When a craving for Chinese takeout strikes, this Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is exactly what you need. Tender slices of beef, colorful crisp-tender peppers, sweet onions, and a rich garlic-ginger sauce come together in one sizzling skillet for a dinner that’s fresh, flavorful, and ready in about 30 minutes.
It’s quick enough for busy weeknights yet impressive enough to serve when friends come over. The sauce is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy—just like your favorite restaurant version, but with wholesome, fresh ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & flavorful – Ready in less time than it takes for delivery.
- Customizable – Use your favorite stir-fry vegetables.
- Better than takeout – Fresh, preservative-free, and bursting with flavor.
- Family-friendly – Picky eaters love the tender beef and sweet peppers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pepper Steak
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced (across the grain for tenderness)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (tenderizes meat and thickens sauce)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (marinade flavor base)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil (nutty aroma and stir-fry base)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
For the Stir-Fry Sauce
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ¼ cup water
Optional Garnish
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Beef
In a medium bowl, toss beef with cornstarch and 2 tbsp soy sauce. Let marinate for 15 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
2. Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and water. Set aside.
3. Sear the Beef
Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Spread beef in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
4. Cook the Vegetables
Add remaining sesame oil to the pan. Stir-fry onion, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.
5. Combine & Simmer
Return beef to the pan. Pour in the sauce, stirring to coat everything evenly. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and turns glossy.
6. Garnish & Serve
Top with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Pro Tips for Success
- Slice beef thinly against the grain – This makes it more tender.
- Use a very hot pan – A quick sear keeps the beef juicy.
- Don’t overcrowd – Work in batches if necessary for the best browning.
- Add spice – A drizzle of chili oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes adds heat.
Serving Suggestions
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
- Garlic noodles or lo mein
- Egg rolls or spring rolls
- Crisp Asian cucumber salad
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled pepper steak for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a restaurant-quality stir-fry you can make at home in just 30 minutes. With tender beef, colorful peppers, and a sauce that’s sweet, savory, and garlicky, it’s bound to become a staple in your weeknight rotation.
Skip the takeout menu—once you taste this, you’ll want to make it yourself every time.
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