Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion: Quick and Flavorful Stir-Fry

If you’re craving a classic Chinese takeout dish you can make at home, look no further than Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion. This dish features tender strips of beef stir-fried with crisp bell peppers, onions, and a savory soy-based sauce. It’s flavorful, satisfying, and comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.

Unlike takeout, this homemade version lets you control the seasoning, use fresh vegetables, and get a perfectly tender steak every time. The key is thinly slicing the beef, high heat stir-frying, and a balanced sauce that’s slightly salty, slightly sweet, and rich in umami.

Ingredients

This recipe serves 3–4 people.

For the Beef and Marinade:

1 lb (450 g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Stir-Fry:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, sliced into thin wedges
1 large green bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
1 large red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced

For the Sauce:

3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon sugar
¼ cup beef or chicken broth (or water)
1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water to make a slurry)

Optional Garnish:

Sliced green onions
Toasted sesame seeds
Steamed rice or noodles, for serving

Equipment Needed

Large skillet or wok
Mixing bowls
Whisk or fork
Knife and cutting board
Measuring spoons and cups

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Thinly slice the beef against the grain for maximum tenderness.
In a mixing bowl, combine the beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, vegetable oil, and black pepper.
Mix well and let marinate for at least 10 minutes. For deeper flavor, marinate for up to 30 minutes.

The cornstarch in the marinade helps tenderize the beef and gives it a slightly glossy texture when cooked.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and broth.
Set aside. You’ll add this sauce to the stir-fry later.

Tip: Adjust sugar or soy sauce to taste—some prefer a sweeter or saltier sauce.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly until just browned.
Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan—stir-fry in batches if needed. High heat ensures the beef remains tender and not stewed.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet.
Stir-fry the sliced onions for 2 minutes, until they start to soften.
Add the bell peppers, garlic, and ginger. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the peppers are tender-crisp.

Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add a pinch of salt or a splash of soy sauce while cooking the vegetables.

Step 5: Combine Beef and Sauce

Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables.
Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables.
Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
Add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce slightly. Stir for 1–2 minutes until the sauce coats the beef and vegetables.

The result should be a shiny, savory sauce that clings to every piece of beef and vegetable.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer the pepper steak and onion stir-fry to a serving dish.
Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Serve immediately with steamed white rice, fried rice, or noodles.

Tip: For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or sautéed vegetables.

Variations and Tips

Protein Swap: Use chicken, pork, or tofu instead of beef.
Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, snow peas, or broccoli for variety.
Spicy Version: Add 1–2 sliced fresh chilies or ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes.
Marinating Tip: For even more tender beef, add 1 teaspoon rice wine or vinegar to the marinade.
Leftovers: Keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain tenderness.

Why This Chinese Pepper Steak Works

Tender Beef: Thin slicing and a simple marinade ensure each bite is soft and flavorful.
Balanced Flavor: Sweet, savory, and slightly nutty from the sesame oil—classic Chinese flavors at home.
Quick and Easy: From prep to plate in under 30 minutes.
Customizable: Adjust veggies, heat, or sauce to your taste.

Final Thoughts

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion is the ultimate homemade stir-fry—easy, flavorful, and satisfying. With tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a glossy, savory sauce, it brings the best of takeout to your kitchen. Pair it with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal, and don’t forget to sprinkle fresh green onions or sesame seeds on top for that finishing touch.