Are you craving a quick and tasty meal? My Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions recipe is both easy and delicious. You’ll learn how to stir-fry beef, colorful bell peppers, and onions that sing with flavor. Plus, I’ll share tips to make this dish shine. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Let’s dive in and make your next meal one to remember!

Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil creates a rich and savory flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Colorful Presentation: The vibrant bell peppers and green onions not only add flavor but also make the dish visually appealing.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over jasmine rice or noodles, allowing you to customize the meal to your liking.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
Seasoning and Sauces
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
In this recipe, the flank steak is key. It has great flavor and tenderness when sliced right. The bell peppers add color and crunch, while the onion brings a nice sweetness. The soy sauce and oyster sauce pack a salty punch that makes the dish savory. Don't forget the garlic and ginger; they add warmth and depth. Cornstarch helps the sauce cling to the meat and veggies, giving a nice coating.
Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to create a dish that bursts with flavor!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinating the Steak
To start, you'll need to prepare the flank steak. In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced flank steak, soy sauce, black pepper, and cornstarch. Make sure the steak is well-coated. This brings out great flavors. Let the steak marinate for about 15 to 20 minutes. This is the time to let the flavors soak in.
Cooking the Steak
Now, heat a large skillet or wok. Use high heat for the best results. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once it’s hot, add the marinated steak. Stir-fry for about 2 to 3 minutes. You want the beef to brown but not cook fully. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside. This helps keep it tender.
Stir-Frying the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Next, toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry them for about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them to soften but still stay crisp. Then, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for an extra 1 to 2 minutes until you smell that lovely aroma. This adds a nice kick to the dish.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Stir-Fry
To make a great stir-fry, use high heat. High heat cooks meat and veggies fast. This keeps them tender and juicy. It also adds a nice char. Use a wok if you can; it helps to spread heat evenly.
When you stir-fry, keep things moving. Add the meat first, then take it out early. This gives you time to cook the veggies. Add them next, letting them soften just a bit. Finally, put the meat back in to finish cooking.
Flavor Enhancements
Adjusting seasoning is key to getting the taste just right. Taste as you go! If you want it saltier, add more soy sauce. If you like sweetness, add some brown sugar.
You can also try different sauces. For a twist, use teriyaki sauce or hoisin sauce. Each will change the flavor profile and make it your own.
Presentation Ideas
Serving your dish well makes it look great. Use a large bowl to show off the colors. Place the steak and veggies on top of cooked jasmine rice or noodles.
For garnishing, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top. This adds flavor and a pop of color. You can also add a wedge of lime for a fresh touch.
Pro Tips
- Marinade Time: Allowing the flank steak to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes enhances its flavor and tenderness.
- High Heat Cooking: Cooking the steak over high heat ensures a nice sear, keeping it juicy and flavorful.
- Vegetable Crunch: Stir-fry the vegetables just until tender but still crisp to maintain their vibrant color and texture.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve immediately over jasmine rice or noodles to absorb the delicious sauce and keep the dish warm.

Variations
Alternative Proteins
You can switch up the meat in this dish. Try using chicken or shrimp instead of beef. Both proteins cook quickly and soak up flavors well. Chicken breast, sliced thin, works great. Shrimp adds a nice touch with its sweetness.
If you want a vegetarian option, tofu is a good choice. Use firm tofu for best results. Press it to remove extra moisture. Then, slice and marinate it just like the beef. You will get a tasty dish without meat.
Different Vegetable Combinations
Feel free to mix in other vegetables. Broccoli or carrots can add color and crunch. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the skillet with the other veggies.
You can also experiment with bell pepper colors. Yellow or orange bell peppers can make the dish more vibrant and sweet. Each color offers a slightly different taste, so get creative!
Sauce Variations
The sauce can change the whole dish. Try different types of oyster sauce for unique flavors. Some brands have a stronger taste, while others are milder.
If you want to swap the soy sauce, use tamari for a gluten-free option. Coconut aminos are another great alternative. They bring a sweet flavor that pairs well with the meat and veggies.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
You can keep leftover Chinese pepper steak in the fridge for three to four days. It’s best to store it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh and prevents spoilage. When you want to eat it again, check for any off smells or changes in texture before reheating.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to store the dish longer, you can freeze it. Place the cooled pepper steak in a freezer-safe container. It can stay good for up to three months. Make sure to label the container with the date. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. You can then heat it in a skillet over medium heat for the best results.
Best Serving Practices
To enjoy the flavors at their best, reheat gently. You can use a skillet for even heating or a microwave if you're short on time. If using the microwave, cover the dish with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. This keeps the moisture in and prevents the steak from drying out. Heat until warmed through, and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use different cuts of beef. Some good options are:
- Sirloin steak
- Ribeye steak
- Skirt steak
These cuts are tender and cook well. Just remember to slice them thinly against the grain. This helps keep the meat tender.
What can I serve with Chinese Pepper Steak?
You have many tasty options for side dishes. Here are some of my favorites:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Fried rice
- Noodles
- Stir-fried vegetables
Serve the pepper steak over rice or noodles. This lets you soak up the delicious sauce.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, follow these tips:
- Use gluten-free soy sauce.
- Check the oyster sauce for gluten-free labels.
- Avoid using regular cornstarch if it is not gluten-free.
These swaps keep the flavor while making it safe for gluten-free diets. Enjoy your meal without worry!
In this post, we covered how to make a delicious Chinese pepper steak. We explored the ingredients needed, including flank steak, bell peppers, and key seasonings. I provided step-by-step instructions for marinating and cooking, along with tips to elevate your stir-fry. You can also customize the dish with different proteins and veggies. Remember to store leftovers correctly for the best flavor. Enjoy making your pepper steak, and don’t hesitate to experiment! Your cooking journey can lead to amazing meal

Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 serving cooked jasmine rice or noodles for serving
- 1 garnish chopped green onions and sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced flank steak, soy sauce, black pepper, and cornstarch. Toss well to coat the steak evenly, then let marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated steak and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned but not fully cooked. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Return the steak to the skillet and add the oyster sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Stir everything together and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the steak is cooked through and the vegetables are tender yet crisp.
- Taste and adjust seasonings, if necessary.
- Serve the pepper steak hot over cooked jasmine rice or noodles, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.






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