Bring the sizzling flavor of your favorite Chinese restaurant straight to your kitchen with this Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions! Tender strips of beef are seared to perfection and tossed in a rich, savory sauce with bell peppers and onions. It’s a quick and satisfying stir-fry that’s perfect for busy weeknights yet special enough to impress your family and friends.
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🥢 What Is Chinese Pepper Steak?
Chinese Pepper Steak is a classic stir-fry dish that originated from Cantonese cuisine and became a beloved favorite in Chinese-American cooking. The dish features thinly sliced beef, bell peppers, and onions tossed in a flavorful soy-based sauce. The result is tender meat, crisp-tender veggies, and a mouthwatering glossy glaze that’s perfect over steamed rice or noodles.
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🧂 Ingredients
For the steak marinade:
1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, for tenderizing)
For the stir-fry:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or sesame oil for extra flavor)
1 large onion, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
For the sauce:
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey)
½ teaspoon black pepper (or more for spicier flavor)
Optional: ½ teaspoon chili flakes or Szechuan pepper for heat
🔪 Instructions
1. Marinate the beef:
In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, cornstarch, oil, and vinegar. Add the sliced beef and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for 15–30 minutes while preparing the vegetables and sauce.
2. Make the sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch slurry, and black pepper. Set aside.
3. Cook the beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned but not fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Stir-fry the vegetables:
Add another tablespoon of oil to the pan. Add onions, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for about 3–4 minutes, until crisp-tender and fragrant.
5. Combine everything:
Return the beef to the pan. Pour the sauce over everything and stir well. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables beautifully.
6. Serve hot and sizzling:
Remove from heat, sprinkle with a little extra black pepper, and serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice or noodles.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Classic: Serve with white rice, fried rice, or chow mein noodles.
Low-carb option: Pair with cauliflower rice or sautéed broccoli.
Garnish: Top with green onions or sesame seeds for added crunch and aroma.
💡 Tips for Perfect Pepper Steak
Slice thinly: Freeze the beef for 15 minutes before cutting to get thin, even slices.
High heat: Use a hot wok or skillet to achieve that authentic “sizzle” and caramelization.
Don’t overcook: Beef should stay tender; cook just until it’s no longer pink.
Adjust flavor: Add more soy for saltiness, more sugar for sweetness, or chili flakes for spice.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions – A Takeout Classic Made Easy at Home! 🥩🌶️🍜
