There’s something undeniably comforting about a sizzling plate of Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions. The rich aroma of seared beef, the sweet caramelization of onions, and that irresistible blend of savory soy sauce and fragrant spices—it’s pure magic. If you’re a fan of takeout-style meals but love the satisfaction of cooking at home, trust me, this recipe is about to become a staple in your kitchen. The best part? It’s easy, fast, and packed with bold flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: This dish can be served over rice, noodles, or even wrapped in lettuce for a low-carb option. You can switch up the veggies or tweak the spice level to match your taste buds.
Budget-Friendly: Simple, affordable ingredients come together to create a dish that tastes gourmet without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner plans.
Customizable: Swap out the beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Add extra veggies or adjust the sauce to your liking—this dish is all about making it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Here’s the magic of this dish it’s made with simple ingredients, but the result is a restaurant-quality meal packed with flavor. Let’s break it down:
Beef Strips: The star of the dish. Choose a tender cut like sirloin or flank steak, sliced thinly for quick cooking.
Bell Peppers: Adds a pop of color and a mild sweetness that complements the savory sauce. Use a mix of red and green for a vibrant dish.
Onions: Sweet and slightly crunchy, they balance the bold flavors perfectly.
Garlic and Ginger: These two aromatics infuse the dish with authentic Chinese flavor.
Soy Sauce: The umami-rich base of the sauce that brings everything together.
Oyster Sauce: Adds depth and a touch of sweetness, making the sauce irresistibly good.
Cornstarch: Helps tenderize the beef and thickens the sauce to coat every bite perfectly.
Sesame Oil: A small drizzle enhances the dish with nutty richness.
Black Pepper: The key ingredient that gives this dish its signature kick.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Prepare the Beef: Toss the beef strips with cornstarch, soy sauce, and a bit of oil. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes while you prep the other ingredients. This helps lock in moisture and keep the beef tender.
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add a little oil, then toss in the garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the pan in a single layer. Let it sear for a minute before stirring. Cook until browned and slightly crispy on the edges. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Veggies: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in the onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they’re slightly softened but still have a bit of crunch.
Combine Everything: Return the beef to the pan. Pour in the sauce mixture (soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and a splash of water). Stir well and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything beautifully.
Final Touches: Drizzle with sesame oil, give it one last toss, and remove from heat. Let it rest for a minute before serving.
Serve and Enjoy: Spoon over a bed of steamed rice or noodles, garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions, and enjoy every flavorful bite.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve over fluffy white rice or fried rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
- Pair with stir-fried noodles for a takeout-style experience.
- Add a side of steamed broccoli or bok choy for extra veggies.
- Wrap in lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb alternative.
Additional Tips
- Slice the beef against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Use high heat and cook the beef in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure a nice sear.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch—it helps thicken the sauce and keeps the beef juicy.
- Adjust the spice level by adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
- Leftovers? Store in an airtight container and reheat in a pan over medium heat for best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken instead of beef? Yes! Swap the beef for thinly sliced chicken breast or thigh meat.
What’s the best cut of beef for this recipe? Flank steak or sirloin works best because they stay tender and flavorful when cooked quickly.
Can I make this dish vegetarian? Absolutely! Replace the beef with tofu or mushrooms for a delicious plant-based version.
How can I make the sauce thicker? If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it to the pan in the final minutes of cooking.
Is this dish spicy? It has a mild kick from the black pepper, but you can make it spicier by adding chili flakes or hot sauce.
What can I substitute for oyster sauce? Hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a touch of sugar can work as an alternative.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can prep everything in advance and cook it fresh when ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers? Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Can I freeze this dish? It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to a month. Reheat gently in a pan.
What side dishes pair well with this meal? Steamed rice, fried rice, lo mein, or even a simple cucumber salad are great choices.
Conclusion
This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is the perfect balance of bold flavors, tender meat, and crisp veggies—all coated in a savory, peppery sauce. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to satisfy any craving for takeout-style food at home. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this dish is always a winner. So grab your wok, fire up the stove, and let’s get cooking!
Print
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This classic Chinese Pepper Steak is packed with tender beef, crisp bell peppers, and savory onions in a rich, flavorful sauce. Quick and easy, it’s perfect for a weeknight stir-fry that pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
For the Steak Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, sliced thinly against the grain
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup (60ml) soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper.
- Add the sliced steak and coat evenly. Let it marinate for 15-30 minutes.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add onions and bell peppers, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
- Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil to the pan.
- Sear the marinated steak in batches for 1-2 minutes per side until browned.
- Add garlic and ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Sauce & Combine
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and beef broth.
- Pour the sauce into the pan and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the cornstarch slurry, cooking until the sauce thickens.
- Return the peppers and onions to the pan, tossing everything together.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
- Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions if desired.
Notes
- For extra tenderness, marinate the steak with ½ tsp baking soda in the first step.
- Spicy kick? Add ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes or 1 tsp Sriracha.
- Low-carb version: Serve with cauliflower rice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg