Name: Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow onion, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1/2 cup beef broth or water; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon sesame oil or vegetable oil (for stir-frying)

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Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a classic stir-fry dish that brings together tender strips of beef, crisp bell peppers, and sweet onions in a rich, savory sauce. It’s a flavorful meal that feels like it came straight out of a Chinese takeout box—except I made it fresh in my own kitchen. The deep soy-based sauce clings perfectly to the steak and vegetables, delivering bold umami flavors in every bite. Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how fast and easy this dish comes together, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. The beef is seared to perfection, locking in all the juices, and the veggies stay vibrant and slightly crisp, adding great texture. It’s one of those meals I can count on when I want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it pairs perfectly with rice or noodles, which means I can adapt it depending on what I have on hand.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
Green bell pepper, sliced
Red bell pepper, sliced
Yellow onion, sliced
Garlic, minced
Soy sauce
Oyster sauce
Cornstarch
Beef broth or water
Brown sugar
Ground black pepper
Sesame oil or vegetable oil for stir-frying

Directions

I start by slicing the beef thinly across the grain and tossing it with a bit of cornstarch. This helps tenderize the meat and gives it that silky texture once cooked.
I heat a wok or large skillet over high heat, add oil, and sear the beef in batches until browned. Then I remove it from the pan and set it aside.
In the same pan, I stir-fry the onions, bell peppers, and garlic until just tender, keeping them slightly crisp.
I mix together the sauce ingredients—soy sauce, oyster sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, and pepper—and pour it into the pan with the vegetables.
I return the beef to the pan and toss everything together until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the steak and veggies.
I serve it hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people and takes about 25 minutes total: 10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes to cook. It’s ideal for a quick dinner that still delivers bold flavors.

Variations

Sometimes I swap out the beef for chicken or tofu when I want something a little lighter. I’ve also added mushrooms or snap peas for extra veggies and crunch. If I want it spicier, I throw in some sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili garlic sauce.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I usually toss it back in a hot skillet with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. It can also be microwaved, but I prefer the skillet to keep the texture just right.

FAQs

How do I make the steak tender?

I slice the beef thinly against the grain and coat it with cornstarch before cooking. This helps lock in moisture and keeps the meat tender.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

I can prep the ingredients and sauce in advance, but I recommend cooking it fresh to maintain the texture of the vegetables and beef.

What cut of beef is best?

I prefer flank steak or sirloin because they’re flavorful and tender when sliced thin and cooked quickly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It’s not by default because of the soy sauce and oyster sauce. I use gluten-free versions of both to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

What should I serve with Chinese pepper steak?

I usually serve it with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried noodles. It also pairs well with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Conclusion

Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is one of those dishes I turn to when I want something fast, flavorful, and satisfying. The tender steak, crisp veggies, and bold sauce make it a go-to favorite in my kitchen. Whether it’s a cozy night in or a last-minute dinner idea, this recipe always delivers.