Sizzling Beef with Green Peppercorns and Caramelised Onions

Sizzling Beef with Green Peppercorns and Caramelized Onions

Sizzling Beef with Green Peppercorns and Caramelized Onions is a flavorful, aromatic dish that brings together tender beef, the spicy bite of green peppercorns, and the sweetness of caramelized onions. This dish is often served sizzling hot on a cast iron skillet or wok, making it a perfect show-stopping meal. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

  • For the beef:
    • 1 lb (450g) beef (sirloin, flank, or ribeye), thinly sliced
    • 2 tbsp soy sauce
    • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
    • 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for tenderizing)
    • 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
    • 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
  • For the caramelized onions:
    • 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
    • 1 tbsp butter
    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • 1 tsp sugar
    • Pinch of salt
  • For the green peppercorn sauce:
    • 1 tbsp green peppercorns (in brine, drained) or freshly cracked black peppercorns
    • 1 tbsp soy sauce
    • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
    • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
    • 1 tbsp rice vinegar or balsamic vinegar
    • 1/4 cup beef or chicken broth
    • 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
    • 1 tsp ginger, minced (optional for extra flavor)
    • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (to thicken the sauce)

Instructions:

  1. Marinate the beef:
    • In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
  2. Caramelize the onions:
    • In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions, sprinkle with sugar and a pinch of salt, and cook slowly, stirring occasionally. This process will take about 15-20 minutes until the onions are golden brown and sweet. Once caramelized, set them aside.
  3. Prepare the green peppercorn sauce:
    • In the same skillet or wok, add a bit of oil if necessary. Sauté the minced garlic and ginger (if using) until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
    • Add the green peppercorns (or cracked black pepper), soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), and vinegar. Stir in the broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
    • Thicken the sauce by stirring in the cornstarch mixture. Allow it to cook for a minute or two until the sauce thickens slightly. Set the sauce aside.
  4. Stir-fry the beef:
    • Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, stir-fry the marinated beef in batches (to avoid overcrowding the pan) for 2-3 minutes until it’s browned and just cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
  5. Combine and sizzle:
    • Return the caramelized onions to the skillet along with the beef. Pour the green peppercorn sauce over everything and toss to coat evenly. Let everything simmer together for 1-2 minutes.
    • If you have a cast iron skillet, you can transfer the mixture to it and heat the skillet until it sizzles for a dramatic presentation.
  6. Serve:
    • Serve the sizzling beef with green peppercorns and caramelized onions over steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or alongside stir-fried vegetables.

This dish has a beautiful balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors and works well as the centerpiece for an Asian-inspired meal. Let me know if you’d like suggestions for side dishes or additional tips!