This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a flavorful stir-fry bursting with tender beef, crisp bell peppers, and a rich, savory sauce that perfectly complements steamed rice or noodles. It’s a restaurant-style dish that comes together quickly at home, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a delicious family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it delivers all the bold, authentic Chinese-style flavors you crave with simple, everyday ingredients. The tender slices of steak are perfectly seared, the vegetables stay crisp, and the glossy sauce ties everything together beautifully. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, versatile, and healthier than takeout.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Steak

• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon oil (for marinating)

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• ½ cup beef broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Veggies & Aromatics

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
• 1 medium onion, cut into wedges
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

Garnish

• Sesame seeds
• Green onions, sliced

Directions

1. Marinate the Steak
   In a bowl, combine the sliced flank steak with soy sauce, cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon of oil. Mix well and let it marinate for 15–20 minutes to tenderize the meat and enhance the flavor.
2. Prepare the Sauce
   In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, beef broth, brown sugar, and black pepper until well combined. Set aside.
3. Stir-Fry the Beef
   Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the marinated beef in batches and stir-fry until browned on both sides but not fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
4. Cook the Vegetables
   In the same pan, add garlic, ginger, onions, and both bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until the vegetables are fragrant and slightly tender but still crisp.
5. Combine Everything
   Return the beef to the pan with the vegetables. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef and vegetables evenly.
6. Serve
   Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Pepper Steak: Add 1–2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Vegetable Boost: Include broccoli florets, snow peas, or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce.
• Low-Sodium Version: Opt for reduced-sodium soy sauce and skip the brown sugar.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave it for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through. If the sauce thickens too much, add a tablespoon of water or broth when reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use sirloin, ribeye, or skirt steak—just slice it thinly against the grain.

2. What can I substitute for oyster sauce?

You can use a mixture of soy sauce and a bit of sugar, or vegetarian oyster sauce made from mushrooms.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, substitute tofu or seitan for the beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

4. How do I prevent the beef from becoming tough?

Slice the beef thinly against the grain and avoid overcooking it during stir-frying.

5. What’s the best oil for stir-frying?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil works well because of their high smoke points.

6. Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Absolutely. You can make the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge until ready to use.

7. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and add it at the end of cooking.

8. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, cool the stir-fry completely and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

9. What side dishes go well with pepper steak?

Steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles are excellent pairings.

10. Can I use frozen bell peppers?

Yes, but use them straight from the freezer and cook briefly to prevent them from becoming soggy.

Conclusion

Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a vibrant and satisfying dish that brings together juicy steak, colorful vegetables, and a deeply flavorful sauce. Quick to make and absolutely delicious, it’s the perfect recipe for an easy weeknight meal that tastes like your favorite Chinese restaurant dish—right from your own kitchen.

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