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ablespoon water to create a slurry)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Beef and Vegetables
Start by slicing the beef thinly against the grain. This helps the meat stay tender as it cooks. After that, slice the bell pepper and onion into strips, so they cook evenly with the beef.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and cornstarch slurry. Stir until the cornstarch is dissolved and the sauce is smooth. Set aside for later.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sliced beef and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until it starts to brown and cook through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced bell pepper and onion, along with the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften but still have a bit of crunch. The aroma from the ginger and garlic will fill your kitchen!
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables and stir everything together until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and veggies, about 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra soy sauce or black pepper if needed.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the sauce has thickened and the beef is perfectly coated, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion over steamed rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own for a low-carb option. Garnish with extra black pepper and chopped green onions if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Cut the Beef Thinly: Slicing the beef thinly against the grain helps it cook quickly and stay tender. A sharp knife or even a meat slicer can make this easier.
- High Heat for Stir-Frying: Stir-frying works best over high heat, as it allows the meat and vegetables to cook quickly without becoming too soggy.
- Customize the Vegetables: While bell peppers and onions are the classic vegetables for this dish, feel free to add other vegetables like snow peas, broccoli, or baby corn for added variety.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you want more heat, feel free to add chili flakes, a sliced red chili, or some hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Conclusion
Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion is a delicious and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit. The tender beef, crisp vegetables, and flavorful sauce create a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and peppery notes in every bite.
So, fire up your wok or skillet and give this simple yet delicious recipe a try—you’ll be transported straight to your favorite Chinese restaurant in no time!