If you love bold flavors that come together in a sizzling, satisfying dish, you’re going to adore this Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe. It’s a beautiful harmony of tender sirloin steak, vibrant bell peppers, and sweet onions all coated in a savory, slightly tangy sauce that’s bursting with umami. Perfectly quick to whip up, it’s a timeless classic that brings restaurant-quality stir-fry right to your own kitchen. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, this recipe delivers that crave-worthy combination of tender steak and fresh veggies every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be simple, but each one plays an essential role in creating the flavors and textures that make this dish unforgettable. From the succulent sirloin steak to the punchy garlic and ginger, every element adds a necessary layer to the overall experience.
- 1 pound sirloin steak: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Adds depth and a touch of saltiness to the meat.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps to tenderize the steak and creates a silky sauce.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: The perfect neutral oil for stir-frying.
- 1 medium onion: Sliced thin to bring sweetness and slight crunch.
- 1 medium bell pepper: Adds color and fresh, crisp texture.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced for a fragrant, savory background note.
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger: Freshly grated to give a subtle zing and warmth.
- 1/4 cup beef broth: Creates a rich base for the flavorful sauce.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Intensifies the umami and rounds out flavors beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Provides a bright, tangy balance to the richness.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Sweetens and balances the savory components.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and peppery finish.
How to Make Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Steak and Marinade
Start by slicing that sirloin steak into thin strips, cutting against the grain to keep the meat tender. Toss these strips in a bowl with soy sauce, letting them soak up that savory goodness. Then sprinkle cornstarch over the steak, mixing to lightly coat each piece. This little step helps tenderize the meat and will give your sauce a glossy finish.
Step 2: Chop Aromatics and Vegetables
Peel and finely chop the garlic and grate the ginger – these two ingredients will give your dish its irresistible fragrance. Next, cut the onion in half, peel it, and slice it into thin strips, alongside the bell pepper after removing its seeds and stem. Having all these elements prepped and ready will keep your cooking smooth and speedy.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
Heat your skillet or wok over medium-high heat and swirl in that vegetable oil. When the pan is hot, add your marinated steak strips in a single layer and let them sear for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally so each piece browns beautifully. Once browned, transfer the steak to a plate and set it aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Using the same pan, add your sliced onion and bell pepper. Stir-fry them for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to soften but still retain a nice crunch. Then toss in the garlic and ginger, stirring for another minute to release all those fragrant flavors into the veggies.
Step 5: Build the Sauce and Combine
Pour the beef broth into the skillet and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add in oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and black pepper, stirring everything together until the sauce is well combined. Finally, return the cooked steak to the pan and toss all the ingredients together, cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes so the sauce thickens just right and coats the steak and veggies.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Now that your Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe is perfectly saucy and sizzling, it’s ready to be plated with a side of steamed rice or your favorite grains. Dig in while it’s hot! The combination of tender steak, sweet onions, and peppery sauce will have you going back for seconds.
How to Serve Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkling of freshly chopped green onions or some toasted sesame seeds on top to bring a fresh crunch and a little nutty aroma. A squeeze of lime or a few chili flakes can also give this dish that extra zing if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
This pepper steak pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice which soaks up all the rich sauce, or for a lighter touch, try it over cauliflower rice or alongside stir-fried greens like bok choy or snap peas. Simple sides help highlight the intense flavor of the pepper steak without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the pepper steak in lettuce wraps for a fun, fresh twist that’s perfect for sharing. You could also pile it atop freshly made noodles for a comforting, complete meal. The versatility of this recipe means you can tailor the presentation to fit any occasion or craving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The beef will stay tender, and the veggies will keep their texture, making it a great option for quick meals later in the week.
Freezing
If you want to make this dish ahead for busy days, freezing is also an option. Just cool the cooked pepper steak completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It keeps well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pepper steak gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring as it heats to prevent sticking or drying out. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can help loosen the sauce and refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! Although sirloin is ideal for its tenderness, you can use flank steak or ribeye. Just remember to slice thinly against the grain for the best texture.
What’s the best way to slice the vegetables?
Thin strips work best for both the onion and bell pepper. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly alongside the steak, keeping a nice crunch without overpowering the dish.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and check that your oyster sauce is also gluten-free to keep the flavors intact.
How spicy is this Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe?
It’s mild and peppery rather than spicy. If you want some heat, you can easily add chili flakes or fresh sliced chilies during the stir-frying stage.
Can I prepare any parts of this dish in advance?
Definitely! Marinate and slice the steak, chop your garlic, ginger, onions, and bell peppers ahead of time to reduce your cooking time when you’re ready to make the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe is a wonderful way to bring bold, vibrant flavors to your dinner table with minimal fuss. Its simplicity combined with delicious depth makes it a favorite to return to again and again. I can’t wait for you to try it and savor every mouthwatering bite!
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Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a flavorful stir-fry dish featuring tender sirloin steak strips cooked with crisp bell peppers and onions in a savory, slightly sweet sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and aromatic ginger and garlic. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it pairs wonderfully with steamed rice.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound sirloin steak
Marinade and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion
- 1 medium bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger (grated)
Other
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Slice the steak: Slice the sirloin steak into thin strips against the grain to ensure tenderness when cooked.
- Marinate the steak: Place the steak strips in a bowl, add soy sauce, and mix evenly to coat. Then sprinkle cornstarch over the steak and toss to combine, helping to tenderize and thicken the sauce later.
- Prepare aromatics: Peel and finely chop the garlic cloves. Peel and grate the ginger to release their flavors.
- Cut vegetables: Cut the onion in half, remove the outer skin, and slice into thin strips. Remove stem and seeds from the bell pepper and slice into thin strips as well.
- Heat the pan: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, then add vegetable oil and swirl to coat the bottom.
- Cook the steak: Add the steak strips in a single layer to the hot oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the steak begins to brown. Transfer the cooked steak to a plate and set aside.
- Stir-fry vegetables: In the same pan, add sliced onion and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add aromatics and cook: Add the garlic and grated ginger to the vegetables. Stir together and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the sauce: Pour beef broth into the pan and bring it to a simmer. Add oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and black pepper. Stir well to combine into a savory sauce.
- Combine steak and sauce: Return the cooked steak to the pan. Toss the steak and vegetables in the sauce, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats everything evenly.
- Serve: Serve the Chinese pepper steak hot alongside steamed rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- For the best texture, always slice steak against the grain.
- Adjust sugar in the sauce to taste for more or less sweetness.
- You can substitute sirloin with flank or skirt steak if preferred.
- Use a wok or a large skillet to allow even cooking and tossing of ingredients.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the steak tender and the vegetables crisp.
