal temperature of 145° F/ 63° C .
- Combine and Sizzle: Back with the veg. Chuck in the sauce. Stir until thick.
- Plate It: Serve that sizzling steak stir fry right away!
Pro Tips: Level Up Your Game
- High heat is king! Get that wok screaming hot.
- Don't chuck all the steak in at once. Cook in batches for proper searing.
- make-ahead? Marinate the steak the night before for extra flavour. Honestly, it's a game changer.
- If you don't have Oyster Sauce : use hoisin sauce.
- If you don't have Cornstarch: you can use Tapioca Flour.
So there you have it. A proper Chinese pepper steak recipe that'll have your family begging for more. Forget the homemade Chinese takeout , This is better than anything down the restaurant style pepper steak , and a darn site cheaper.
Enjoy!
Recipe Notes for Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak
Okay, let's get this sorted, shall we? This sizzling chinese pepper steak with onions is proper lush, but here are a few extra bits to make it even better.
I've made this beef stir fry with oyster sauce so many times, I’ve learned a thing or two! Honestly, the first time I tried it, I nearly set off the smoke alarm.
Good times!
Plating Like a Pro: Serving Suggestions
Forget boring plates! Think restaurant style pepper steak, but better. For presentation ideas, how about serving your sizzling steak stir fry on a sizzle platter if you have one? Makes it look well fancy, doesn't it? Complementary sides? Steamed rice is a must.
Noodles are brilliant. Add some broccoli or some greens. Tsingtao beer, obviously. I reckon a bottle of lager is excellent with it.
It's a proper good Homemade Chinese takeout experience!
Storing Like a Boss: Storage Tips
Refrigeration? Absolutely. Just pop any leftovers in an airtight container. It will last 3-4 days . Freezing? Not recommended; the peppers can go a bit squishy when defrosted.
For reheating, a quick blast in the microwave or back in the wok is perfect. Just add a splash of water if it seems a bit dry.
Twists and Turns: Variations
Want to spice it up? Chuck in some chilli flakes. For a dietary adaptation, swap soy sauce for coconut aminos to make it gluten-free.
Also for vegetarians, you can replace the Beef and pepper stir fry with tofu, and use vegetarian oyster sauce. Seasonal ingredient swaps? In autumn, butternut squash works a treat instead of bell peppers for a bit of sweetness.
Nutrition Lowdown: Nutrition Basics
Right, so a portion has about 450 calories, 40g of protein, and 25g of fat. Remember, these are rough numbers.
Main benefit? It's packed with protein and vitamins from the peppers. Proper good for you, really!
Listen, don't be scared to give this Cantonese pepper steak a go. It's easier than you think. It might take a couple of tries to get it spot-on, but who cares? Enjoy yourself, and most importantly, enjoy the easy pepper steak recipe ! You’ve got this! Wok recipes beef are easier than you might think.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best cut of beef to use for sizzling chinese pepper steak with onions, and can I use something cheaper?
Sirloin is recommended for its tenderness and flavour, but you can use other cuts. Flank steak or skirt steak are good, more budget friendly alternatives; just be sure to slice them thinly against the grain to keep them from being too chewy.
You might need to tenderise them a bit too, like they do in those old Western films!
How do I get that proper 'sizzling' effect when making sizzling chinese pepper steak with a regular skillet, not a wok?
High heat is absolutely key to achieving that sizzle! Make sure your skillet is screaming hot before adding the steak and vegetables. If you don't have a sizzle platter, preheat a cast iron skillet in the oven and carefully transfer the finished pepper steak to the hot skillet just before serving.
This helps keep it warm and provides that theatrical sizzle, just like in your favourite Chinese restaurant!
Can I make this sizzling chinese pepper steak with a vegetarian or vegan version?
Absolutely! Firm tofu works wonderfully as a substitute for the steak. Press the tofu to remove excess water, then cut it into strips and marinate it just like you would the beef. For a vegan sauce, use vegetarian oyster sauce (widely available) or replace it entirely with a mix of soy sauce and a touch of molasses for that umami richness.
Think of it as a meat free Monday masterpiece!
How can I store leftover sizzling chinese pepper steak, and how long will it last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, it's best to gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat to prevent the steak from becoming tough. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overcook it, mate!
Is there anything I can add to the sauce to adjust the flavour of the sizzling chinese pepper steak?
Definitely! Taste the sauce as you go and adjust to your liking. For a sweeter flavour, add a touch more brown sugar. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of chili oil.
A little extra rice vinegar can brighten the sauce with a touch of tang, giving it a more vibrant, balanced flavour. Think of yourself as a celebrity chef, experimenting with flavours!
How can I make sure my steak is super tender for this sizzling chinese pepper steak recipe?
Besides using a tender cut like sirloin, marinating the steak is key! The marinade helps to break down the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender bite. Also, try "velveting" the steak before marinating.
Coat the steak with a mixture of baking soda (½ tsp per pound) and let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse well and pat dry. This makes the steak incredibly tender, almost like it's been to finishing school!
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions Wok Th
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |
