The Perfect Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe You’ll Love

Craving a bold chinese pepper steak that sings with vibrant flavors?

My kitchen experiments often lead to surprising culinary discoveries, and this recipe emerged from a delightful afternoon of playing with classic ingredients.

Juicy beef strips dance with crisp onions, creating a symphony of textures that will make your taste buds cheer.

Aromatic spices weave through tender meat, promising a meal that transports you straight to the heart of authentic chinese cuisine.

Pepper and soy merge into a glossy sauce that clings perfectly to each succulent slice.

What makes this dish truly special is its simplicity and depth of flavor – no complicated techniques required.

Why Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Is Always A Hit

• Boost Your Cooking Skills: Learn a classic Chinese stir-fry technique that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal cooking expertise.
• Speed Through Dinner Prep: Create a delicious main course in less than 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty and quick.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Adventure: Introduce vibrant, savory Asian-inspired flavors that appeal to both adults and kids, making mealtime exciting and satisfying.
• Pantry-Friendly Recipe: Use common ingredients like soy sauce, vegetables, and flank steak that are readily available in most grocery stores, eliminating complicated shopping trips.

Ingredients Needed for Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

• Flank Steak: A tender cut of beef that becomes flavorful and juicy when quickly cooked at high heat.

• Onions, Bell Peppers: Fresh vegetables that add sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color to the dish.
• Garlic: A fragrant ingredient that provides a robust and aromatic base for the steak's flavor profile.

• Soy Sauce: A classic Asian condiment that adds depth and umami to the steak.
• Oyster Sauce: A rich, savory sauce that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Cornstarch: A thickening agent that helps create a glossy and smooth sauce.
• Sugar: Balances the saltiness of the sauces and adds a subtle sweetness.
• Black Pepper: Provides a mild heat and sharp flavor to complement the steak.

• Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil used for high-heat cooking and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pan.

How to Make Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor Explosion

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Cornstarch
• Sugar
• Black pepper

Blend these ingredients until smooth and set the mixture aside to work its flavor magic.

Step 2: Fire Up the Cooking Surface

Crank the heat to high and splash vegetable oil into a large skillet or wok. Let the oil shimmer and dance, signaling it’s ready for action.

Step 3: Sear the Beef to Perfection

Toss the sliced flank steak into the sizzling pan. Let it brown beautifully, creating a delicious caramelized exterior. This should take about 2-3 minutes of intense cooking.

Step 4: Introduce Colorful Veggie Friends

Slide in the sliced onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Let them join the beef party, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until they start to soften and release their aromatic goodness.

Step 5: Pour the Flavor Tsunami

Drench the steak and vegetables with the prepared sauce mixture. Stir everything thoroughly, ensuring each morsel gets coated in the delectable sauce.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce

Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to transform into a glossy, clingy coating that hugs the meat and vegetables.

Step 7: Serve and Devour

Plate your masterpiece over a bed of steaming rice or twirly noodles. Enjoy immediately while the pepper steak is hot and bursting with flavor!

Expert Advice for Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

• Ensure the skillet or wok is sizzling hot before adding the steak to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and lock in those delicious flavors.
• Slice the flank steak against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth delightful.
• For a low-carb version, swap rice with cauliflower rice or serve over zucchini noodles to keep the dish light and nutritious.
• Marinate the steak for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance the meat's flavor and make it extra juicy and succulent.
• Use fresh, crisp bell peppers and sweet onions to add a vibrant crunch and balance the rich, savory sauce perfectly.

Creative Variations for Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

• Spicy Korean Fusion Steak: Replace bell peppers with gochujang sauce and kimchi for a fiery Korean-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb Pepper Steak: Swap soy sauce with olive oil, add rosemary, thyme, and serve with couscous for a Mediterranean flair.
• Tex-Mex Steak Skillet: Substitute oyster sauce with salsa, add cumin, and top with fresh cilantro and jalapeños for a southwestern kick.
• Japanese Teriyaki Pepper Steak: Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce, add sesame seeds, and garnish with green onions for a Japanese-style dish.

Pairing Ideas for Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the rich, savory flavors of the pepper steak, balancing its spiciness with a bright, refreshing touch.
• Complement with Jasmine Rice: Steamed jasmine rice provides a delicate, fragrant base that absorbs the sauce's complex flavors, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal experience.
• Match with Asian Beer: A light Chinese or Japanese beer like Tsingtao or Sapporo offers a crisp, clean accompaniment that refreshes the palate between bites of the spicy, robust steak.
• Enhance with Pickled Vegetables: Quick-pickled cucumber or daikon radish adds a tangy, crunchy contrast to the tender meat, bringing a zesty dimension to the overall dish.

How to Store Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the pepper steak will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled steak to freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Remove excess air and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place steak in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Warm a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of oil or water to prevent sticking.

Common Questions About Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

• What type of steak works best for this recipe?

Flank steak is ideal because it’s lean, tender, and absorbs flavors quickly. If unavailable, sirloin or skirt steak can be excellent substitutes.

• How do I ensure the steak stays tender and not tough?

Slice the steak against the grain in thin strips, which helps break down muscle fibers and keeps the meat tender. Also, avoid overcooking by maintaining high heat and cooking briefly.

• Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, add red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or sliced fresh chili peppers during cooking to increase heat level. Start with small amounts and adjust to your spice preference.

Sizzling Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 12-14 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor authentic Chinese pepper steak with tender beef slices dancing through peppery sauce and caramelized onions. Fragrant spices and quick wok techniques bring Asian comfort right to your plate, making passionate home cooks feel like culinary masters.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (1 lb) flank steak, thinly sliced

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sugar, and black pepper in a compact container until smoothly blended.
2. Ignite a large skillet or wok to high heat, drizzling vegetable oil across the surface to ensure an even, searing hot cooking environment.
3. Introduce thinly sliced flank steak to the scorching pan, allowing each piece to caramelize and develop a rich, golden-brown exterior within 2-3 minutes.
4. Rapidly incorporate sliced onions, colorful bell peppers, and fragrant minced garlic, stirring dynamically to prevent burning and maintain a crisp vegetable texture.
5. Stream the prepared sauce mixture over the sizzling steak and vegetables, thoroughly coating each ingredient and creating a glossy, aromatic glaze.
6. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching the sauce transform and thicken, enveloping the protein and vegetables in a luxurious, glistening finish.
7. Transfer the pepper steak to a bed of steamed rice or twirled noodles, ensuring each serving captures the dish’s robust flavors and enticing aroma.

Notes

• Choose tender, high-quality flank steak for the most succulent and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Slice the meat against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
• Prepare all ingredients before cooking to maintain the quick stir-fry technique and prevent burning.
• Adjust heat to high and keep ingredients moving to achieve that authentic wok-style sear and prevent sticking.
• For a gluten-free version, replace regular soy sauce with tamari and use cornstarch as a thickening agent.
• Add extra vegetables like snap peas or mushrooms to boost nutritional value and create more vibrant colors.
• Create a spicier version by incorporating red chili flakes or sriracha sauce during the sauce mixing stage.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 7-9 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 330 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg