Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe

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When life gets busy, there’s nothing quite like a comforting, quick-cooking meal to turn things around. Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is just that—a savory, restaurant-style dish packed with tender beef, crisp veggies, and a perfectly balanced sauce that feels like a hug on a plate. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes!

Whether you’re a long-time lover of Chinese cuisine or you’re craving an effortless weeknight dinner, this recipe is here to impress. Imagine juicy slices of beef mingling with vibrant bell peppers and sweet onions, all tied together with a glossy, soy-based sauce that’s just the right amount of savory and slightly sweet. Tempted yet? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Restaurant-Quality Flavors: Satisfy your takeout cravings with this homemade version that’s even better than delivery.
Balanced and Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant veggies for a meal that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.
Customizable: Swap ingredients, adjust spice levels, or add extras to make this dish your own.

What Does Chinese Pepper Steak Taste Like?

Each bite is a delightful medley of textures and flavors. The tender steak is savory and rich, while the bell peppers add a fresh crunch. Onions bring a touch of sweetness, and the garlic-ginger base creates a warm, aromatic undertone. The sauce, featuring soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a hint of sugar, brings a balanced umami depth with just a whisper of sweetness. When served over fluffy white rice, this dish is pure comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
2 bell peppers (green and red), sliced
1 large onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup water or beef broth
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
Cooked white rice (for serving)
Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

A large skillet or wok is essential for stir-frying everything to perfection.
A sharp knife helps easily slice the beef and veggies.
Mixing bowls are necessary for preparing the sauce and marinating ingredients.

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

No beef on hand? Substitute with chicken, pork, or tofu.
Make it spicy by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
Extra veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms make great additions.
Use reduced-sodium soy sauce for a low-sodium option and skip the added salt.

How to Make Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, water (or beef broth), sugar, and cornstarch until smooth. This will be the base of your stir-fry sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Steak

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced steak in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes until browned. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add garlic, ginger, sliced onions, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return the cooked steak to the skillet. Pour in the sauce mixture, stirring well to coat the beef and veggies evenly. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and cling to the ingredients.

Step 5: Add Final Touches

Sprinkle in the black pepper and drizzle with sesame oil (if using) for an extra layer of flavor. Stir everything together, and you’re ready to serve!

What to Serve with Chinese Pepper Steak

This stir-fry is traditionally served over steamed white rice, which soaks up the delicious sauce beautifully. If you’re looking to mix things up, try fried rice for an extra burst of flavor, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or rice noodles to switch up the texture.

Pair this dish with a side of egg rolls, spring rolls, or a light cucumber salad for a complete Chinese-inspired feast.

Tips for Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Slice Against the Grain: Cutting the beef this way ensures tender, melt-in-your-mouth pieces.
Prep Everything Ahead: Stir-fries cook quickly, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
Don’t Overcook the Veggies: Keep them slightly crisp for the best texture and flavor.
Double the Sauce: Love extra sauce? Double the sauce ingredients to have more for drizzling.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the steak tough.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use pre-cut stir-fry beef?
Absolutely! Pre-cut stir-fry beef saves time and works just as well in this recipe.

Is oyster sauce necessary?
While oyster sauce adds a signature depth, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a touch of honey.

Can I freeze this dish?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it without the vegetables, as they may become mushy upon reheating.

Final Thoughts: Why You Need to Try This Recipe

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a showstopper that’s simple, satisfying, and irresistibly flavorful. It brings the vibrant, comforting flavors of Chinese takeout straight to your table—without the wait or expense.

Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to experiment with your own twists! When you’re done, leave a review, snap a photo, and share your masterpiece on Pinterest. I can’t wait to see your creations!

Love This Recipe? Try These Next

Black Pepper Chicken Recipe
Beef and Broccoli with Garlic Sauce
Vegetable Lo Mein

Enjoy cooking and happy eating! 😊

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 25g | Carbs: 15g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 2g

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