Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe

Introduction

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a quick and flavorful stir-fry featuring tender slices of beef, crisp bell peppers, and a savory sauce. This dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 bell peppers (green and red), sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water or beef broth
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
• Cooked white rice (for serving)
• Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, water or beef broth, sugar, and cornstarch. Set this sauce mixture aside.
2. Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced steak and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until browned. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, minced ginger, sliced onions, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
4. Step 4: Return the cooked steak to the skillet and pour in the prepared sauce mixture. Stir well to combine, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the meat and vegetables evenly.
5. Step 5: Add the black pepper and sesame oil, if using, to enhance the flavor. Cook for another 2 minutes until everything is well incorporated and heated through.
6. Step 6: Serve the pepper steak hot over cooked white rice and garnish with sliced green onions if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a more tender steak, marinate the sliced beef in a little soy sauce and cornstarch for 15 minutes before cooking.
• Try different colored bell peppers or add some sliced mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or fresh chili slices during the vegetable stir-fry step.
• Use beef broth instead of water for a richer sauce.

Storage

Store leftover pepper steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid microwaving to keep the steak tender.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

Yes, other tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye work well. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain to keep the meat tender.

Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives to make this recipe gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 95 reviews

• Author: Victor
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A classic Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions recipe featuring tender slices of flank steak stir-fried with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a savory soy-based sauce. This quick and flavorful dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner and is best served over steamed white rice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain

Vegetables & Aromatics

• 2 bell peppers (green and red), sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

Sauce & Seasonings

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water or beef broth
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)

Oils

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Serving

• Cooked white rice (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, water (or beef broth), sugar, and cornstarch. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and set aside.
2. Cook Steak: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced steak and cook for 2–3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside to prevent overcooking.
3. Stir-Fry Vegetables: Using the same skillet, add minced garlic, ginger, sliced onions, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender yet retain their crispness.
4. Combine Steak and Sauce: Return the steak to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the steak and vegetables. Stir continuously to combine well, allowing the sauce to thicken and evenly coat the ingredients.
5. Season and Finish: Add black pepper and optional sesame oil to the skillet, stirring to blend the flavors. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to ensure everything is heated through and flavors meld.
6. Serve: Serve the pepper steak hot over cooked white rice. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired for a fresh finish.

Notes

• For best results, slice the steak thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
• You can substitute beef broth for water to add extra depth to the sauce.
• Adjust the amount of black pepper to your preferred spice level.
• Optional sesame oil adds a nutty aroma—use sparingly for best flavor balance.
• Cook vegetables until just tender to maintain a nice crunch in the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Chinese

Keywords: Chinese Pepper Steak, Stir-Fry Beef, Pepper Steak with Onions, Easy Chinese Dinner, Beef Stir-Fry, Flank Steak Recipe