Name: Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sugar; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 large onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 1/2 cup beef broth; Salt and black pepper to taste; Cooked white rice, for serving

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Sizzling Chinese pepper steak with onions is a classic stir-fry dish full of bold flavors and tender textures. Juicy strips of beef are cooked with bell peppers and onions in a savory sauce, creating a quick and satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish brings restaurant-style flavors into my own kitchen with minimal effort. The beef turns out tender and juicy, while the peppers and onions add crunch and sweetness. I also enjoy how quickly it comes together—perfect for weeknights when I want something hearty but don’t have much time. Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 large onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1/2 cup beef broth
Salt and black pepper to taste
Cooked white rice, for serving

Directions

I marinate the sliced beef in soy sauce, cornstarch, and a little black pepper for 15–20 minutes.
In a small bowl, I whisk together oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and beef broth.
I heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat and stir-fry the beef until browned but not overcooked. I remove it from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, I add a little more oil if needed and sauté onions, garlic, and ginger for 1–2 minutes.
I toss in the bell peppers and cook until slightly tender but still crisp.
I return the beef to the pan, pour in the sauce mixture, and stir-fry everything together for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.
I serve hot over steamed rice.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, so I can have it on the table in around 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add mushrooms or snow peas for extra texture. If I want it spicier, I stir in red chili flakes or sliced fresh chilies. I also like using sesame oil at the end for a nutty flavor, or swapping beef for chicken when I want something lighter.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the pepper steak in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or beef broth to keep the sauce smooth. Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

FAQs

What cut of beef works best for pepper steak?

I usually use flank steak or sirloin because they cook quickly and stay tender when sliced thin against the grain.

Do I need a wok to make this recipe?

No, a large skillet works just fine, but a wok makes stir-frying easier.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, I swap the soy sauce and hoisin sauce for gluten-free alternatives like tamari.

How do I keep the vegetables crisp?

I cook them over high heat for just a few minutes so they stay tender-crisp instead of soft.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, but I stir-fry in batches so the pan doesn’t overcrowd and steam the ingredients.

Conclusion

I find sizzling Chinese pepper steak with onions to be one of the easiest and tastiest stir-fry dishes I can make at home. It’s fast, flavorful, and always hits the spot when I’m craving takeout flavors. With tender beef, colorful peppers, and a rich savory sauce, it’s a dish I come back to again and again.