Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe

If you’ve ever found yourself craving that perfect balance of tender beef, crunchy bell peppers, and vibrant onions all tossed in a luscious, savory sauce, then this Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is going to become your new go-to recipe. This dish captures that wonderful harmony of flavors and textures, where the juicy, thinly sliced steak meets crisp veggies, enhanced by a rich combination of soy, oyster sauce, and just the right hint of ginger and garlic. It’s straightforward to make but delivers restaurant-quality taste right at your kitchen table, making it a fantastic weeknight dinner or a special treat whenever the craving strikes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keeping things simple yet impactful, the ingredients here are carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture that bring this Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions to life. Each element plays a vital role, from the tender steak to the crunchy vegetables, contributing to a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain: Slicing against the grain ensures each bite is tender and easy to chew.
• 2 bell peppers (green and red), sliced: These add crunch, sweetness, and beautiful color contrast to the dish.
• 1 large onion, sliced: Onions bring a natural sweetness and depth when cooked just right.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with a fragrant warmth that deepens the flavor.
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced: Ginger provides a bright, slightly spicy note that complements the beef perfectly.
• 1/4 cup soy sauce: The salty backbone that balances all the ingredients together.
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Adds richness and umami to elevate every bite.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Essential for thickening the sauce and giving it that desirable glossy finish.
• 1/4 cup water or beef broth: Helps create the sauce consistency and intensifies the meaty flavor when using broth.
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For stir-frying and achieving those slight caramelized edges on the beef and veggies.
• 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the salty and savory notes with a touch of sweetness.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and peppery kick that defines this dish.
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional): Gives a fragrant, nutty finish that’s a subtle game-changer.
• Cooked white rice (for serving): The perfect neutral partner to soak up all the sauce’s deliciousness.
• Sliced green onions for garnish (optional): Adds fresh color and a gentle oniony crunch at the end.

How to Make Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Start by combining your soy sauce, oyster sauce, water or beef broth, sugar, and cornstarch in a small bowl. This mixture will act as the flavorful glue binding your steak and vegetables together, thickening beautifully as it cooks. Setting this aside means it’s ready to go when you need it later, keeping your cooking flow smooth and seamless.

Step 2: Cook the Steak

Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, then add the thinly sliced steak. Sear it for just 2 to 3 minutes until it’s nicely browned but still juicy inside. Removing the steak from the skillet now helps prevent overcooking, allowing you to focus on the veggies next without rushing.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same skillet, toss in your minced garlic and ginger alongside the sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until the vegetables start to soften but still maintain that satisfying crunch. This quick cooking preserves both the flavor and bright color the peppers and onions bring to the dish.

Step 4: Combine and Finish Cooking

Return the steak to the skillet with your vegetables, then pour in the prepared sauce mixture. Stir everything together so the sauce can thicken and coat the ingredients evenly. At this stage, sprinkle in the black pepper and drizzle the sesame oil if using, cooking for another 2 minutes to let all those flavors meld gloriously.

How to Serve Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Garnishes

Enhance your plate by sprinkling sliced green onions on top just before serving. These little green bursts add freshness and a mild onion flavor that perfectly complements the savory richness of the dish. A light sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds would also be delightful if you want an extra textural element.

Side Dishes

Serve your Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions over a bed of fluffy white rice to catch every bit of that incredible sauce. For more variety, steamed jasmine rice or even fried rice would work beautifully. Alternatively, pairing this with simple stir-fried greens like bok choy or broccoli adds a nutritious and vibrant touch to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, you can plate the stir-fry on a sizzling hot plate to impress your guests or family, keeping it warm longer while adding a gentle sizzle for effect. You could also stuff the steak and veggie mixture into warm steamed buns or wrap it in lettuce leaves for a fresh, handheld option that’s both fun and delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen after sitting overnight, making your next meal just as enjoyable. Consume within 3 days for the best taste and texture.

Freezing

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions freezes well and makes for quick future meals. Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for even reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the dish gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently to warm evenly and prevent drying out. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce during reheating, ensuring each bite stays moist and flavorful.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions?

Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin gives a great balance of tenderness and flavor, you can use other cuts like ribeye or skirt steak. Just make sure to slice thinly against the grain to keep the meat tender.

Is it necessary to use oyster sauce?

Oyster sauce adds wonderful depth and umami, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with hoisin sauce or a bit more soy sauce mixed with a touch of sugar. The taste will slightly differ but still be delicious.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the steak with firm tofu, seitan, or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The flavorful sauce and sautéed veggies will still shine brilliantly.

How do I achieve crisp but not soggy bell peppers in this dish?

Quick cooking over high heat helps keep the peppers crisp-tender. Make sure to stir-fry them only for a few minutes and avoid overcrowding the pan to allow proper searing.

What’s the best way to slice the steak for this recipe?

Slice the steak thinly against the grain, which means cutting perpendicular to the lines of muscle fibers. This technique breaks up the muscle fibers and results in more tender bites every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about mastering a dish like Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions that feels both approachable and impressive. It’s one of those recipes that delivers on comfort and flavor without fuss, so I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try. Whether it becomes a quick weeknight favorite or an impressive dish for friends, this combination of tender beef, crisp veggies, and bold sauce will win you over bite after bite.

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