Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a flavorful stir-fry dish that combines tender marinated beef with crisp bell peppers and onions in a savory sauce. This dish is a staple in Chinese cuisine, known for its bold flavors and satisfying textures. The key to achieving the perfect pepper steak lies in slicing the beef thinly, marinating it for tenderness, and stir-frying it at high heat to lock in the flavors.
This recipe is quick and easy, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal that’s bursting with Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water for slurry)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef
- In a bowl, toss the sliced steak with soy sauce, cornstarch, rice vinegar, oyster sauce, sugar, and sesame oil.
- Let it rest for 15–20 minutes to enhance tenderness and flavor.
- Prepare the Vegetables
- Slice the onion and bell pepper into thin strips.
- Mince the garlic and ginger for aromatic depth.
- Heat the Skillet
- Warm 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering hot.
- Sear the Steak
- Lay the marinated steak in a single layer.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until nicely browned.
- Remove and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet.
- Stir-fry the onion and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Toss in garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until aromatic.
- Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix beef broth, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch slurry.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet and bring to a boil.
- Combine & Finish
- Return the seared steak to the skillet.
- Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with green onions and serve hot over steamed rice.
Tips & Variations
- Extra Heat: Add red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers for a spicy kick.
- Rich Flavor: Use dark soy sauce for a deeper umami taste.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute beef with tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based version.
- Make-Ahead: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Final Thoughts
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that brings restaurant-quality stir-fry to your home kitchen. Whether you’re craving bold flavors or looking for an easy meal, this recipe delivers on taste and texture. Try different variations to make it uniquely yours!
You can find more details here.