Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions: A Classic Stir-Fry Recipe

I recently had the pleasure of trying out a classic Chinese dish – Pepper Steak with Onions. This dish is a staple in Chinese cuisine and is loved by many for its bold flavors and tender meat. As someone who loves trying out new recipes and exploring different cuisines, I was excited to give this dish a try.

Pepper Steak with Onions is a stir-fried dish that features tender slices of beef, sweet onions, and a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and black pepper. The dish is typically served over a bed of white rice, making it a filling and satisfying meal. While the dish may seem simple, it requires a bit of technique to get the meat perfectly tender and the onions caramelized just right.

Ingredients and Substitutes

Meat Selection

When making Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions, it is important to choose the right cut of meat. I recommend using flank steak or sirloin steak, both of which are tender and flavorful. If you prefer a leaner option, you can also use round steak. If you are looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute the meat with tofu or seitan.

Vegetable Varieties

To make Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions, you will need green bell peppers, onions, and garlic. However, you can also add other vegetables to the dish to make it more colorful and nutritious. Some great options include red bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, and snow peas. If you don’t have any of these vegetables on hand, you can substitute them with any other vegetables of your choice.

Sauce Components

The sauce is what gives Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions its signature flavor. To make the sauce, you will need soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and beef broth. If you are allergic to shellfish, you can substitute the oyster sauce with hoisin sauce or soy sauce. If you don’t have beef broth, you can use chicken or vegetable broth instead. Additionally, you can add a pinch of sugar or honey to balance out the saltiness of the sauce.

Overall, these ingredients and substitutes will help you make a delicious and satisfying Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions dish.

Cooking Process

Marinating the Steak

To ensure the steak is tender and flavorful, I marinate it for at least 30 minutes. For the marinade, I mix soy sauce, rice wine, cornstarch, and sugar in a bowl, and then add the sliced steak. I stir the steak until it is well coated with the marinade, cover the bowl, and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and tenderize it.

Stir-Frying Technique

When stir-frying the steak and onions, I use a wok or a large skillet over high heat. I add oil to the pan and let it heat up until it shimmers. Then, I add the sliced onions and stir-fry them until they are translucent and slightly browned. Next, I add the marinated steak and stir-fry it for a few minutes until it is browned on the outside but still pink on the inside. Finally, I add the sauce and stir-fry for another minute or two until the sauce thickens and coats the steak and onions.

Combining Ingredients

To make the sauce, I mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, cornstarch, sugar, and water in a bowl. I whisk the ingredients together until the cornstarch is dissolved and the sauce is smooth. Then, I set the sauce aside until I am ready to stir-fry the steak and onions.

Once the steak and onions are cooked, I pour the sauce over them and stir-fry for another minute or two until the sauce thickens and coats the steak and onions. I serve the Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions hot, garnished with chopped scallions and sesame seeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are required to make traditional Chinese pepper steak?

To make traditional Chinese pepper steak, you will need thinly sliced beef, green bell peppers, onions, soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, and vegetable oil. You can also add other vegetables such as carrots or mushrooms to your liking.

How can I prepare Chinese pepper steak in a slow cooker?

To prepare Chinese pepper steak in a slow cooker, you will need to brown the beef in a pan first, then transfer it to the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked to your liking.

What is the most suitable cut of beef for a tender pepper steak?

The most suitable cut of beef for a tender pepper steak is flank steak or sirloin steak. These cuts are lean and have a good texture that holds up well when cooked.

How do you create the sauce for Chinese pepper steak, especially with oyster sauce?

To create the sauce for Chinese pepper steak, you will need to mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and water. This mixture is then added to the pan with the beef and vegetables and cooked until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.

What are the nutritional values, such as calorie count, for a serving of Chinese pepper steak with onions?

The nutritional values for a serving of Chinese pepper steak with onions will vary depending on the ingredients used and the serving size. Generally, a serving of pepper steak with onions contains around 250-300 calories, 20-25 grams of protein, and 15-20 grams of fat.

Can Chinese pepper steak be served with rice, and if so, what are some preparation tips?

Yes, Chinese pepper steak can be served with rice. To prepare the rice, rinse it thoroughly in cold water and then add it to a pot with water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 18-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Serve the pepper steak over the rice for a delicious and satisfying meal.