Chinese pepper steak with onions

Here’s a classic take on Chinese Pepper Steak with tender beef, onions, and bell peppers in a savory sauce.

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced (optional)
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 2 tbsp oil

Marinade

• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Sauce

• 1/4 cup beef broth or water
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp cornstarch

Instructions

1. Marinate the beef
   Mix beef with marinade ingredients and let sit 15–20 minutes.
2. Make the sauce
   Stir together all sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
3. Cook the beef
   Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Sear beef for 2–3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
4. Stir-fry vegetables
   Add remaining oil. Cook onions and peppers for about 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Add garlic and ginger for 30 seconds.
5. Combine
   Return beef to the pan. Pour in sauce and stir until thickened and glossy, about 1–2 minutes.
6. Serve
   Best served hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Tips

• Freeze beef for 20 minutes before slicing for thinner cuts.
• Add crushed red pepper for heat.
• For extra restaurant-style tenderness, add 1/4 tsp baking soda to the marinade for 15 minutes, then rinse lightly before cooking.

Great side dishes:

• Fried Rice
• Lo Mein
• Egg Drop Soup