This tasty Chinese Onion Pepper Steak is packed with flavor! Made with tender strips of beef, crunchy peppers, and sweet onions, it’s a real treat for your taste buds.
The best part? It’s quick to whip up, perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious and fun! I love serving it over rice to soak up all that yummy sauce. 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Flank Steak: This cut is great for stir-frying because it cooks quickly and stays tender. If you’re looking for a substitute, try sirloin or skirt steak. They’re also flavorful and can give a similar texture when sliced thin.
Soy Sauce: A must-have for umami flavor! Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. Alternatively, tamari is a good gluten-free option.
Cornstarch: It helps the steak stay tender and gives it a lovely glaze. You can swap cornstarch with arrowroot powder if you prefer a grain-free option.
Vegetable Oil: Ideal for stir-frying because of its high smoke point. Canola or peanut oil work well too. If you want a healthier choice, use avocado oil.
Oyster Sauce: This adds depth, but if you’re vegetarian or allergic, try mushroom sauce. It gives a similar richness without the seafood.
Hoisin Sauce: Adds sweetness and complexity. If you don’t have it, you can blend peanut butter with a bit of soy sauce and sugar for a quick homemade alternative.
How Do I Ensure My Steak Is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking flank steak correctly is key to keeping it tender and delicious. Here are a few tips to get it right:
- Slice the steak against the grain to ensure tenderness. Look for the direction of the muscle fibers.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary. This helps achieve a good sear.
- Cook over medium-high heat for just a few minutes. Overcooking can toughen the meat.
Following these tips will help you achieve perfectly cooked steak that’s flavorful in every bite.
How to Make Chinese Onion Pepper Steak
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steak Marinade:
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Stir-Frying:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
For Garnishing:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Sesame seeds
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish will take about 30-35 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 15-20 minutes marinating the steak and everything else will come together quickly in about 15 minutes. It’s a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Steak:
In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced flank steak with soy sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes. This will help to tenderize the steak and give it flavor.
2. Cook the Steak:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated flank steak in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the steak is browned, then remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the sliced onion and red bell pepper. Stir-fry the veggies for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften and become slightly tender.
4. Add Garlic and Ginger:
Now it’s time to make it fragrant! Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, stirring everything for an additional 30 seconds until you can really smell the aromatics.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked steak to the skillet with the vegetables. Add oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Toss everything together to combine and let it heat through for another 2-3 minutes.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once everything is combined and heated, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish your dish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve your delicious Chinese Onion Pepper Steak hot over steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy!
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute flank steak with other tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye. Just be sure to slice them thinly against the grain for the best texture. If using a tougher cut, consider marinating it for a longer time or cooking it a bit longer for improved tenderness.
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use a mixture of soy sauce and a touch of sugar for sweetness. Alternatively, hoisin sauce can stand in for oyster sauce, although it will slightly alter the flavor profile, making it sweeter.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. For best results, add a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure all the veggies are tender but still crisp. Stir-fry them together with the onions and bell peppers for a delicious boost of flavor and nutrition!
