If you crave the irresistible trio of juicy beef, vibrant peppers, and sweet onions all coated in a glossy, umami-rich sauce, look no further than this Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions. This dish brings sizzling restaurant energy right into your own kitchen, filling your home with mouthwatering aromas and delivering tender steak with crisp-tender veggies in every bite. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or want to impress guests with classic Chinese takeout flavor, this recipe promises a dish that’s bold, colorful, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magical flavors of Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions are built on a foundation of simple, easy-to-find ingredients. Each component plays an essential part in creating juicy steak, velvety sauce, and perfectly balanced color and crunch.
- Flank steak (1 pound, thinly sliced): Go for flank steak for its tenderness and deep, beefy flavor; slicing it against the grain keeps every bite melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds rich, salty depth and a touch of savoriness to the marinade.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Lends an irresistible umami punch and sweet complexity to the sauce.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings a hint of sweetness and subtle tang, balancing the savory flavors.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Coats the steak for a silky texture and helps thicken the sauce later.
- Sugar (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a touch of caramelized sweetness to balance the savory notes.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Gives a gentle bite and classic steakhouse aroma.
- Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): Infuses a nutty fragrance that makes the whole dish feel extra special.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Ensures a quick, even sear and keeps everything from sticking as you stir-fry.
- Green bell pepper (1, sliced): Brings freshness and a pop of color to the mix.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Adds sweetness, crunch, and vibrant red appeal.
- Onion (1 medium, sliced): Provides natural sweetness and a savory bite that soaks up all those delicious juices.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A punchy burst of flavor that makes everything more aromatic.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Offers warm undertones and depth every good stir-fry needs.
- Beef broth (1/4 cup, low-sodium): Helps bring the sauce together and amplifies that savory steak flavor.
How to Make Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
Start your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions journey by giving your steak a quick marinade. Combine the sliced flank steak with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, sugar, black pepper, and sesame oil in a medium bowl. Toss everything thoroughly so each slice gets coated, then let the meat soak up all the lovely flavors for at least 15 minutes. This quick marination guarantees tender, well-seasoned beef and gives you a few moments to prep the veggies and sauce ingredients.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add your marinated steak in a single layer. Sear it quickly for just 1 to 2 minutes per side—the goal is a gorgeous brown crust while keeping the inside tender, not dry. Once browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Don’t worry if it’s not cooked through; it’ll finish cooking in the final stir-fry.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add your remaining tablespoon of oil to the hot skillet. Toss in the green and red bell peppers along with the onion. Stir-fry for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently. You want the veggies to become slightly tender but still retain some crunch and vibrant color. Next, add in the minced garlic and grated ginger, giving everything a good toss for just 30 seconds—this unlocks those incredible aromatic flavors.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the browned steak to the skillet with the veggies. Pour in the beef broth and stir everything together, making sure to scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let everything cook for another 1 to 2 minutes—the sauce will thicken slightly and beautifully coat every bite, while the steak cooks through. At this stage, your kitchen will already smell so tempting you’ll want to dive right in!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is ready! Serve it piping hot over fluffy steamed rice. The dish truly shines when enjoyed immediately, with each component retaining perfect texture and flavor.
How to Serve Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Garnishes
Top your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions with a sprinkle of sesame seeds, freshly chopped scallions, or even a light drizzle of chili oil if you like extra heat. These garnishes make the dish look restaurant-worthy and add that final hint of freshness and flavor.
Side Dishes
A bowl of steamed jasmine or brown rice is the classic pairing here, soaking up the delicious sauce. For a heartier meal, consider serving with Chinese-style fried rice, garlic noodles, or quick-blanched baby bok choy for a nice contrast of textures and greens on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
To make your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions truly stand out for guests or family night, serve it in a sizzling cast-iron skillet straight from the stovetop for tableside drama. You can also present it in lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on appetizer, or pile it over crispy chow mein noodles for a fusion twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (lucky you!), allow your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it an ideal meal prep star or next-day lunch option.
Freezing
This dish freezes surprisingly well. Spoon the cooled steak, veggies, and sauce into a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible. Label and date it, and it will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or beef broth, stirring occasionally until hot and steamy. You can also microwave it in short bursts, but be sure not to overcook, as the steak tastes best when just heated through.
FAQs
What kind of steak is best for Chinese pepper steak?
Flank steak is often the top choice because it’s flavorful, relatively lean, and gets deliciously tender when sliced against the grain. Sirloin or skirt steak are great alternatives if you have them on hand.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in sliced mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli florets for extra color and crunch. Just keep the stir-fry timing in mind so everything stays crisp-tender.
How do I make Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions spicier?
If you love heat, sprinkle in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of your favorite chili oil when adding the garlic and ginger. You can also add sliced fresh chili for a punchy finish.
Can I use chicken or tofu instead of beef?
Definitely! Thinly sliced chicken breast or firm tofu both work wonderfully with these flavors—just make sure to adjust cooking times so your protein stays juicy and tender.
What’s the secret to tender steak in stir-fries?
Marinating the steak for at least 15 minutes, as in this Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions recipe, is key. Also, a quick sear over high heat helps lock in juices without overcooking the meat.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to whip up this Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions for your next meal. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser: fast, colorful, and full of deep, savory flavors. Trust me, once you try this at home, you’ll skip the takeout and savor every last bite around your own table!
Print
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a flavorful and easy-to-make stir-fry dish that combines tender flank steak with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a savory sauce. This classic Chinese-American recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Marinade:
- 1 pound flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 medium onion (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated)
- 1/4 cup low-sodium beef broth
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced steak with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, sugar, black pepper, and sesame oil. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Sear the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over high heat. Sear the marinated steak for 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables: Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Stir-fry the bell peppers and onions for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender. Add garlic and ginger, stir-fry for 30 seconds.
- Combine and Serve: Return the beef to the pan. Pour in the beef broth, stir, and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Serve hot over steamed rice.
Notes
- For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or chili oil.
- You can use sirloin or skirt steak instead of flank steak.
- Prep all ingredients before cooking for best results.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
