Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

This sizzling Chinese pepper steak with onions is a flavorful stir-fry featuring tender flank steak, crisp bell peppers, and onions in a rich, savory-sweet sauce. Served over steamed rice, it’s a restaurant-style meal you can make at home in just 35 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy weeknight dinner ready in under 40 minutes.

• Uses simple pantry staples for a bold, authentic flavor.

• Balanced with tender steak, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce.

• Customizable with your favorite vegetables or spice level.

• Perfect for serving with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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

• 1/2 cup beef broth

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• Cooked white rice or steamed rice, for serving

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, cornstarch, and vegetable oil. Add the sliced steak and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and black pepper. Set aside.

3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated steak in a single layer and cook 2–3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.

4. In the same skillet, add onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp. Add garlic and ginger; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Return steak to the skillet. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer.

6. Add the cornstarch slurry and cook 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the steak and vegetables.

7. Serve hot over steamed rice.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. Prep time is about 20 minutes, cook time is 15 minutes, for a total of 35 minutes.

Variations

• Add mushrooms, snow peas, or baby corn for extra veggies.

• Swap flank steak with sirloin, ribeye, or even chicken strips.

• For more heat, add extra red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chili.

• Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce saltiness.

• Serve over noodles instead of rice for a fun twist.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals. This dish is not ideal for freezing as the vegetables may lose texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, sirloin or ribeye are great alternatives to flank steak.

How do I slice the beef thinly?

Slice against the grain with a sharp knife, ideally while the beef is slightly chilled for easier cutting.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, substitute tofu or mushrooms for the beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

What’s the best oil to use for stir-frying?

Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work well due to their high smoke points.

How do I keep the vegetables crisp?

Cook them quickly over high heat and avoid over-stirring.

Is oyster sauce necessary?

It adds depth, but you can replace it with more soy sauce and a splash of Worcestershire sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the vegetables and sauce in advance, but cook the beef fresh for best texture.

How do I thicken the sauce more?

Add a little extra cornstarch slurry until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Can I serve this with something other than rice?

Yes, noodles, cauliflower rice, or quinoa make great bases.

How spicy is this dish?

It’s mild unless you add red pepper flakes or fresh chili for more heat.

Conclusion

Sizzling Chinese pepper steak with onions is a flavorful and satisfying stir-fry that brings takeout-style taste right to your kitchen. With tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a rich sauce, it’s a versatile dish that works for both weeknights and special meals. Pair it with rice or noodles for a complete and delicious dinner.

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