Name: Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 pound flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 red bell pepper (sliced); 1 green bell pepper (sliced); 1 medium onion (sliced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced); 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup beef broth or water; Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’ve ever yearned for a quick, flavor-packed dinner that sings with color and sizzle, Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions may just be your new weeknight hero. This dish brings together juicy slices of steak, crisp bell peppers, and onions all tossed in a glossy, savory sauce that’s loaded with umami. In just 25 minutes, you’ll experience a restaurant-worthy stir-fry that impresses both taste buds and eyes. Whether you’re a takeout enthusiast looking to recreate some magic at home or just want a satisfying meal on the table fast, this recipe promises big flavor and familiar comfort with every single bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the beauty of Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is how each ingredient shines while complementing the others perfectly. These simple, familiar pantry and produce staples deliver a wonderful mix of savory, sweet, and fresh flavors with just the right touch of crunch and tenderness.

Flank steak: Thinly sliced against the grain, this cut becomes irresistibly tender and soaks up all the delicious sauces.
Soy sauce: A classic base that brings saltiness and rich umami depth. Opt for low-sodium if you’re minding salt intake.
Oyster sauce: Adds a glossy texture and subtle sweetness that really rounds out the sauce.
Hoisin sauce: Sweet and tangy, it gives the stir-fry a punch of flavor that tastes just like your takeout favorite.
Cornstarch: Essential for both tenderizing the steak and creating that silky-smooth sauce.
Vegetable oil: Perfect for high-heat stir-frying without burning or overpowering the other flavors.
Red bell pepper: Brings vibrant color and a gentle, sweet crunch.
Green bell pepper: Adds a slightly grassy note for balance and more pops of color.
Onion: Sliced and added for both sweetness and a classic stir-fry bite.
Garlic: Minced for that unmistakable aroma and flavor boost.
Fresh ginger: A little goes a long way to add warmth and zest to the dish.
Black pepper: Intensifies the savory kick, rounding out the steak’s flavor.
Beef broth or water: The liquid base melds the sauces and helps everything come together.
Green onions and sesame seeds (optional): For garnishing, they upgrade presentation and add extra layers of flavor and texture.

How to Make Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

Start by thinly slicing your flank steak against the grain, which ensures each bite is tender. In a medium bowl, toss the steak with soy sauce, cornstarch, and freshly ground black pepper. Set it aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prep the vegetables. This step is where the magic begins: the cornstarch creates a velvety texture, while the soy sauce and pepper start layering on flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Steak

Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Arrange the marinated steak in a single layer—don’t overcrowd the pan! Let it sizzle for one to two minutes per side so it caramelizes and browns, locking in the flavor. The slices shouldn’t be cooked all the way through just yet; once browned, set them aside on a plate.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Add your remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan and toss in the garlic, ginger, sliced bell peppers, and onions. Sauté the mixture for three to four minutes, stirring often, until the veggies turn bright and tender-crisp. Their sweet and savory aroma at this point is truly irresistible—the heart of Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions!

Step 4: Combine and Add the Sauce

Return the steak (and any accumulated juices) to the sizzling skillet. Pour in oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and beef broth. Give everything a good toss so that the beef and veggies are enveloped in that glossy, savory sauce. Stir-fry for another two to three minutes, just until the beef is cooked through and the sauce thickens and clings to everything wonderfully.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the finished Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions over steamed rice for a classic pairing. If you’re feeling extra, top it with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and some fresh green onions just before serving for restaurant-like flair and an added layer of flavor.

How to Serve Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Garnishes

Elevate your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions by tossing on a flurry of sliced green onions and a shower of toasted sesame seeds at the finish. These simple garnishes provide crunch, color, and just a little hint of nutty earthiness that makes the entire experience feel special. A few extra cracks of black pepper over the top won’t hurt, either!

Side Dishes

The timeless choice is fluffy steamed white rice, which perfectly soaks up the savory sauce. Fried rice, jasmine rice, or even brown rice work beautifully, too. If you’re going for a more veggie-rich meal, steamed broccoli, snap peas, or a cool Asian cucumber salad on the side complement the flavors and add a lovely freshness to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Stir-fries like this are wonderful for crowd-pleasing family-style spreads. Serve your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions in a sizzling hot cast-iron pan or on a bed of crispy noodles for dramatic effect. It also works well wrapped in lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held appetizer or light meal. Don’t be afraid to add a chili oil drizzle if you like a kick!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve made a big batch, just let your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors often deepen overnight, so leftovers can be even more delicious!

Freezing

While fresh is always best for tender steak, you can freeze cooled servings of this dish for up to two months. Use freezer-safe containers and try to keep as much air out as possible to prevent freezer burn. For best results, freeze portions with a bit of sauce to help protect the steak from drying out during storage.

Reheating

To revive that sizzle, reheat Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions in a hot skillet over medium-high heat, adding a tablespoon or two of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also pop individual portions in the microwave, but add a damp paper towel over the dish to keep things moist and tender. Avoid overcooking the steak so it stays melt-in-your-mouth good.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! While flank steak is classic for this dish due to its tenderness and flavor, you can also use sirloin, skirt steak, or even ribeye. Just make sure to slice thinly against the grain and avoid overcooking for the juiciest results.

How do I make Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions gluten-free?

Simply swap out the regular soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce for certified gluten-free versions, which are now widely available. Also, double-check your cornstarch packaging to be sure it’s gluten-free, and you can enjoy this dish with confidence!

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap out the steak for firm tofu or seitan strips. Use mushroom-based oyster sauce, and you’ll still get that bold, savory flavor while keeping it plant-based. The vibrant peppers and onions will continue to shine.

What vegetables can I add or substitute?

This recipe is super flexible. Try thinly sliced mushrooms, snap peas, zucchini, or even baby corn for new flavors and textures. The key is to keep veggies in thin slices or strips so they cook quickly and evenly during the stir-fry.

Why is it important to slice the steak against the grain?

Slicing against the grain breaks up the muscle fibers in the steak, resulting in far more tender bites. If you slice with the grain, the steak can turn out chewy, so take a moment to find the direction of the grain before slicing.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re serving company or craving a solo comfort meal, Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is always a winner. This quick, delicious stir-fry never disappoints—with its bold flavors, tender steak, and colorful veggies, dinner is guaranteed to be both exciting and comforting. Give it a try and watch it become your new go-to for busy nights, gatherings, and anytime you want a little sizzle on your table!

Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 12 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Savor the bold flavors of a classic Chinese dish with this easy-to-make and delicious Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions. Tender slices of flank steak are stir-fried with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a savory sauce, creating a mouthwatering meal that’s perfect served over steamed rice.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Steak:

1 pound flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Stir-Fry:

1 red bell pepper (sliced)
1 green bell pepper (sliced)
1 medium onion (sliced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon fresh ginger (minced)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup beef broth or water
Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Marinate the Steak: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced steak with soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Sear the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over high heat. Sear the steak for 1–2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Add the remaining oil to the skillet. Sauté garlic, ginger, bell peppers, and onion until tender-crisp. Return the steak to the pan.
Add Sauces: Pour in oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and beef broth. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and the beef is cooked through.
Serve: Serve the sizzling pepper steak hot over steamed rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.