Chinese Pepper Steak With Onion Recipe

This Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion is a classic stir-fry that combines tender slices of beef with colorful bell peppers and onions in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, served over rice or noodles.

Ingredients

For the Beef Marinade:

• 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or sesame oil)
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

1. In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
2. Toss to coat the beef evenly and let it marinate for 15-20 minutes while you prep the vegetables.

Step 2: Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and bell peppers and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes, until they are tender but still crisp.
3. Add the garlic and ginger to the pan, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

1. In the same skillet, add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through.
2. Add the prepared stir-fry sauce to the beef, stirring to coat evenly.
3. Add the vegetables back into the pan and stir everything together.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

1. Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more soy sauce or red pepper flakes if needed.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

1. Serve the Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion over steamed rice or noodles.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.

Tips for the Best Chinese Pepper Steak

✔ Use flank steak or sirloin for the best tenderness.
✔ Cut the beef thinly against the grain to ensure it’s tender.
✔ Add more vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or snap peas for variety.
✔ For extra heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add sliced chilies.

This Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for satisfying your Chinese takeout cravings at home. Would you like a side dish suggestion to pair with it?