Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a beloved dish that perfectly balances savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. Tender strips of beef are tossed with crisp bell peppers and onions, then coated in a glossy, flavorful sauce infused with garlic, ginger, and classic Chinese condiments.
This stir-fry is quick, colorful, and deeply satisfying — the perfect meal for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles, and you’ll have a dish that rivals your favorite takeout spot.
Ingredients
To make this flavorful Chinese pepper steak, you’ll need:
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin beef, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 bell peppers (one green and one red), sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
- ½ cup water
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooked white rice or noodles, for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef
Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sugar. Add the sliced beef, toss to coat, and let it marinate for 15–20 minutes. This helps the meat absorb all those rich, savory flavors.
2. Prep the Vegetables
While the beef marinates, slice the onion and bell peppers into even strips. Mince the garlic and ginger. Uniform cutting ensures everything cooks evenly in the wok.
3. Make the Cornstarch Slurry
In a small bowl, dissolve 1 tablespoon cornstarch in ½ cup water and set aside. This will be your secret weapon for a silky, thick sauce later on.
4. Stir-Fry the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef in batches. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, until browned on all sides.
Remove the beef from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
5. Cook the Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same pan. Toss in the onions, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger.
Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp and aromatic.
6. Combine and Thicken the Sauce
Return the beef to the pan with the vegetables. Stir well to combine.
Pour in the cornstarch slurry and mix continuously until the sauce begins to bubble and thicken, coating everything evenly.
Taste and adjust with a little salt or pepper if needed. You’re looking for that perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and tangy.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, spooning extra sauce on top. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a beautiful finish.
Tips for Success
- Use the right cut: Flank steak or sirloin works best — both are lean, flavorful, and tender when sliced thinly.
- Marinate for depth: Even a quick 15-minute soak adds tremendous flavor. For richer taste, marinate up to 1 hour.
- Avoid overcrowding: Cook the beef in batches so it sears rather than steams.
- Don’t overcook the veggies: They should stay crisp and colorful, adding contrast to the tender beef.
- For a spicier version: Add a few sliced chilies or a teaspoon of chili paste.
- Make it gluten-free: Substitute gluten-free soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce.
- Want extra sweetness? A touch of honey or brown sugar gives the sauce a lovely caramelized flavor.
Flavor Variations
- Mushroom Pepper Steak: Add sliced mushrooms for an umami boost.
- Ginger-Lover’s Version: Double the ginger for a more aromatic punch.
- Vegetable Upgrade: Toss in carrots, broccoli florets, or snow peas for added crunch and color.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat:
Warm gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Freeze:
Freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Final Thoughts
Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is the perfect harmony of flavor and texture — tender beef, crisp veggies, and a glossy, savory sauce that clings to every bite.
It’s a dish that proves homemade Chinese food can be every bit as satisfying as takeout — if not better.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this stir-fry brings bold flavor and comforting warmth to the table.
Serve it hot over rice, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
