Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a flavorful, quick, and easy stir-fry dish that brings the bold tastes of Chinese cuisine right to your kitchen.
Tender slices of marinated beef are seared to perfection, then tossed with crisp bell peppers, onions, and a rich, savory sauce.
This dish balances the umami depth of soy and oyster sauce with the subtle heat of black pepper and optional red pepper flakes.
Whether served over steamed rice or noodles, this restaurant-quality meal is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit your taste preferences!
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
1 pound beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Stir-Fry:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
For the Sauce:
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2
tablespoons water (slurry for thickening)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or more, to taste)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Preparation
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil.
Add the beef slices to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
Let sit for at least 15 minutes (up to 30 minutes for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), black pepper, and the cornstarch slurry.
Set aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
Add the onion and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, until slightly softened but still crisp.
Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Beef
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet.
Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked.
Add the garlic and ginger, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the beef.
Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together.
Stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables evenly.
Step 6: Serve
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds, if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights and ready in under 30 minutes.
Packed with Flavor: A savory sauce complements the tender beef and crisp vegetables.
Customizable: Add mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli for variety.
Pro Tips
Slice Thinly: Thin slices of beef cook quickly and remain tender.
For easier slicing, freeze the beef for 15–20 minutes before cutting.
High Heat: Stir-fry over high heat to ensure the vegetables stay crisp and the beef sears beautifully.
Prep Ahead: Have all ingredients chopped and ready before you start cooking to ensure smooth, quick stir-frying.
This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions delivers restaurant-quality flavor right at home, making it a go-to dish for any occasion
To store leftover Chinese Pepper Steak, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
When reheating, use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce from thickening too much.
If using a microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming.
Avoid overcooking to keep the beef tender and the vegetables crisp.
For a delicious twist on Chinese Pepper Steak, try adding mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli for extra texture and flavor.
If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add sliced chili peppers.
For a richer umami taste, a splash of rice vinegar or a teaspoon of fish sauce can enhance the sauce.
To ensure the best results, always slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness, and stir-fry over high heat to keep the vegetables crisp.
Prepping all ingredients ahead of time will make the cooking process smooth and efficient, giving you a perfect dish every time.
Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of protein, healthy fats, and fiber.
A typical serving (without rice or noodles) contains approximately 250–300 calories, with around 20–25 grams of protein, 10–15 grams of fat, and 10–12 grams of carbohydrates.
The dish is rich in vitamins and minerals from the bell peppers and onions, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.
To make it lower in sodium, you can use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the oyster sauce.
For a lower-carb version, serve it with cauliflower rice or steamed vegetables instead of regular rice.