If you’re craving a fast, vibrant dinner that satisfies every time, you need to try Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions. This dish is a star at the dinner table, with tender strips of beef, bell peppers bursting in color and sweetness, and onions that mellow into melt-in-your-mouth bites, all coated in a savory, umami-rich sauce. Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions comes together in just 30 minutes, blending classic flavors and textures that remind me of my favorite takeout, but so much fresher and more satisfying from your own kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is that each simple ingredient has a clear role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. Here’s what to gather, and how each lets the final stir-fry shine.
- Flank steak: Thinly sliced against the grain for maximum tenderness and that signature “chew” everyone loves.
- Soy sauce: Adds salty savoriness and forms the marinade base for depth of flavor throughout the steak.
- Oyster sauce: Brings a touch of sweetness and complex umami that takes the sauce to new heights.
- Hoisin sauce: Offers a hint of richness and subtle sweetness for body in the stir-fry sauce.
- Cornstarch: Helps the marinade cling to the steak and works as a magical thickener for a glossy, delicious sauce.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for stir-frying since it holds up under high heat and lets the other flavors shine.
- Green bell pepper: Adds a slight bitterness and gorgeous, bright color—plus crunch!
- Red bell pepper: Lends natural sweetness and even more vibrant color for visual appeal.
- Yellow onion: Sweetens as it cooks, adding depth and a slight caramelized edge.
- Garlic: Minced fresh for that unmistakable aromatic lift.
- Fresh ginger: Grated for zingy, warming spice that brightens every bite.
- Low-sodium beef broth: Balances the sauces and ensures the sauce has that perfect, silky consistency.
- Sesame oil: Just a drizzle at the end delivers nutty fragrance and an authentic taste.
- Salt and black pepper: Adjusted to your taste—don’t forget, the sauces already bring lots of savory seasoning!
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional): For a pop of freshness and a little crunch as garnish.
How to Make Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
Start by tossing your thinly sliced flank steak with soy sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of black pepper in a medium bowl. This quick 10 to 15 minute marinade tenderizes the beef, infuses it with flavor, and lets the cornstarch work its magic for that irresistibly silky finish once it hits the pan.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated steak in a single layer—don’t overcrowd! Sear each side for just 1 to 2 minutes until nicely browned. Remove the steak and set it aside. This high-heat, short sear keeps the beef juicy and caramelized on the outside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Veggies
With the steak out, add your remaining oil to the pan. Toss in those sliced bell peppers and onion, and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes. You want them just tender-crisp, so they keep their bite and gorgeous color. Next, add the garlic and ginger, letting them sizzle for about 30 seconds—it’ll smell amazing!
Step 4: Finish the Dish
Return the seared steak to the skillet. Pour in the oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and beef broth, stirring quickly so everything gets coated and the sauce begins to bubble and thicken. This step pulls all those bold flavors together and makes Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions truly crave-worthy. Just before serving, drizzle over the sesame oil—trust me, this tiny step is a game changer!
How to Serve Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Garnishes
When serving Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions, a sprinkle of sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top adds both bright flavor and a nice little crunch. Not only does it make the dish look restaurant-worthy, but the garnishes also add freshness and a touch of earthiness with every forkful.
Side Dishes
This classic stir-fry begs to be served over steaming bowls of fluffy white rice, where every grain soaks up that glossy, savory sauce. You could also spoon your pepper steak over noodles for a fun change, or even tuck it into lettuce wraps for a lighter option. Steamed broccoli or simple sautéed snow peas on the side round out the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For weeknight dinner magic, let family members build their own bowls, layering rice, pepper steak, and extra veggies as they like. If you’re hosting, platter the Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions over jasmine rice in a large serving bowl and scatter with plenty of green onions and sesame seeds for a festive, shareable centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions in an airtight container in the fridge. It tastes just as delicious the next day and makes a brilliant packed lunch or quick dinner. Try to enjoy it within 3 days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions! Cool the finished dish completely, then pack it into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for an easy, flavorful meal in minutes.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the pepper steak gently in a skillet or wok over medium heat until piping hot. Add a splash of water or beef broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Microwaving works too, but stirring halfway through helps everything heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak is classic for its tenderness and flavor, you can also use sirloin or even flat iron steak. Just be sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for the best possible texture.
Is it possible to make Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Swap the regular soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin for certified gluten-free versions, which are now widely available in most grocery stores. The results are just as delicious and satisfying.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Sliced mushrooms, snap peas, carrots, or baby corn are all wonderful additions to the mix. Just keep the overall ratio balanced so the flavors of the beef and peppers still shine through.
What if I don’t have a wok?
No worries at all. A large, heavy skillet works beautifully for Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions. The main idea is to stir-fry over high heat so you get a great sear without overcrowding the pan.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like a kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or drizzle a little chili oil over the finished dish. Fresh sliced chilies work too for a brighter spice!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a convincing reason to skip takeout and cook at home, Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is it! With bold flavor, speedy prep, and the little thrill of sizzling up a restaurant favorite yourself, this recipe is a weeknight winner. Give it a try—you just might find it joins your permanent dinner rotation!
Print
Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions recipe is a savory and flavorful dish that’s quick and easy to make. Tender slices of flank steak are stir-fried with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a delicious sauce, creating a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Serve this classic Chinese dish over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Steak:
- 1 pound flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Vegetables:
- 1 large green bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 large yellow onion (sliced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish (Optional):
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak: In a medium bowl, toss the sliced steak with soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper. Marinate for 10–15 minutes.
- Sear the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over high heat. Sear the steak for 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables: Add remaining oil to the skillet. Stir-fry bell peppers and onion for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender. Add garlic and ginger, cook for 30 seconds.
- Combine: Return steak to the pan. Add oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and beef broth. Cook until sauce thickens.
- Finish: Drizzle with sesame oil. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Serve over steamed white rice or noodles.
- For extra spice, add crushed red pepper flakes or chili oil.
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