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#### **Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Marinade:**
– In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and black pepper. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
– Add the thinly sliced flank steak to the marinade, making sure each piece is coated evenly. Let the beef marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour. If you have more time, marinating for several hours or overnight will deepen the flavors.
2. **Prepare the Vegetables:**
– While the beef is marinating, slice the onions and bell peppers into thin strips.
– Mince the garlic and ginger. This combination of aromatics will infuse the dish with a fragrant, savory aroma.
3. **Cook the Beef:**
– Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and let it heat up.
– Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef to the pan in a single layer. Allow it to sear for 1-2 minutes without stirring, so it develops a nice sear on one side.
– Stir-fry the beef for an additional 2-3 minutes, until it is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
4. **Cook the Vegetables:**
– In the same pan, add a bit more oil if necessary and sauté the onions, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger over medium heat.
– Stir-fry the vegetables for 3-4 minutes, until they are tender but still slightly crisp. The onions should be golden and fragrant, and the bell peppers should retain some crunch.
5. **Combine and Finish the Dish:**
– Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables. Stir everything together, ensuring that the beef and vegetables are well coated with the sauce.
– If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of water or broth to thin it out.
– Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more black pepper for extra heat or sugar to balance the flavors.
6. **Sizzling Presentation (Optional):**
– If you have a sizzling hot plate, preheat it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
– Once the hot plate is sizzling, carefully transfer the cooked beef and vegetable mixture onto the plate. The sizzling sound and steam will create a dramatic presentation.
– Serve immediately, allowing your guests to enjoy the dish while it’s still hot and sizzling.
### Serving Suggestions
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions can be served on its own or accompanied by steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles. The richness of the beef and sauce pairs wonderfully with the simplicity of plain white rice, allowing the flavors to shine. For an added touch, garnish the dish with sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, or a drizzle of extra soy sauce.
### Variations and Customizations
While the classic Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is delicious on its own, there are several ways to customize the dish to suit your preferences:
– **Add Other Vegetables:** Feel free to experiment with other vegetables, such as mushrooms, baby corn, snow peas, or broccoli, to add more texture and variety to the dish.
– **Make It Spicier:** If you enjoy a spicier kick, add some dried chili flakes, sliced fresh chili peppers, or a dash of chili oil to the sauce.
– **Substitute the Meat:** If you’re not a fan of beef, you can easily substitute the flank steak with chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein option.
– **Sauté the Vegetables Separately:** For a different texture, you can sauté the vegetables separately from the beef and then combine them at the end. This will ensure the vegetables maintain their crunch.
### Conclusion
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner, a special occasion, or even a weeknight treat. With its tender beef, crispy vegetables, and bold, peppery sauce, this dish brings the best of Chinese-American cuisine to your table. By following the recipe and tips provided in this article, you’ll be able to recreate this delicious and visually striking dish in the comfort of your home.
So, fire up your wok or skillet, marinate that beef, and get ready to sizzle! Your taste buds are in for a treat!
