If you’re craving a restaurant-style Chinese dish made easily at home, Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is the perfect choice. 🌶️🥩
Tender strips of beef, colorful bell peppers, and caramelized onions come together in a savory, glossy sauce bursting with umami. The balance of soy, oyster, and hoisin sauces creates a deep, slightly sweet flavor that clings to every piece of steak. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish delivers both comfort and excitement in every bite.

🥩 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef Marinade

• 1 lb (450 g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Tip: Slicing the beef against the grain ensures tenderness and prevents chewiness once cooked.

For the Stir-Fry

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, minced

These fresh aromatics give the dish its signature fragrance and depth — the sizzling scent of garlic and ginger instantly transports your kitchen to a Chinese wok house.

For the Sauce

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water (this is your thickening slurry)

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Beef

In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and 1 tsp sesame oil.
Toss well to coat each slice evenly. Let it rest for 10–15 minutes at room temperature.

Why marinate? This quick marinade tenderizes the beef and creates that silky, glossy texture when stir-fried.

2. Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, broth, and black pepper.
Set aside.

Chef’s Note: The oyster sauce adds a deep umami richness, while the hoisin sauce brings sweetness and body.

3. Stir-Fry the Beef

Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat.
Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, just until browned but not overcooked.
Transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.

Pro Tip: Cook in small batches if necessary — overcrowding the pan will steam the beef instead of searing it.

4. Cook the Vegetables

In the same wok, add the remaining 1 tbsp oil.
Sauté onions, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp.
The onions should turn translucent, and the peppers should retain their color and slight crunch.

5. Combine & Thicken

Return the beef to the wok.
Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well to coat all ingredients.
Add the cornstarch slurry, stirring constantly for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens into a shiny glaze that beautifully coats the steak and vegetables.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Chinese Pepper Steak immediately over a bed of steamed jasmine rice 🍚 or alongside stir-fried noodles 🍜.
Garnish with sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds for an authentic finish.

🌟 Tips for the Best Pepper Steak

• Use high heat: Stir-frying works best when your pan is hot — this locks in flavor and keeps the vegetables crisp.
• Slice beef thinly: Place the steak in the freezer for 20 minutes before slicing for cleaner, thinner cuts.
• Balance the sauce: Adjust sweetness, saltiness, or spice to taste — a dash of chili flakes adds heat!
• Add variety: Mushrooms, snow peas, or baby corn make great additions.

🍷 What to Serve With Chinese Pepper Steak

Pair this dish with:

• Steamed jasmine rice for classic comfort.
• Garlic fried rice for extra flavor.
• Simple Asian cucumber salad or spring rolls as a refreshing side.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Quick — Ready in about 25 minutes
✅ One-pan meal — Minimal cleanup
✅ Versatile — Perfect for weeknights or guests
✅ Packed with flavor — Sweet, savory, and peppery harmony

🥢 Final Thoughts

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is the ultimate takeout favorite you can master at home.
It’s tender, flavorful, and bursting with color — every forkful delivers a perfect mix of juicy steak, crisp veggies, and rich sauce. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this recipe never fails to impress.