Here’s a simple recipe for Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions that you can try. It’s a flavorful dish featuring tender beef, savory sauce, and a wonderful balance of peppery heat. Here’s how to prepare it:
Ingredients:
• Beef Steak (about 1 pound) – Flank steak, sirloin, or any tender cut of your choice
• 1 large onion, sliced thinly
• 1 bell pepper, sliced (optional for extra flavor)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup water
• Sizzling plate (optional, for the authentic “sizzling” experience)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Steak
1. Slice the beef: Cut the steak into thin strips, against the grain, for tender bites. Aim for about 1/4-inch thick slices.
2. Marinate: In a bowl, add the sliced beef along with soy sauce, a pinch of white pepper, and a little cornstarch (if using). Mix well to coat and let it marinate for about 20 minutes. This helps to tenderize the meat.
Step 2: Stir-Frying the Vegetables
1. Heat oil in a pan: Add the vegetable oil to a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, toss in the sliced onions and bell pepper (if using). Stir-fry until they begin to soften, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and stir-fry for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Cooking the Beef
1. Cook the beef: Push the onions and garlic to the side of the pan. Add the marinated beef strips to the pan. Stir-fry the beef until it’s just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the sauces: Add the oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and a bit of brown sugar. Stir well to combine and coat the beef and vegetables in the sauce.
3. Add broth and seasonings: Pour in the beef broth and water. Stir and let the sauce simmer for 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Final seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust with more soy sauce or pepper to suit your flavor preferences.
Step 4: Sizzling Effect (Optional)
If you have a sizzling plate:
1. Prepare the sizzling plate: Heat a cast-iron plate on high heat until it’s very hot. Pour a little oil onto the plate to prevent sticking.
2. Serve: Once the plate is sizzling hot, transfer the cooked beef and vegetables onto the plate. The sizzling sound adds an extra touch of excitement to the dish.
Step 5: Serving
• Serve your sizzling Chinese pepper steak with onions hot, ideally with a side of steamed rice or noodles.
Tips:
• Beef cuts: While flank steak or sirloin works best for stir-fries, any tender beef cut can be used. You want thin slices for the best texture.
• Spice level: Adjust the white and black pepper to suit your heat preference. You can add more if you like it spicy.
• Sizzling plate: If you don’t have a sizzling plate, simply serve the dish in a regular plate, and it will still be delicious.
This recipe makes for a savory, satisfying meal with the perfect combination of peppery heat and sweetness from the hoisin sauce. Enjoy your sizzling Chinese pepper steak!