Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions – Bold, Savory & Irresistible!

When it comes to quick, flavorful, and satisfying meals, few dishes can compete with a sizzling plate of Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions. This dish features tender beef strips, crisp bell peppers, and savory onions, all stir-fried in a rich, umami-packed sauce. It’s a takeout favorite that you can easily recreate at home in under 30 minutes!

Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests, this pepper steak recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort. The combination of soy sauce, hoisin, and oyster sauce creates a deep, savory taste, while the fresh veggies add color, crunch, and natural sweetness. Serve it over a steaming bowl of rice or noodles, and enjoy the bold, sizzling flavors!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
• Incredibly Flavorful – A bold, savory sauce with hints of sweetness and spice.
• Perfect Texture – Tender beef, crisp-tender peppers, and soft onions.
• Versatile – Serve it over rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own.
• Customizable – Adjust the spice level and add your favorite veggies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef:

• 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• ½ cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

How to Make Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

In a bowl, mix sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper. Let it marinate for 10 minutes. This step helps tenderize the beef and enhances the flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, and cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water). Set aside—this will be your rich, flavorful stir-fry sauce.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the marinated beef and sear for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies

In the same pan, add garlic and ginger, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add onions and bell peppers, stir-frying for 2 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

Step 5: Combine & Simmer

Return the cooked beef to the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce, tossing everything together. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and veggies.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy this sizzling, flavorful dish!

Helpful Tips for the Best Pepper Steak

• Use Flank Steak for Tender Meat – Flank steak is lean but becomes incredibly tender when sliced thinly and stir-fried.
• Slice Against the Grain – Cutting the beef against the grain ensures a more tender bite.
• Cook Over High Heat – Stir-frying at high heat gives the beef a delicious sear and keeps the veggies crisp.
• Add More Veggies – Try adding mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn for extra texture and flavor.
• Want More Heat? – Increase the red pepper flakes or add a splash of chili oil for extra spice!

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stir-Fry
• Cuisine: Chinese
• Diet: Halal-Friendly

Notes

• Slice Beef Thinly – Cutting the beef against the grain makes it more tender.
• Marinate for Extra Flavor – Even a short 10-minute marinade helps tenderize the beef.
• Use High Heat – Stir-frying at high heat gives the best sear and keeps veggies crisp.
• Customize the Veggies – Add mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn for variety.
• Adjust the Spice – Increase red pepper flakes or add chili oil for extra heat.
• Thicken the Sauce – If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for an extra minute.
• Storage Tip – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Different Meat?

Yes! You can use chicken, shrimp, or tofu as a substitute for beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How Do I Make It Gluten-Free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and replace hoisin sauce with a gluten-free alternative.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Yes! Marinate the beef and prep the sauce in advance for a faster meal. Leftovers reheat well in a pan over medium heat.

What Can I Serve with This Dish?

This dish pairs perfectly with steamed white rice, brown rice, fried rice, or lo mein noodles.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

Reheat in a pan over medium heat for best results. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

Freezing:

Freeze cooked pepper steak in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions, try these other delicious stir-fry recipes:

• Crockpot Pepper Steak Recipe
• Slow Cooker Pepper Steak: A Comforting Classic
• Beijing Beef– Crispy, Sweet, and Spicy Perfection

Conclusion

This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is the perfect balance of bold flavors, tender beef, and crisp veggies. It’s quick, easy, and tastes just like your favorite takeout—but even better because it’s homemade!

With a savory, slightly sweet sauce and fresh stir-fried vegetables, this dish is a guaranteed family favorite. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home!

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