Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Tender strips of beef, crisp bell peppers, and sweet onions are stir-fried in a savory garlic-soy sauce to create this restaurant-style Chinese Pepper Steak. It’s a quick and flavorful dinner that’s perfect served over steamed rice or noodles.

Ingredients

For the Beef

• 1½ pounds flank steak or sirloin, 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 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated

For the Sauce

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Garnish

• Sliced green onions
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

1. In a bowl, combine the sliced beef, soy sauce, cornstarch, and oil.
2. Toss well and let marinate for 15–20 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, beef broth, and cornstarch.
2. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Beef

1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat.
2. Add the beef in a single layer.
3. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned.
4. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

1. Add the remaining oil to the wok.
2. Stir-fry the bell peppers and onion for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
3. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Return the beef to the skillet.
2. Pour in the prepared sauce.
3. Stir continuously for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
2. Serve hot over steamed white rice, fried rice, or lo mein noodles.

Tips for the Best Pepper Steak

• Slice the beef very thinly for maximum tenderness.
• Use a hot wok to achieve restaurant-style searing.
• Don’t overcook the peppers; they should remain slightly crisp.
• Add sliced mushrooms or snow peas for extra vegetables.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4–6