If you’re craving bold, savory flavors with tender beef and crisp vegetables, Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is the perfect dish to satisfy! This classic takeout favorite is easy to make at home and packed with umami goodness. Juicy strips of steak are stir-fried with a medley of vibrant bell peppers and onions, coated in a rich, garlicky soy-based sauce that is both sweet and salty. Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish is guaranteed to shine on the table.
Easy Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is the ultimate comfort food. The beef is seared to perfection, giving it that tender texture with a slight caramelization. Sweet, crunchy bell peppers and onions add a fresh, crisp contrast to the dish. The sauce, made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of sugar, ties it all together with a glossy, flavorful finish.
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be served over fluffy steamed rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. The sizzling aroma of the stir-fry alone will have everyone’s mouth watering!
Why Our Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Is the Best
Our Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is not just delicious—it’s restaurant-quality right at home. With tender beef, perfectly cooked vegetables, and a flavorful homemade sauce, this dish is fresh, easy, and budget-friendly!
Ingredients Notes for Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Each ingredient in our Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions plays a vital role in creating its bold, savory flavor.
For the Marinade and Beef:
- 1 lb flank steak (or sirloin): Thinly sliced against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds saltiness and umami flavor to the beef.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps tenderize the beef and creates a glossy coating.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty, aromatic flavor to the marinade.
For the Stir-Fry Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: The base of the sauce for a salty, umami flavor.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds richness and depth of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Balances the saltiness with a slight tang.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon freshly grated ginger: For warmth and subtle spice.
- 2 garlic cloves (minced): Adds a punch of flavor to the dish.
- ½ cup beef broth: Provides moisture and enhances the beefy flavor of the sauce.
For the Vegetables:
- 1 medium green bell pepper (sliced): Brings a fresh, earthy flavor.
- 1 medium red bell pepper (sliced): Adds sweetness and a pop of color.
- 1 medium yellow onion (sliced): Gives a savory, caramelized depth to the dish.
Optional Garnish:
- Sliced green onions: Adds freshness and a mild onion flavor.
- Sesame seeds: For texture and nuttiness.
Kitchen Tools Needed for Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
- Sharp knife (for slicing the beef and vegetables)
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Wok or large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
How to Make Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Get ready for a sizzling, flavor-packed stir-fry! Follow these steps to make your Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions.
1. Marinate the Beef
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 lb thinly sliced flank steak, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Toss until the beef is evenly coated and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, ½ teaspoon grated ginger, 2 minced garlic cloves, and ½ cup beef broth. Set aside.
3. Prep the Vegetables
Slice 1 green bell pepper, 1 red bell pepper, and 1 yellow onion into thin strips. Keep them ready for the stir-fry.
4. Sear the Beef
Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of oil (vegetable or sesame) and swirl to coat the pan. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
5. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in the sliced bell peppers and onions, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
6. Combine Everything
Return the beef to the pan and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables evenly.
7. Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete, satisfying meal.
How to Store Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the steak and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of water or beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge.
If you want to freeze the dish, allow it to cool completely and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions Variations
- Spicy Pepper Steak: Add a sliced chili or ½ teaspoon of chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Mushroom Pepper Steak: Add sliced mushrooms to the stir-fry for extra flavor and heartiness.
- Low-Sodium Version: Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip the oyster sauce for a lighter dish.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the beef with firm tofu or seitan for a plant-based option.
Get creative with the vegetables and spices to customize the dish to your liking!
What to Serve with Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The perfect neutral base to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Fried Rice: For a more indulgent option, serve the pepper steak with classic fried rice.
- Stir-Fried Noodles: Toss the steak and vegetables with noodles for a satisfying noodle dish.
- Asian Slaw: A crisp, tangy slaw pairs beautifully with the savory steak.
For a special touch, serve with a side of dumplings or spring rolls to create a complete Asian-inspired meal!
Top Tips for Perfect Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
- Slice the beef thinly: Thin slices cook quickly and stay tender. For easier slicing, partially freeze the beef for 15-20 minutes before cutting.
- Cook on high heat: Stir-frying at high heat ensures the beef sears quickly and the vegetables stay crisp.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the beef in batches if needed to avoid steaming instead of searing.
- Use fresh vegetables: Crisp, fresh bell peppers and onions make a big difference in the flavor and texture.
- Thicken the sauce: If your sauce doesn’t thicken enough, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce.
Helpful Notes
- Marinating the beef longer (30 minutes to 1 hour) makes it even more tender and flavorful.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the sauce on high heat for a minute or two.
- Add a drizzle of sesame oil at the end for extra flavor and aroma.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Ken Hom: Always preheat your wok or skillet before adding ingredients for a true stir-fry experience.
- Jet Tila: For restaurant-style beef, use flank or sirloin steak and slice it thinly against the grain.
- Ming Tsai: Balance the flavors by tasting the sauce as you go—adjust the soy sauce, sugar, or vinegar to your liking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the best cut of beef for Pepper Steak?
Flank steak or sirloin are the best options. They’re tender, flavorful, and cook quickly.
2. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, but fresh vegetables give a better texture and flavor. If using frozen, stir-fry them quickly to avoid sogginess.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and slice the beef and vegetables ahead of time. Store everything in the fridge until ready to cook.
4. How do I keep the beef tender?
Marinate the beef with soy sauce and cornstarch, and don’t overcook it. Searing the beef quickly at high heat helps retain its tenderness.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook the beef and vegetables in batches to maintain the high heat needed for stir-frying.
This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that brings all the flavor of your favorite Chinese restaurant into your home kitchen. Happy cooking!
Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade:
- – 1 pound flank steak or sirloin steak thinly sliced against the grain
- – 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- – 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- – 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
For the Stir-Fry:
- – 2 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
- – 1 medium onion sliced
- – 1 red bell pepper sliced
- – 1 green bell pepper sliced
- – 3 cloves garlic minced
For the Sauce:
- – 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- – 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- – 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- – 1 teaspoon sugar
- – 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- – 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and vegetable oil. Mix well and let it marinate for 10–15 minutes while preparing the vegetables.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes on each side, or until browned and cooked through.
- Combine: Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the beef. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve: Serve the sizzling pepper steak with steamed white or brown rice. Enjoy hot!
Notes
- For extra tenderness, use flank steak and slice it thinly against the grain.
- Adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce to your taste by adding more sugar or soy sauce.
- For added heat, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers during the stir-fry.
