Master the art of Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions – a sizzling stir-fry that combines tender beef with crisp vegetables.
Quick Answer: Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions combines strips of marinated beef stir-fried with bell peppers and onions in a savory brown sauce. Cook beef at high heat for 2-3 minutes, add vegetables and sauce, then simmer for 5 minutes until thickened.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Chinese-American
Yield: 4 servings
Dietary: Dairy-free
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Restaurant-quality taste with tender beef and perfectly crisp vegetables
- Ready in under 45 minutes with minimal prep work
- One-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights
- High in protein and packed with colorful vegetables
- Excellent for meal prep and reheating
Quick Benefits
Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions delivers a perfect balance of protein and vegetables in a savory sauce. This versatile dish works great for both family dinners and meal prep, with leftovers tasting even better the next day.
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 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, thickly sliced
- 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
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce, optional
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Marinate the beef for 15-30 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan or wok. Sear the beef in batches until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic, ginger, onions, and bell peppers for 4-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Add the beef back to the pan and pour in the sauce mixture. Stir until the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients, about 1-2 minutes.
- Serve hot over rice.
You Must Know
- Slice beef against the grain for maximum tenderness
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when stir-frying beef
- Cook vegetables until crisp-tender, not mushy
- Use high heat throughout cooking process
- Let wok or pan get very hot before adding ingredients
Serving Suggestions
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Lo mein noodles
- Steamed broccoli
- Hot and sour soup
- Chinese tea
Creative Variations
- Use chicken or shrimp instead of beef
- Add mushrooms or snap peas for extra vegetables
- Make it spicy with fresh chili or sriracha sauce
- Use different colored bell peppers for variety
Cultural Notes
While pepper steak is popular in Chinese-American restaurants, it’s an adaptation of traditional Chinese stir-fry techniques. The dish emerged in the mid-20th century as Chinese cuisine evolved to suit American tastes, combining Chinese cooking methods with locally available ingredients.
Pro Tips
- Freeze meat for 30 minutes before slicing for easier cutting
- Pat meat dry before stir-frying for better browning
- Use a carbon steel wok for authentic flavor
- Have all ingredients prepped before starting to cook
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the best cut of beef for Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions?
A: Flank steak or sirloin are ideal, sliced thinly against the grain.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, it keeps well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Q: How do I prevent the vegetables from getting soggy?
A: Stir-fry at high heat and don’t overcook them.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, but the vegetables may lose some crispness when thawed.
Q: What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
A: Use hoisin sauce or additional soy sauce with a pinch of sugar.
Health Benefits
This Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions provides lean protein from beef, while bell peppers offer vitamins C and A. Onions add antioxidants and fiber, making this a nutritious choice when served with brown rice or whole grain noodles.
Nutrition
(Per serving, estimate) Calories: 320 • Carbs: 15g • Protein: 35g • Fat: 14g • Sodium: 890mg
Notes
For best results, prepare all ingredients before heating the wok, and serve immediately while hot.
Chinese Pepper Steak Onions
Master the art of Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions - a sizzling stir-fry that combines tender beef with crisp vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
- For best results, prepare all ingredients before heating the wok, and serve immediately while hot.