If you’re craving something packed with flavor, vibrant colors, and that perfect balance of tender beef with crunchy vegetables, then you absolutely must try this Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe. This dish is a delightful celebration of bold seasons and fresh ingredients, bringing together juicy strips of marinated steak, crisp bell peppers, and sweet onions all tossed in a savory sauce. The sizzling action in the pan adds an extra layer of excitement, making it feel like a special treat any night of the week. It’s comfort food with a Chinese twist that feels both nostalgic and fresh at the same time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding texture, depth of flavor, or a pop of color. The simplicity of this list makes shopping a breeze, and it ensures that every bite delivers that signature taste and sizzle you’re looking forward to.
- 1 lb beef steak (sirloin or flank): Thinly sliced against the grain for tenderness and quick cooking.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds umami-rich seasoning that deepens the beef’s flavor.
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce: A savory-sweet element that gives the sauce its signature richness.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and gives it a silky texture.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For stir-frying and getting that perfect sear on the steak and veggies.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic depth and a punch of flavor.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced: Adds brightness and a subtle zing that lifts the dish.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips: Offers crunch and vibrant green color.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips: Brings sweetness and a bold pop of red.
- 1 large onion, sliced into rings: Offers sweetness and a bit of bite, softening perfectly as it cooks.
- 2 green onions, sliced into 1-inch pieces: Adds freshness and a burst of color at the end.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Enhances the peppery flavor element that is the dish’s namesake.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Provides a toasty finish that’s unmistakably Asian in style.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted (optional): Adds crunch and a nutty accent you’ll love.
- Cooked white or brown rice: The perfect base to soak up all the delicious sauce.
How to Make Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
Start by mixing the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch in a bowl. This simple marinade does wonders to tenderize the beef while infusing it with a rich, savory flavor. Toss your thinly sliced steak in this mixture and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This step truly transforms the meat, making every bite deliciously tender and well-seasoned.
Step 2: Prepare the Aromatics
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the minced garlic and fresh ginger. Stir-fry them for about 30 seconds until their fragrant aroma fills your kitchen. This quick step is essential as it lays the flavor foundation for the whole dish.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
Add your marinated beef in a single layer to the hot skillet. Let the meat sear undisturbed for 1 to 2 minutes to develop that beautiful brown crust. Then stir-fry quickly to cook the beef until it’s almost done but still tender. Remove it from the pan and set it aside to keep it juicy and tender while you prepare the vegetables.
Step 4: Cook the Vegetables
In the same skillet, toss in the green and red bell peppers along with the sliced onions. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the vegetables become tender-crisp. This step ensures they maintain a satisfying crunch and vibrant color, adding freshness and balance to your pepper steak.
Step 5: Combine and Finish Cooking
Return the beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Sprinkle in the black pepper and drizzle with sesame oil. Give everything a good stir to combine and cook together for another 2 minutes so the steak finishes cooking and the sauce thickens slightly, coating every bite with delicious flavor.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, top your sizzling Chinese pepper steak with sliced green onions and optionally sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. These little touches add that final burst of freshness and subtle crunch to elevate the dish beautifully. Serve it piping hot over a bowl of steamed white or brown rice to soak up every bit of that incredible sauce.
How to Serve Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten the dish and add texture, fresh sliced green onions are a must. Toasted sesame seeds are optional but highly recommended—they add a nutty crunch that pairs perfectly with the sesame oil-infused steak and veggies. A light drizzle of extra sesame oil at the end can also intensify the aroma and flavor to truly impress your senses.
Side Dishes
This dish shines best with simple steamed rice, either white or brown, as it soaks up all those amazing juices from the stir-fry. For a lighter option, serve it alongside steamed or wilted greens like bok choy or spinach. If you want to add some crunch, a refreshing cucumber salad or pickled vegetables make excellent companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more dramatic presentation, serve your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe on a hot sizzling platter if you have one—this adds sizzle and steam right at the table. You might also try wrapping the steak and vegetables in lettuce leaves for a fresh, handheld twist. Pair it with a side of stir-fried noodles for a heartier meal that’s as beautiful on the plate as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftover steak and vegetables into an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, they will stay fresh for up to 3 days. This makes for a quick, delicious lunch or dinner that reheats beautifully without losing texture or flavor.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the dish, it’s best to separate the beef and vegetables from the rice to maintain their quality. Place them in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Frozen, the pepper steak will keep nicely for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the beef and vegetables gently in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce seems too thick or starts to stick. Reheat rice separately in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little water to maintain moisture. Avoid overheating so your steak stays tender.
FAQs
What cut of beef works best for this recipe?
Sirloin and flank steaks are ideal because they are flavorful, become tender when sliced thin against the grain, and cook quickly, making them perfect for this sizzling stir-fry.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute soy sauce and oyster sauce with gluten-free versions, and double-check any other condiments or oils used to ensure they are gluten-free.
How spicy is the Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe?
This recipe is not very spicy by default, focusing more on the peppery black pepper flavor. You can easily add heat by tossing in sliced fresh chili or a splash of chili oil if you enjoy more kick.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can marinate the beef a day ahead to deepen the flavors and store it in the fridge. Vegetables are best added fresh to maintain their crunch, so it’s best to stir-fry those right before serving.
What can I use instead of bell peppers?
While bell peppers are classic here, you can substitute with vegetables like snap peas, broccoli florets, or even sliced zucchini depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the way the tender beef, crisp veggies, and aromatic sauce come together in this Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels effortless yet special, full of vibrant flavors and textures. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just find your new favorite meal that’s quick, delicious, and bursts with that authentic Chinese flavor you crave.
Print
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick and flavorful Chinese Pepper Steak stir-fry featuring tender slices of beef sirloin or flank, crisp bell peppers, and onions in a savory soy and oyster sauce. Perfectly balanced with fresh garlic, ginger, and a hint of sesame oil, this dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 1 lb beef steak (sirloin or flank), thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Stir-Fry Components
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 large onion, sliced into rings
- 2 green onions, sliced into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted (optional)
To Serve
- Cooked white or brown rice
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Add the thinly sliced beef, coating each piece thoroughly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Heat Aromatics: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot. Add minced garlic and ginger, stir-frying for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burned.
- Cook the Beef: Add the marinated beef slices to the skillet, spreading them out evenly. Allow to sear undisturbed for 1-2 minutes, then stir-fry quickly until beef is browned but not fully cooked through. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add green and red bell peppers and sliced onion. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp but still vibrant.
- Combine Beef and Vegetables: Return the beef to the skillet with vegetables. Add black pepper and sesame oil. Stir everything together well and cook for an additional 2 minutes until beef is fully cooked and the sauce clings evenly to the ingredients.
- Garnish: Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the stir-fry just before serving for added flavor and texture.
- Serve: Serve the hot pepper steak mixture over steamed white or brown rice to fully enjoy the rich, savory sauce.
Notes
- For more tender beef, slice against the grain very thinly.
- Marinate the beef at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour for deeper flavor.
- Add additional vegetables like mushrooms or snap peas for variety.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content if desired.
- Toasting sesame seeds enhances their nutty flavor.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
