Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
If you are craving a vibrant, savory dish that delivers a perfect balance of tender beef and crisp vegetables, this Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe is the answer. Bursting with bold flavors from soy and oyster sauces and the fragrant kick of freshly ground black pepper, this stir-fry comes together quickly and easily, making it an ideal go-to meal any night of the week. The tender flank steak slices mingle with colorful bell peppers and sweet onions to create a dish that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, simple ingredients is the first step to making this delightful stir-fry a success. Each item plays a crucial role, whether providing deep umami notes, vibrant texture, or aromatic flavor.
- Flank steak (1 pound): Thinly sliced against the grain for tenderness and quick cooking.
- Soy sauce (3 tablespoons): Adds saltiness and a rich, savory backbone to the dish.
- Oyster sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor essential to authentic taste.
- Shaoxing wine or dry sherry (1 tablespoon): Enhances flavor complexity and tenderizes the beef.
- Cornstarch (1 teaspoon + slurry): Used to marinate and thicken the sauce for a glossy finish.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Provides a neutral medium for stir-frying.
- Green bell pepper (1 large): Adds crisp texture and a fresh, slightly bitter contrast.
- Red bell pepper (1 large): Offers sweetness and vibrant color.
- Yellow onion (1 large): Brings natural sweetness and softens during cooking.
- Garlic (2 cloves): Minced to impart fragrant warmth.
- Freshly ground black pepper (1 teaspoon): The star spice that gives this dish its signature peppery bite.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): Adds a nutty aroma in the final finishing touch.
- Cornstarch mixed with water (slurry): Used to thicken the sauce and make it cling beautifully to every bite.
How to Make Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by tenderizing and flavoring the flank steak. In a mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Mix everything gently until the beef is evenly coated. Let it rest for about 15 minutes so the flavors really soak in and the cornstarch helps tenderize the meat. This marinating step is crucial for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. When the oil shimmers, add the marinated beef in a single layer yet don’t overcrowd the pan. Sear it quickly for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s just browned but not fully cooked through. Then transfer the beef to a plate to rest. This quick sear locks in flavor and juices for maximum tenderness.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the sliced onions along with the green and red bell peppers. Stir-fry them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they become slightly tender but retain a satisfying crunch. This step layers in fresh textures and lets the natural sweetness of the onions develop.
Step 4: Add Garlic and Pepper
Next, stir in the minced garlic and the freshly ground black pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic becomes fragrant and the pepper’s bright spiciness is released. This is the moment when the kitchen starts to smell irresistible!
Step 5: Combine and Create the Sauce
Return the seared beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil for that toasty finish. Then add the cornstarch slurry, stirring continuously so the sauce thickens evenly and coats every strip of steak and vegetable. This ensures every bite is luscious and full of flavor.
Step 6: Serve Hot
Once the sauce has thickened, your Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe is ready to delight. Serve it steaming hot alongside freshly steamed rice to soak up all the savory juices.
How to Serve Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped scallions can add a lovely crunch and burst of freshness to your dish. A wedge of lime on the side offers an optional zing that contrasts beautifully with the rich sauce.
Side Dishes
Steamed jasmine or basmati rice is a classic pairing, providing a fluffy bed that balances the intense flavors. For something lighter, try sautéed bok choy or crisp snow peas to keep the meal vibrant and nutritious.
Creative Ways to Present
For a sharing-style dinner, serve the dish family-style in a large vibrant serving bowl surrounded by small plates. You can also nestle the steak and peppers on a bed of fried rice or even tuck them into lettuce wraps for a fresh and crunchy bite option that’s fun to assemble.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked stir-fry in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool the dish completely before freezing to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Rewarm leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water can help loosen the sauce and keep the beef tender as it heats through.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! Skirt steak or sirloin are great substitutes if flank steak is not available. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain for tenderness.
Is this recipe spicy?
The black pepper gives a moderate, warming heat rather than an overpowering spiciness. You can adjust by adding more or less pepper to suit your taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute in place of regular soy sauce and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free as well.
What if I don’t have Shaoxing wine?
Dry sherry works perfectly as a substitute and adds a pleasant depth of flavor to the marinated beef.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely. Snow peas, mushrooms, or sliced carrots can easily be incorporated to add variety and color while maintaining the dish’s signature taste.
Final Thoughts
There is just something so comforting and satisfying about this Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe that keeps me coming back to it time and again. Its perfect combination of tender beef, crisp veggies, and rich, peppery sauce makes it a standout dinner that your whole family will adore. I encourage you to try it soon and discover just how simple great flavors can be.
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Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
A classic Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions recipe featuring tender flank steak stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and onions in a savory sauce. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner served with steamed rice.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce & Finishing
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (cornstarch slurry)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced flank steak with 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Mix well and let it marinate for 15 minutes to enhance the flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef and sear it for 2 to 3 minutes until it is just browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Stir-fry the sliced onions and bell peppers for about 3 to 4 minutes until they become slightly tender but still crisp. Then add the minced garlic and freshly ground black pepper, stirring for an additional 30 seconds to release their aromas.
- Combine and Finish: Return the seared beef to the pan with vegetables. Pour in 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Stir everything to combine. Then add the cornstarch slurry and continue stirring for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens nicely and coats the beef and vegetables evenly.
- Serve: Serve the pepper steak hot over steamed rice for a satisfying and tasty meal.
Notes
- For extra depth of flavor, add a splash of dark soy sauce for a richer color.
- You can add a pinch of sugar if you prefer a slight sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
- Skirt steak or sirloin can be substituted if flank steak is not available.
- Ensure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
