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Chinese Onion Pepper Steak: A Flavorful Cooking Guide

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A flavorful and easy-to-make Chinese Onion Pepper Steak recipe that combines tender beef with vibrant vegetables and a savory brown sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, for cooking
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice the beef. Cut the steak into thin strips against the grain to help keep it tender.
  2. Marinate the beef. In a bowl, combine the sliced beef, soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well and let it rest for 10–15 minutes.
  3. Prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, beef broth, and black pepper. In another bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth.
  4. Sear the beef. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned. Cook in batches if necessary. Transfer to a plate.
  5. Cook the onions and peppers. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the onion and bell peppers and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
  6. Add the aromatics. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Combine with the sauce. Return the beef to the skillet and pour in the prepared brown sauce. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.
  8. Thicken the sauce. Stir the cornstarch slurry again, then gradually pour it into the skillet while stirring. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce becomes glossy and coats the beef and vegetables.
  9. Garnish and serve. Remove from the heat. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately over steamed rice.

Notes

  • Slice against the grain: This helps make the beef easier to chew.
  • Use high heat: A hot skillet gives the beef a delicious sear and keeps the vegetables crisp.
  • Avoid overcrowding: Cook the beef in batches so it browns instead of steaming.
  • Adjust the sauce: Add a splash of beef broth if it becomes too thick, or a little extra brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
  • Make it spicy: Add ½ teaspoon chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.

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