Name: Chinese Pepper Steak
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain; 2 tbsp soy sauce (for marinating); 1 tbsp cornstarch (for marinating); 1 tbsp neutral oil (canola or vegetable); 1/2 onion, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 tsp sesame oil; 2 green onions, sliced (optional); 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional); For the sauce:; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp oyster sauce; 1/2 cup beef broth or water; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated; 1 tsp cornstarch (for thickening)

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Chinese Pepper Steak is a classic stir-fry dish that I love making when I want something quick, flavorful, and better than takeout. It’s made with thin strips of beef, bell peppers, onions, and a savory soy-based sauce that’s both rich and comforting. Served over steamed rice, it’s a complete meal that comes together in minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s simple but packed with flavor. The beef cooks quickly and stays tender, while the peppers and onions give it freshness and crunch. The sauce is garlicky, slightly sweet, and deeply savory, which makes every bite satisfying. I also love that it’s versatile—I can use whatever vegetables I have on hand, and it always tastes delicious. Chinese Pepper Steak

Ingredients

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

Flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
Soy sauce
Oyster sauce
Garlic, minced
Fresh ginger, grated
Brown sugar
Cornstarch (for coating beef and thickening sauce)
Beef broth or water
Rice vinegar
Sesame oil
Bell peppers (red and green), sliced
Onion, sliced
Neutral oil (like canola or vegetable)
Green onions, sliced (optional for garnish)
Sesame seeds (optional for garnish)

Directions

I toss the sliced beef with a little soy sauce and cornstarch, then set it aside to marinate briefly.
I whisk together the sauce ingredients—soy sauce, oyster sauce, beef broth, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a little cornstarch.
I heat oil in a wok or skillet over high heat and stir-fry the beef quickly until browned, then remove it from the pan.
In the same pan, I stir-fry the onions and bell peppers until crisp-tender.
I return the beef to the pan, pour in the sauce, and stir until everything is coated and the sauce thickens slightly.
I finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. It usually takes me 10 minutes to prep and about 15 minutes to cook, so the whole meal is ready in around 25 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli for more variety. I also like making it spicier by adding red pepper flakes or sliced fresh chilies. If I don’t have oyster sauce, I swap in hoisin sauce for a sweeter version. For a lower-sodium option, I use reduced-salt soy sauce.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to keep the sauce smooth. The microwave works too, though I find the vegetables stay crisper when reheated on the stove. Chinese Pepper Steak

FAQs

What cut of beef is best for pepper steak?

I usually use flank steak or sirloin because they’re tender when sliced thin against the grain.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I often slice the beef and vegetables and mix the sauce earlier in the day. When it’s time to cook, the stir-fry comes together in minutes.

Do I need a wok to make this recipe?

No, I just use a large skillet and it works perfectly fine.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, I sometimes swap the beef for tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

How do I keep the beef tender?

I slice it thinly against the grain, marinate it briefly with soy sauce and cornstarch, and cook it quickly over high heat.

Conclusion

Chinese Pepper Steak is one of my favorite quick stir-fry dishes because it’s simple, flavorful, and satisfying. The combination of tender beef, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce makes it a reliable go-to for busy weeknights. I love serving it over rice or noodles, and it always tastes just as good as (if not better than) takeout.