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If you’re craving something delicious, sizzling, and packed with flavor, look no further than this Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions recipe! This dish is full of tender slices of steak, vibrant bell peppers, and aromatic onions, all tossed in a savory sauce that’s equal parts tangy and sweet. And here’s the best part—it’s easy to whip up in just 30 minutes! Trust me, once you smell this sizzling on the stove, you’ll want to make it a regular in your weeknight dinner rotation.
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Why You’ll Love This Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Packed with Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, fresh ginger, and garlic creates a mouthwatering balance of savory, sweet, and umami.
Healthy and Colorful: The bell peppers and onions not only bring a delicious crunch but also add a pop of color to the plate, making it as visually appealing as it is tasty.
Customizable: This recipe is easily adaptable! Whether you’re adding extra veggies or swapping out ingredients, it’s as versatile as your taste buds demand.
Ingredients for Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
- Sharp knife for slicing the steak and veggies
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowls
- Wooden spoon or spatula
How to Make Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
1. Marinate the Steak
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sliced flank steak, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Toss until the steak is evenly coated. Let it marinate for about 15-20 minutes. This will tenderize the meat while infusing it with layers of umami flavor.
2. Cook the Vegetables
While the steak marinates, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced green and red bell peppers and onions. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, just until the veggies begin to soften but still have a slight crunch. Remove them from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the Steak
Using the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the marinated steak in batches (to avoid overcrowding), searing each side for about 2-3 minutes until the edges are beautifully browned. Once the steak is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Combine Everything
Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Stir for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Return the cooked vegetables and steak to the skillet. Pour in the water, rice vinegar, and honey, stirring to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve your sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with hot steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal!
What to Serve with Chinese Pepper Steak
This pepper steak is a versatile main dish that pairs well with a variety of sides:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Stir-Fried Noodles: Toss some noodles with sesame oil and soy sauce for a complete meal.
- Garlic Broccoli: A simple side of steamed broccoli tossed with a little garlic adds extra greens to your plate.
Tips for the Best Chinese Pepper Steak
- Thinly Slice the Steak: For the most tender bites, make sure to slice the steak against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers, making each piece easier to chew.
- Use High Heat for Stir-Frying: High heat is essential when stir-frying to achieve that perfect sear on the steak and veggies.
- Customize the Veggies: While bell peppers and onions are classic in this dish, you can switch things up by adding mushrooms, zucchini, or even snap peas for extra texture.
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
Want to put your own twist on this recipe? Here are a few ideas:
- Substitute the Steak: Not a fan of beef? Try thin slices of chicken breast or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Add Extra Veggies: Mushrooms, snow peas, or baby corn make great additions.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and double-check that your hoisin and oyster sauces are gluten-free as well.
How to Store and Reheat Chinese Pepper Steak
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the pepper steak in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of water to help rehydrate the sauce.
Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the marinated steak and chop the veggies a day ahead. Store them in the fridge separately and stir-fry when you’re ready to serve.
Is flank steak the only option?
Flank steak is ideal because of its tenderness when sliced thinly, but skirt steak or sirloin are great alternatives.
How do I keep my veggies from getting soggy?
Cook the veggies over high heat and for a short time to maintain their crisp texture. Overcooking can lead to soggy peppers and onions.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try This Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a savory, colorful, and delicious dinner that hits all the right notes—crunchy veggies, tender steak, and a sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s simple enough for a weeknight meal but impressive enough to serve guests. Plus, you can easily adapt it with your favorite veggies or proteins!
Ready to dive in? I’d love to see your creations! If you make this recipe, don’t forget to leave a review and share your photos on Pinterest. Happy cooking!
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 7g
For more delicious meals like this one, check out my Best Beef Stir Fry Recipes or Easy Weeknight Dinners!
PrintSizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This quick and easy Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a flavor-packed dish, featuring tender flank steak, crisp bell peppers, and savory onions all coated in a rich, sweet and tangy sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect go-to for a weeknight dinner that feels like a restaurant-quality meal! Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal that will satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak: In a bowl, combine the sliced flank steak with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch. Mix well and set aside to marinate for 15-20 minutes.
- Cook the Vegetables: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the bell peppers and onions, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Steak: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil. Sear the marinated steak in batches, cooking each side for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Combine Everything: Add garlic and ginger to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute. Return the cooked vegetables and steak to the skillet. Stir in water, rice vinegar, and honey. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- For added heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers.
- You can substitute flank steak with skirt steak, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- To make the dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your hoisin and oyster sauces are gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet with a splash of water.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of the recipe)
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50g