Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
Introduction
Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a flavorful stir-fry that combines tender beef with crisp bell peppers and savory sauce. This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. Serve it over white rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 bell peppers (green and red), sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Cooked white rice (for serving)
- Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, water (or broth), sugar, and cornstarch. Set the sauce mixture aside.
- Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced steak and cook for 2–3 minutes until browned. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add the garlic, ginger, sliced onions, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Step 4: Return the steak to the skillet and pour in the sauce mixture. Stir well to combine, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the meat and vegetables.
- Step 5: Add black pepper and sesame oil (if using) for extra flavor. Cook for another 2 minutes until everything is well incorporated.
- Step 6: Serve hot over cooked white rice and garnish with sliced green onions if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For more heat, add a sliced chili or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during the stir-fry step.
- Use different colored bell peppers or add snap peas for extra crunch and color.
- Marinate the steak in half of the soy sauce mixture for 15 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Swap oyster sauce for hoisin sauce for a sweeter variation.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking to keep the vegetables crisp.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, sirloin or ribeye can also work well. Just slice thinly against the grain for tenderness.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this dish?
You can substitute the beef with firm tofu or sliced mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
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Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions recipe featuring tender strips of flank steak stir-fried with crisp bell peppers and onions in a savory sauce made from soy, oyster sauce, and aromatic garlic and ginger. Perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness and peppery spice, this dish is quick to prepare and ideal for serving over steamed white rice.
Ingredients
Beef and Vegetables
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 bell peppers (green and red), sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Other
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Cooked white rice (for serving)
- Sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, water or beef broth, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir well to dissolve the cornstarch and set the mixture aside to use later.
- Cook the steak: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced flank steak and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the meat is browned on all sides. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add minced garlic, minced ginger, sliced onions, and bell peppers. Stir-fry the vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes until they are slightly tender but still maintain a crisp texture.
- Combine steak and sauce: Return the cooked steak to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and stir thoroughly to combine. Allow the sauce to thicken, coating the meat and vegetables evenly.
- Season and finish: Add black pepper and sesame oil, if using, and stir well to incorporate the flavors. Continue cooking everything together for another 2 minutes to ensure the steak is cooked through and all ingredients are nicely mingled.
- Serve: Serve the pepper steak hot over cooked white rice. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired for a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- Slice the steak thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- If preferred, you can substitute beef broth with water for the sauce.
- For more heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the stir-fry.
- Adjust cooking time of vegetables based on your preferred level of crispness.
- Sesame oil is optional but adds a lovely nutty aroma to the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Keywords: Chinese pepper steak, pepper steak with onions, stir-fry beef recipe, easy Chinese dinner, beef and peppers stir-fry

