Oh, friends—thank you so much for joining me today! 💛 This recipe is one of my absolute weeknight go-tos: quick, flavorful, and so satisfying. If you’re craving a restaurant-quality stir-fry right at home, this Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions will hit the spot every single time.
It’s got everything you love in a classic Chinese takeout dish—juicy slices of beef, crisp-tender bell peppers, sweet caramelized onions, and a glossy, savory sauce that clings to every bite. Served over steaming rice, it’s a little sizzle, a little spice, and a whole lot of delicious comfort.
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Why You’ll Love This Pepper Steak Recipe
This isn’t your average stir-fry—it’s rich, aromatic, and layered with flavor from soy, garlic, and just the right amount of peppery heat.
Reasons to Love It
- Fast & easy: On the table in about 30 minutes!
- Tender steak: The cornstarch marinade keeps the beef silky and juicy.
- Loaded with flavor: That sauce? Pure umami perfection.
- Customizable: Use any color of peppers or add mushrooms, broccoli, or snap peas.
What Does It Taste Like?
Each bite of this Chinese pepper steak bursts with savory-sweet flavor and just a hint of spice. The steak is melt-in-your-mouth tender, the onions add a touch of sweetness, and the peppers bring freshness and crunch. The sauce ties it all together—rich, glossy, and slightly tangy from a splash of rice vinegar.
It tastes just like your favorite takeout—but fresher, hotter, and made with love right from your kitchen. ❤️
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Steak Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the Stir-Fry
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (any color)
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
For the Sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
For Serving
- Steamed white rice or jasmine rice
Tools You’ll Need
- Wok or large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs or spatula
- Whisk
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
- Beef: Substitute with sirloin, ribeye, or even chicken or tofu.
- Veggies: Add snow peas, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra color and crunch.
- Spice level: Adjust red pepper flakes to taste, or omit for a milder version.
- Sauce: For a richer flavor, add 1 teaspoon sesame oil at the end.
How to Make Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
In a bowl, combine soy sauce, cornstarch, and vegetable oil. Add the flank steak slices and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes to tenderize and flavor the beef.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and black pepper. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the marinated steak in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Add onions and bell peppers, stir-frying for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked steak to the pan. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir to coat. Bring to a simmer.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Add the cornstarch slurry and stir for 1–2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, coating the beef and vegetables beautifully.
Step 7: Serve
Spoon the sizzling pepper steak over bowls of hot steamed rice, garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if you like, and dig in! 🍚🔥
What to Serve With Chinese Pepper Steak
Pair this flavorful stir-fry with:
- White or jasmine rice
- Fried rice or lo mein noodles
- Egg rolls or spring rolls
- Steamed broccoli or baby bok choy
Tips for Perfect Pepper Steak
- Slice beef thinly: Cut against the grain for the most tender texture.
- Hot wok = best sear: A sizzling pan ensures that golden caramelization.
- Don’t overcrowd: Cook the beef in batches if needed to prevent steaming.
- Adjust sauce thickness: Add more broth for a lighter sauce or more slurry for extra body.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through.
- Freeze: Store in freezer-safe bags up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
General Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: ~320 kcal per serving (without rice)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use another cut of beef?
Yes! Sirloin, skirt steak, or ribeye also work wonderfully.
Q: How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce.
Q: Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely—swap the beef for tofu or seitan and use vegetable broth.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
Yes, slice and marinate the beef ahead of time, and prep the sauce and veggies for quick cooking later.
Conclusion
And there you have it—Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions, a takeout favorite made even better at home! 🥢🔥 Juicy beef, colorful veggies, and a glossy, flavorful sauce come together for a dish that’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see it!
📸 Tag your photos on Pinterest or Instagram, and leave a comment below letting me know how it turned out!
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving, without rice)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
More Stir-Fry Favorites You’ll Love
- 🍜 Honey Garlic Chicken Stir-Fry – sweet, sticky, and quick!
- 🥢 Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry – classic and comforting.
- 🌶️ Spicy Garlic Shrimp Stir-Fry – fresh, fast, and full of flavor.
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