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Instructions:
1. Prepare the Beef:
To ensure the beef cooks quickly and evenly, it’s important to slice it thinly against the grain. This will help the meat remain tender and juicy. After slicing, place the beef in a bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. This marinade helps to tenderize the beef and gives it that signature stir-fry texture.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Add 1/2 cup of water or beef broth to the mixture, and stir until everything is well combined and the cornstarch has dissolved. Set the sauce aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onion and bell peppers to the pan. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger (if using), and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.
4. Cook the Beef:
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Add the marinated beef to the pan in a single layer, and let it sear for about 1-2 minutes on each side until browned. Since the beef is sliced thinly, it cooks quickly. Be careful not to overcook it—tender, juicy beef is the key to this dish!
5. Combine and Simmer:
Once the beef is cooked, return the vegetables to the pan. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables, and stir everything together to coat evenly. Bring the mixture to a simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and everything to heat through.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the sauce has thickened and the beef is coated in a glossy, flavorful glaze, remove from heat. Serve the Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion over steamed rice or noodles, and garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Thinly slice the beef: Cutting the beef into thin slices against the grain ensures it cooks quickly and remains tender. Freezing the steak for 30 minutes before slicing can make it easier to get thin slices.
- Don’t overcook the beef: Since the beef is sliced thin, it cooks very quickly. Overcooking it can make it tough. Once it’s browned, it’s done!
- Customize the veggies: You can easily customize the vegetables to your liking. Try adding mushrooms, baby corn, or snap peas for extra crunch and flavor.
- Adjust the sauce sweetness: Depending on your taste, you can adjust the sugar in the sauce to make it sweeter or more savory. Adding a bit of chili paste can also give the dish a spicy kick.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Deliciously Balanced Flavors: The soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce come together for a savory, umami-packed sauce that pairs perfectly with the beef and vegetables.
- Easy to Make: Despite the incredible flavor, this dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights when you want a homemade meal without the fuss.
- Better Than Takeout: You get all the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout without the extra calories and cost. Plus, you can adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences!
Conclusion:
Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion is a flavorful, hearty, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for dinner any night of the week. The tender beef, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce come together in a mouthwatering stir-fry that’s bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re craving takeout or just looking for a quick meal, this recipe is sure to hit the spot!
Give it a try next time you want to bring the flavors of Chinese cuisine right into your kitchen—you won’t be disappointed!
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