Description
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!
Ingredients
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)
Instructions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy this sizzling, flavorful dish!
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.