Name: Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions & Peppers Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 ¼ lbs flank or sirloin steak, thinly sliced; 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced; 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced; 1/2 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 large onion, thick slices; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp ginger, optional; 2-3 tbsp vegetable oil; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tsp sesame oil; ¼ cup soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp hoisin sauce, optional; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp vinegar, apple cider; 2 tsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp water

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 22 reviews

If you’re searching for a bold, mouthwatering dish to conquer weeknight dinner or impress guests at a special gathering, look no further than this Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions & Peppers Recipe. It’s an irresistible medley of tender steak, vibrant bell peppers, and caramelized onions, all tossed in a glossy, savory sauce. This recipe embodies classic Chinese takeout flavors but is surprisingly simple to recreate at home. Get ready to fall in love with every colorful, flavor-packed bite!

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions & Peppers Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions & Peppers Recipe is there for a reason, building flavor, color, and texture in every bite. Don’t stress—the list is short, and most of it’s probably already in your kitchen!

Flank or Sirloin Steak (1 ¼ lbs, thinly sliced): Go for steak that’s marbled and tender; thin slicing ensures perfect searing and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Red, Green, and Yellow Bell Peppers (½ each, sliced): The trio delivers a rainbow of color and sweetness, plus a satisfying crunch.
Large Onion (thick slices): Onions add depth and a hint of sweetness that rounds out the savory elements of the dish.
Garlic Cloves (2, minced): Fresh garlic brings essential aromatic punch—no skimping!
Ginger (1 tbsp, optional): For extra zing and warmth, ginger is a classic in Chinese stir fries.
Vegetable Oil (2-3 tbsp): Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for that restaurant-style wok sear.
Soy Sauce (2 tbsp for marinade, ¼ cup for sauce): The foundation of delicious umami flavor in both marinade and sauce.
Oyster Sauce (1 tbsp for marinade, 1 tbsp for sauce): Adds luxurious depth and a touch of sweetness.
Cornstarch (1 tbsp for marinade, 2 tsp for sauce): Essential for tenderizing beef and thickening your glossy sauce.
Sesame Oil (1 tsp, marinade): A drizzle imparts unmistakable toasty, nutty aroma.
Hoisin Sauce (1 tbsp, optional for sauce): For extra richness and a touch of sweet-savory complexity.
Brown Sugar (1 tbsp, sauce): Balances the savory and enhances caramelization.
Apple Cider Vinegar (1 tbsp, sauce): Gives the sauce the perfect pop of tanginess.
Water (2 tbsp, sauce mix): Loosens the sauce so it coats every tender bite.

How to Make Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions & Peppers Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

Start by tossing your thinly sliced steak in the marinade made of soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Let the beef soak up all those savory flavors for at least 15-30 minutes. This step not only tenderizes the meat but infuses it with deep, irresistible umami—don’t rush it!

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Heat your wok or the deepest skillet you own until it’s blazing hot, then swirl in the oil. Sear your marinated steak in batches, letting each piece get those golden, caramelized edges. Removing the beef when browned keeps it juicy and prevents overcooking later. Trust your senses—the aroma is your cue!

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, and toss in the garlic, ginger, onions, and all three colors of bell peppers. Sauté for four to five minutes until they’re just tender-crisp. You want the vegetables to be vibrant and just a little softened, not mushy, for that perfect stir-fry texture.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Return the browned beef to the pan, then pour in the sauce mixture you whisked up (soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin, brown sugar, vinegar, cornstarch, and water). Stir everything together as the sauce thickens, glazing the steak and veggies in a glossy, savory coat in just one or two minutes. The kitchen will smell absolutely incredible—get your rice ready!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Spoon the Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions & Peppers Recipe over steamy, fluffy rice or your favorite grain. Serve immediately so every bite is sizzling hot and irresistible. Enjoy the meltingly tender steak against the sweet peppers and tangy sauce—it’s comfort food that never fails.

How to Serve Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions & Peppers Recipe

Garnishes

Finish your dish with a sprinkle of sliced scallions and a pinch of toasted sesame seeds. For a pop of heat, add thinly sliced fresh chilies or a pinch of crushed red pepper. These little touches elevate the look and amplify the flavors.

Side Dishes

This Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions & Peppers Recipe absolutely sings when paired with steaming jasmine rice, sticky rice, or even fried rice. Steamed broccoli, garlicky bok choy, or a simple cucumber salad add refreshing balance and complete the takeout-at-home experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your pepper steak in lettuce cups for an interactive, crunchy twist. For a party platter, arrange the colorful steak and veggies over a bed of rice on a large serving tray and garnish with loads of fresh cilantro and scallions—it’s a showstopper that invites everyone to dig in family-style!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers into airtight containers as soon as they’ve cooled to room temperature. The flavors actually get deeper overnight, making the next day’s lunch super delicious.

Freezing

If you have more than you can eat, this Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions & Peppers Recipe freezes well! Store cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Lay bags flat for easy stacking. Just keep in mind, bell peppers may soften a bit after thawing, but the bold flavor holds up beautifully.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce. You can microwave as well, but stir halfway to ensure even warming and prevent overcooked veggies or tough beef.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While flank and sirloin are classic, you can use skirt steak or even ribeye for extra richness. Just be sure to slice it very thinly across the grain for the best texture in your Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions & Peppers Recipe.

Do I need a wok?

No worries if you don’t have a wok—just use your largest, heaviest skillet. The key is getting it hot enough to sear the steak and vegetables quickly for that signature stir-fry texture.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the beef for extra-firm tofu or even strips of portobello mushrooms. Just adjust the marinade time (less for veggies), and skip the oyster sauce or use a vegetarian alternative in this Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions & Peppers Recipe.

Are the sauces necessary?

Each sauce (soy, oyster, hoisin) adds its own layer of flavor—if you omit one, the taste will change slightly, but the dish will still be tasty. Hoisin is optional, but highly recommended for the ultimate finish!

How spicy is this dish?

The standard Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions & Peppers Recipe isn’t spicy at all—it’s more about savory, sweet, and umami flavors. Spice things up with sliced fresh chilies, chili oil, or a dash of Sriracha if you’d like more heat.

Final Thoughts

This Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions & Peppers Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for leveling up your dinner routine without much fuss. Once you taste those juicy steak slices and sweet sautéed peppers, you’ll want to make it again and again. Don’t wait—grab your trusty skillet and treat yourself to homemade takeout magic tonight!