Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe

If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and vibrant colors, look no further than Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions. This classic stir-fry perfectly marries tender, marinated slices of steak with crunchy bell peppers and sweet onions, all enveloped in a savory sauce that hits every note from salty to slightly sweet with a peppery kick. Whether you are cooking a weeknight dinner or impressing friends with an Asian-inspired feast, this recipe is a dependable crowd-pleaser that’s quick to prepare and irresistibly delicious.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right for Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is key to capturing its authentic taste and dynamic texture. Each component plays an essential role, from the marinade that tenderizes the steak to the fresh veggies that add color and crunch.

• Flank steak or sirloin (1 lb / 450g): Thinly sliced against the grain for maximum tenderness in every bite.
• Soy sauce (5 tablespoons total): Provides that unmistakable umami depth in both the marinade and sauce.
• Rice wine or dry sherry (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle acidity to balance flavors and tenderize the meat.
• Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): Helps create a silky texture in the marinade and sauce.
• Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Offers a fragrant, nutty aroma to the steak marinade.
• Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): For stir-frying ingredients quickly over high heat.
• Large onion (1, thinly sliced): Adds sweetness and crunch that complements the tender beef.
• Green and red bell peppers (1 each, thinly sliced): Bring vibrant color and fresh, crisp texture.
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with savory aroma.
• Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, minced): Adds warmth and subtle spice to brighten the flavors.
• Oyster sauce (2 tablespoons): Contributes rich, slightly sweet complexity to the sauce.
• Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Enhances sweetness and depth in the final stir-fry.
• Sugar (1 teaspoon): Balances the savory elements with a touch of sweetness.
• Black pepper (½ teaspoon, freshly ground): Provides the characteristic peppery punch.
• Beef or chicken broth (¼ cup): Creates a luscious sauce that coats every morsel perfectly.

How to Make Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

First, let’s get that steak soaking up all the good stuff. Combine the thin slices of flank steak with soy sauce, rice wine, cornstarch, and sesame oil in a bowl. Give it a good mix so every piece is coated. This marinating step, at least 15 to 20 minutes, is what tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor that will stand out after a quick sear.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

While the steak is marinating, blend together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, black pepper, and broth. This sweet-and-savory mixture is going to bring all the ingredients together in the final step, so make sure it is well combined and ready to go.

Step 3: Cook the Steak

Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat to get it smoking hot. Add the marinated steak and stir-fry until it is just browned but not fully cooked through, about two to three minutes. Removing it early ensures the beef stays juicy and doesn’t overcook when combined with the veggies later. Set the steak aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, pour in the remaining oil and toss in the sliced onions, green and red bell peppers, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry these aromatics until they’re tender-crisp, usually three to four minutes. The veggies should retain some crunch, providing a perfect balance to the tender steak.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the steak to the pan along with the sauce mixture. Stir everything together and cook for another two to three minutes until the steak is cooked through and the sauce thickens slightly, beautifully coating the meat and vegetables. This final touch creates that signature glossy, flavorful dish that Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is famous for.

How to Serve Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Garnishes

To elevate your Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or a few toasted sesame seeds on top right before serving. This adds a vibrant pop of color and a fresh bite that complements the dish’s rich flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

This dish shines when paired with steamed white rice or fragrant fried rice, allowing the sauce to soak into the grains beautifully. You could also serve it alongside simple stir-fried greens or a crisp Asian slaw to add more texture and freshness to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a modern twist, try serving your Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions in lettuce cups for a handheld appetizer or light lunch. Another fun idea is to use it as a filling in warm bao buns or tacos, offering a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that will surprise and delight your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked dish for up to two months. Cool it completely before packing it tightly into freezer-safe containers or bags, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the steak’s tenderness and avoid drying out the vegetables. Adding a splash of broth or water can help rehydrate the sauce and keep everything from sticking to the pan.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

Yes, sirloin or ribeye thinly sliced against the grain works beautifully as well. The key is choosing a tender cut and slicing it very thin to ensure quick cooking and tenderness.

What if I don’t have oyster or hoisin sauce?

While these sauces bring authentic flavor, you can substitute with a mix of soy sauce and a bit of honey or molasses for sweetness. However, the taste will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I make the steak extra tender?

Marinating the meat with cornstarch, soy sauce, and sesame oil helps tenderize it. Also, avoid overcooking by stir-frying the steak quickly over high heat and not letting it sit too long in the pan.

Can this dish be made vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the steak for firm tofu or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead. The same sauce and vegetables will work wonderfully to keep that vibrant flavor.

Is this recipe spicy?

This version isn’t overly spicy, focusing on the warmth of black pepper rather than heat. You can always add chili flakes or fresh chilis to kick up the spice if desired.

Final Thoughts

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a delightful dish that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. It’s hearty, colorful, and packed with the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and peppery notes that keep you coming back for more. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite weekday dinner!