Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion

 

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion – A Flavorful Takeout Classic You Can Make at Home

If you’re craving the bold, savory flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout, this Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion is the perfect recipe to bring restaurant-quality taste right into your kitchen. Juicy, tender slices of beef are stir-fried with crisp bell peppers and sweet onions, all tossed in a rich, umami-packed sauce that’s both comforting and irresistible. Best of all, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

This dish is beloved for its balance: the succulent beef, the crunch of the vegetables, and the glossy, savory sauce that clings to every bite. Paired with a bed of steamed rice or noodles, it’s the kind of satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again.

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Ingredients for Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture:

Beef sirloin or flank steak (1 lb, thinly sliced) – Tender, juicy, and quick-cooking, the beef is the star of this dish. Cutting it thin against the grain ensures melt-in-your-mouth bites.

Soy sauce (1/4 cup, divided) – Provides the salty, umami backbone of the stir-fry sauce and also tenderizes the beef during marination.

Oyster sauce (2 tablespoons) – Adds depth and a touch of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.

Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Infuses the dish with aromatic richness.

Fresh ginger (1 tablespoon, grated) – Bright and slightly spicy, ginger lifts the flavors of the sauce.

Bell peppers (2, sliced into strips – red and green recommended) – Their sweetness and crunch perfectly complement the savory beef.

Onion (1 large, sliced) – Adds sweetness and texture, rounding out the flavor.

Cornstarch (2 teaspoons) – Helps thicken the sauce so it coats the beef and vegetables beautifully.

Beef broth (1/2 cup) – Creates a luscious base for the sauce while intensifying the beefy flavor.

Brown sugar (1 teaspoon) – Balances the saltiness with a hint of caramelized sweetness.

Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons) – Neutral oil for high-heat stir-frying.

Sesame oil (1 teaspoon, optional) – Adds nutty aroma and depth right before serving.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make a restaurant-quality Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion at home:

1. Marinate the beef – In a bowl, combine half the soy sauce (2 tablespoons) with the beef slices. Let marinate for 15 minutes while prepping vegetables. This step keeps the beef tender and flavorful.

2. Prepare the sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, cornstarch, and ginger. Set aside.

3. Stir-fry the beef – Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes until just browned but not fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.

4. Cook the vegetables – Add the remaining oil to the pan. Stir-fry onions and bell peppers for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender. Add garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Combine and sauce – Return beef to the pan. Pour in the sauce mixture and stir well, allowing the cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Cook for 2–3 minutes until beef is cooked through and everything is coated in the glossy sauce.

6. Finish and serve – Drizzle with sesame oil (if using) for added aroma. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.

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Why This Recipe is Loved

Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights.

Better Than Takeout: Fresher ingredients, healthier, and more customizable.

Flavor Explosion: The savory-sweet sauce pairs beautifully with the tender beef and crunchy veggies.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Pepper Steak

Slice beef against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Use a hot wok or skillet to achieve that perfect sear without overcooking.

Don’t overcook the vegetables – they should stay crisp for the best texture.

Make extra sauce if serving over rice; it soaks up beautifully.

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Serving Suggestions

This Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion is incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to serve it:

Classic Style: Over a bed of freshly steamed white rice.

Healthier Option: With cauliflower rice or quinoa.

Noodle Bowl: Toss with lo mein or rice noodles for a hearty twist.

Complete Meal: Pair with egg rolls, hot and sour soup, or steamed dumplings for a full takeout-style feast.

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Final Thoughts

This Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion recipe is the ultimate answer to takeout cravings. It’s quick, flavorful, and uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. With tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory-sweet sauce, this dish is guaranteed to become a staple in your weekly dinner rotation.

Why order out when you can make something healthier, fres

her, and just as delicious at home? Try this recipe tonight, and you’ll never look at takeout the same way again!