If you have ever found yourself craving a dish that balances the bold flavors of tender beef, sweet onions, and vibrant peppers all in one sizzling plate, then you are about to fall in love with this Chinese Onion Pepper Steak Recipe. It’s a perfect harmony of savory, a bit of sweetness, and just the right amount of peppery zip that awakens your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or impressing friends, this dish is as straightforward to make as it is delicious, making it a go-to recipe for any weeknight craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this recipe shows how simplicity can produce incredible flavors. Each element plays a crucial role, from the tender flank steak providing a juicy base to the bright bell peppers adding freshness and color.
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain: Freezing the steak for 20 minutes before slicing helps achieve perfect thinness and tenderness.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: This provides the essential salty umami that anchors the marinade.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch: It thickens the sauce beautifully and helps the steak develop a silky finish.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Adds a touch of complexity and richness to the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the salty and savory notes with a slight sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A pierce of heat that truly lives up to the name “pepper steak.”
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided: Perfect for a high-heat stir-fry to get that seared texture without burning.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips: Adds crunch and a mild, fresh flavor.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips: Brings a sweeter bell pepper note and vibrant color.
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced: Gives a natural sweetness and caramelizes lightly when cooked.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Imparts that punch of aromatic depth everyone loves.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated: Lends a zesty brightness that perfectly complements the beef.
- 1/4 cup beef broth: Creates a juicy sauce base and ties all the flavors together.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: Drizzled at the end for a nutty aroma that lifts the dish.
How to Make Chinese Onion Pepper Steak Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
Start by mixing the thinly sliced flank steak with soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl. This simple marinade not only infuses the meat with flavor but also tenderizes it, giving you a steak that cooks quickly and stays juicy. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes to absorb all that goodness.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine oyster sauce, sugar, black pepper, and beef broth. This sauce is the flavor powerhouse of the dish; sweet, savory, and peppery notes combine to coat the beef and vegetables perfectly.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Spread the marinated steak pieces in a single layer and sear for 2 to 3 minutes until beautifully browned on the edges. Avoid crowding the pan to get that perfect caramelization. Once done, remove and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the sliced green and red bell peppers along with the yellow onion. Stir-fry these for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften just enough to retain a satisfying crunch and vibrant color, keeping the dish lively.
Step 5: Add Aromatics and Combine
Introduce the minced garlic and grated ginger to the vegetables and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then bring the steak back to the pan and pour in your sauce mixture. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and coat each piece of beef and vegetable with irresistible flavor. Finally, drizzle the sesame oil on top and give it one last toss before serving.
How to Serve Chinese Onion Pepper Steak Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds can add an extra textural flair and fresh pop of flavor, elevating your dish from simple stir-fry to a restaurant-style plate.
Side Dishes
This Chinese Onion Pepper Steak Recipe shines when paired with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or even a bed of lightly buttered noodles. The starch soaks up every last bit of the savory sauce, completing your meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive look, serve your pepper steak atop a nest of crispy fried rice noodles or spoon it over steamed baby bok choy to introduce another layer of color and texture. You can even stuff the steak and peppers into soft steamed buns for a hand-held delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover pepper steak in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld even more, making your second helping taste every bit as good as the first.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish in meal-sized portions for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor integrity.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Microwaving works too, but stirring occasionally helps keep the steak tender and juicy.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, sirloin or skirt steak are excellent substitutes. Just be sure to slice against the grain to keep your steak tender.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Chinese Onion Pepper Steak Recipe is mildly peppery due to black pepper but not spicy hot. You can always add chili flakes or fresh chilies if you prefer a kick.
Can I make this dish low sodium?
Yes, simply use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce or omit the added salt in the oyster sauce to suit your dietary needs without sacrificing too much flavor.
What can I do if I don’t have oyster sauce?
If oyster sauce is unavailable, you can substitute with hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a bit of brown sugar for a similar sweet-savory profile.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make the recipe gluten-free, ensure you use tamari instead of soy sauce and double-check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free, as some brands contain wheat.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Onion Pepper Steak Recipe is a wonderful fusion of savory, sweet, and peppery notes that come together effortlessly. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day, yet is easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will be on your regular rotation—delighting your taste buds, bringing the family together, and making mealtime something to look forward to. Go on, give it a try and watch your loved ones ask for seconds!
Print
Chinese Onion Pepper Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Description
This Chinese Onion Pepper Steak recipe features tender flank steak marinated and stir-fried with vibrant bell peppers and onions, all coated in a savory oyster-soy sauce blend. It’s a quick and flavorful main course perfect for a weeknight dinner, offering a delicious balance of protein and veggies with a hint of ginger and garlic.
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup beef broth
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Oils
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced flank steak with soy sauce and cornstarch. Toss well to coat each piece evenly. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to marinate and tenderize the meat.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, sugar, black pepper, and beef broth. Set this flavorful sauce mixture aside until needed.
- Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated steak in a single layer. Cook the steak for 2 to 3 minutes until browned on all sides but not overcooked. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the hot skillet. Toss in the sliced green and red bell peppers along with the yellow onion. Stir-fry these vegetables for 3 to 4 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp and vibrant.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked steak to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and stir well to combine all ingredients. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef and vegetables beautifully.
- Final Touch: Drizzle the sesame oil over the stir-fry, toss to mix thoroughly, then remove from heat. Serve the onion pepper steak hot, ideally over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra tenderness, freeze the flank steak for 20 minutes before slicing thinly to make slicing easier and meat more tender.
- You can substitute sirloin steak if flank steak is unavailable or preferred.
- Serve this dish over steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles to complement the savory flavors and make it a full meal.
- Adjust black pepper quantity according to your preferred spice level.
- Use a cast iron skillet or wok for best stir-fry results and even heat distribution.
