Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a classic stir-fry dish known for its tender strips of beef, crisp bell peppers, and savory sauce. This quick and flavorful meal is perfect for busy weeknights and can be served over steamed rice or noodles for a complete dinner.

What Makes This Dish Special

The beauty of Pepper Steak lies in its simplicity. Tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and a rich soy-based sauce come together in just 20–30 minutes, delivering a restaurant-style dish at home. It balances savory, slightly sweet, and umami flavors, with a hint of garlic and ginger to enhance the aroma.

Ingredients

For the Beef and Vegetables:

1 pound (450 g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 large green bell pepper, sliced
1 large red bell pepper, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced

For the Sauce:

½ cup beef broth
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Optional garnishes: sliced green onions, sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Marinate the Beef

In a bowl, combine beef slices, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Mix well and let sit for 10–15 minutes. This ensures tender, flavorful beef and helps thicken the sauce.

2. Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Set aside.

3. Stir-Fry the Beef

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil and stir-fry the marinated beef for 2–3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.

4. Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Stir-fry garlic, ginger, onions, and bell peppers for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender.

5. Combine and Simmer

Return the beef to the skillet. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir in cornstarch-water mixture and cook for 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.

6. Serve

Serve hot over steamed white or brown rice. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Tips for Perfect Pepper Steak

Slice beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
High heat stir-frying keeps vegetables crisp and beef juicy.
Prep all ingredients first—stir-frying is quick, so everything should be ready to go.
Adjust sauce to taste with extra soy sauce, oyster sauce, or a touch of sugar.

Variations

Spicy Version: Add sliced fresh chili peppers or a dash of chili paste.
Vegetable Mix: Include snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms for more variety.
Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is quick, flavorful, and satisfying. With tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels like takeout but is homemade and wholesome.