Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe

Introduction

This Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a quick and flavorful stir-fry that brings tender slices of beef together with crisp bell peppers and onions. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes and pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice.

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 2–3 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 sliced bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3–4 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 black pepper and sesame oil if using, stirring to distribute the flavors. 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. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For more tenderness, marinate the beef slices in a little soy sauce and cornstarch for 15 minutes before cooking.
• Feel free to substitute bell peppers with other crisp vegetables like snap peas or broccoli for variation.
• Add a splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of chili flakes for extra tang or heat.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.

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 to keep the beef tender and the vegetables crisp. Avoid overcooking during reheating to prevent the steak from becoming tough.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, sirloin or flank steak works best because they are tender and cook quickly. Avoid tougher cuts unless thinly sliced and marinated well.

What can I serve with Chinese Pepper Steak?

This dish pairs perfectly with steamed white rice, but you can also serve it with fried rice, noodles, or even quinoa for a different twist.

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 679 reviews

This Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a quick and flavorful stir-fry dish made with tender flank steak, vibrant bell peppers, and onions, all tossed in a savory soy-oyster sauce. Perfectly balanced with garlic, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil, it makes a satisfying weeknight meal when served over steamed white rice.

• Author: Tara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stir-Frying
• Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 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

Sauce and Seasoning

• 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)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

To Serve

• Cooked white rice
• Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, water or beef broth, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and set the mixture aside.
2. Cook the Steak: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced steak and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic, fresh ginger, sliced onions, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still retain a crisp texture.
4. Combine Meat and Sauce: Return the cooked steak to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the meat and vegetables. Stir well to combine, allowing the sauce to thicken and evenly coat all ingredients.
5. Final Seasoning and Serve: Add black pepper and sesame oil if using, and stir to distribute the flavors evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to ensure the steak is cooked through and the flavors meld. Serve hot over cooked white rice and garnish with sliced green onions if desired.

Notes

• For best results, slice the steak thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
• You can substitute beef broth with water for a lighter sauce.
• Sesame oil adds a nutty aroma but can be omitted if unavailable.
• Adjust the amount of black pepper and sugar to taste for desired heat and sweetness.
• Use a wok or large skillet to achieve even cooking during stir-frying.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp texture of the vegetables.

Keywords: Chinese Pepper Steak, Stir-Fry Beef, Pepper Steak with Onions, Quick Chinese Dinner, Beef and Bell Pepper Stir-Fry