This Velveted Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a restaurant-style stir-fry that’s tender, flavorful, and full of color. The beef is “velveted” in a cornstarch and egg mixture, creating an ultra-tender texture, then quickly stir-fried with crisp bell peppers, onions, and a savory sauce. Sweet, salty, and slightly tangy, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner served over steamed rice or noodles.
2. Ingredients
For the beef:
-
1 lb (450 g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
-
1 large egg white
-
1 tablespoon cornstarch
-
1 teaspoon soy sauce
-
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
For the stir-fry:
-
1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
-
1 green bell pepper, sliced thin
-
1 large onion, sliced
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
2 tablespoons soy sauce
-
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or mushroom sauce for vegetarian option)
-
1 teaspoon sugar
-
¼ teaspoon black pepper
-
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for stir-frying
-
Optional: sliced green onions for garnish
3. Instructions
-
Velvet the beef:
In a bowl, combine beef slices with egg white, cornstarch, soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon oil. Mix well and let marinate for 10–15 minutes. This process will keep the beef tender when cooked. -
Prepare the sauce:
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Set aside. -
Cook the vegetables:
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add onions and bell peppers and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, until slightly tender but still crisp. Remove from pan and set aside. -
Cook the beef:
In the same pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Add the velveted beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Add garlic during the last 30 seconds of cooking. -
Combine and finish:
Return the vegetables to the pan with the beef. Pour the prepared sauce over the stir-fry and toss everything together for 1–2 minutes, until well coated and heated through. -
Serve:
Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with sliced green onions if desired.
4. Preparation Time
Total: 30 minutes
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
5. Serving
Serves 4 people
6. Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 280 kcal
Protein: 28 g
Fat: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Sugar: 5 g
7. Tips
-
Velveting: This technique ensures the beef stays tender; don’t skip the egg white and cornstarch step.
-
Vegetable choice: Bell peppers and onions work best, but you can add snap peas or mushrooms for variety.
-
High heat: Stir-fry over high heat for a quick cook that keeps vegetables crisp and beef juicy.
-
Sauce balance: Adjust soy sauce or sugar to taste for a sweeter or saltier flavor.
-
Serving suggestion: Serve with jasmine rice or garlic fried rice for an authentic experience.
8. Final Thought
This Velveted Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions delivers tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful, savory sauce that’s perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. The velveting technique creates a texture that feels restaurant-quality, making this dish a go-to for weeknight dinners or special family meals.
