If you’re searching for a fast, flavor-packed dinner that always impresses, Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is guaranteed to become a new favorite at your table. Perfectly seared strips of juicy beef mingle with crisp peppers and sweet onions in a glossy, savory sauce. Each bite is bursting with bold, umami-rich flavor with just the right hint of black pepper, all beautifully balanced by the freshness of the vegetables. This stir-fry’s vibrant colors and mouthwatering aroma make it a complete showstopper, and it comes together in under 30 minutes—making weeknight dinners genuinely exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish is a celebration of simplicity, where each ingredient genuinely shines. Every item you add into the wok plays an important role, contributing to the signature taste, tenderness, and signature look of Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions.
- Flank steak or sirloin: Thinly slicing this beef against the grain ensures every bite stays tender, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
- Soy sauce: Gives a salty depth and classic Chinese takeout flavor while helping to tenderize the meat.
- Oyster sauce: Adds a unique, slightly sweet richness that truly rounds out the sauce.
- Hoisin sauce: Provides a hit of sweet and tangy complexity you’ll notice in every mouthful.
- Cornstarch: Lightly coats the beef, keeping it juicy and helping to thicken the sauce.
- Rice vinegar: Cuts through the richness and balances the overall profile with just a touch of acidity.
- Vegetable oil: Neutral high-heat oil is ideal for getting that beautiful sear on the beef and veggies.
- Green and red bell peppers: Bring stunning color and a crisp, sweet bite that’s irresistible in every forkful.
- Large onion: Sliced onion turns caramel-sweet and adds depth to the dish’s flavor base.
- Garlic: Minced garlic packs a savory punch and fills your kitchen with incredible aroma.
- Freshly ground black pepper: The star seasoning—adds that essential kick and warm spice.
- Beef broth or water: Offers just enough moisture to carry all the flavors and thicken up into a glossy sauce.
- Cooked white rice: The perfect fluffy bed to soak up every delicious drop from your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions.
How to Make Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start strong by tossing your thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and rice vinegar in a large bowl. Use tongs or your hands to make sure every piece gets evenly coated. This quick marinade not only infuses delicious umami flavor but also gently tenderizes the meat. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes for quick flavor or longer if you have time.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Get your skillet or wok nice and hot, then add a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Lay the marinated beef in a single layer—don’t overcrowd it; do it in batches if needed! Sear the beef for 2 to 3 minutes until browned on the outside, but not quite cooked through. Remove the beef to a plate; it’ll finish cooking soon and stay perfectly tender.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the remaining oil and toss in your sliced green and red bell peppers along with the onion. Keep the heat up and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re tender-crisp and slightly caramelized. The contrast of their softness and snap is key in Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions.
Step 4: Add the Garlic and Return the Beef
Stir in the minced garlic and let it sizzle just until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Next, slide the reserved beef back into the pan along with all the collected juices—this is where the magic starts to happen.
Step 5: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the black pepper and pour in the beef broth (or water). Stir everything together so the beef, vegetables, and sauce combine beautifully. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the beef is cooked just to perfection.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Spoon heaps of Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions over freshly steamed rice, making sure to get plenty of that glossy sauce. Serve immediately while everything is piping hot for the ultimate dinner treat.
How to Serve Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Garnishes
Finish with a flourish by adding garnishes that lift both taste and appearance. Try a sprinkle of sliced scallions, a scatter of toasted sesame seeds, or even a little extra cracked black pepper for punch. A few cilantro leaves bring a pop of green and freshness, making every plate of Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions extra inviting.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry is an adventurous main course, but it pairs so well with light, classic sides. Steamed jasmine or white rice is the top choice, but brown rice or fried rice work beautifully too. For a balanced meal, add steamed broccoli, sautéed bok choy, or a crisp Asian cucumber salad on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting friends or just want to jazz up weeknight dinner? Try serving Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions from a sizzling cast iron platter, or plate individual servings in shallow bowls over rice for that “restaurant-style” look. For fun, wrap spoonfuls in lettuce leaves for a fresh, hand-held twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions holds up beautifully for up to three days in the refrigerator, which means lunch tomorrow is already sorted!
Freezing
You can freeze Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions, though the peppers and onions may soften a bit upon reheating. Divide cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible; they’ll keep well for up to two months.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works, but stir halfway to promote even heating. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions?
Yes! While flank steak and sirloin are fantastic for their tenderness, other good options include skirt steak or even ribeye. Just make sure to slice thinly against the grain for the best texture.
Is this recipe gluten free?
As written, the recipe uses soy sauce, hoisin, and oyster sauce, which usually contain gluten. You can easily swap these for certified gluten-free versions to make Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions totally gluten-free.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the beef with firm tofu or seitan strips, and use vegetarian oyster sauce. The flavors and satisfying textures will still shine in your meatless stir-fry.
How do I prevent the beef from overcooking?
The key is to sear the beef quickly in a hot pan and then remove it before it’s fully cooked through. Finish cooking the beef with the vegetables at the very end—it stays juicy and tender every time.
What can I add for extra spice?
To amp up the heat, stir in a pinch of chili flakes or thinly sliced fresh chilies with the garlic, or offer chili oil on the side. Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions adapts beautifully to your ideal spice level!
Final Thoughts
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions isn’t just easy and fast—it’s truly a joy to cook and share. With its bold flavor and colorful presentation, it’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try and discover just how rewarding a homemade Chinese stir-fry can be!
Print
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the bold flavors of this sizzling Chinese pepper steak with onions. Thinly sliced beef marinated in a savory sauce, stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and onions, and served over steamed white rice.
Ingredients
For the marinade:
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
For the stir-fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- Cooked white rice, for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the beef: In a bowl, combine sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, and rice vinegar. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Prepare the stir-fry: Sear marinated beef in a hot skillet until browned. Set aside. Stir-fry bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Return beef to the pan, season with black pepper, and add beef broth. Cook until sauce thickens.
- Serve: Enjoy the pepper steak over steamed white rice.
Notes
- To ensure tender beef, slice it thinly against the grain.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce for better salt control.
- For a spicy variation, add chili flakes to the dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup (without rice)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
