Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe

Savory Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe for Dinner Joy

My kitchen adventures often lead me to unexpected culinary treasures like this chinese pepper steak with onions that combines bold flavors and simple ingredients.

Tender beef slices dance with crisp vegetables in a savory sauce that promises immediate satisfaction.

Fragrant spices weave through each bite, creating a harmony of textures and tastes.

Quick preparation meets restaurant-quality results in this straightforward recipe.

Sharp black pepper provides a warming kick that complements the succulent meat perfectly.

Home cooks will appreciate how effortlessly these ingredients come together in one stunning dish.

Let’s uncover the magic of this delectable meal that brings restaurant excitement directly to your dining table.

FAQs

  • Why marinate the steak?

Marinating helps tenderize the meat, adds deeper flavor, and creates a protective coating that keeps the steak juicy during high-heat cooking. The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch helps break down muscle fibers and lock in moisture.

  • What type of steak works best for this recipe?

Flank steak is ideal because it’s lean, flavorful, and becomes tender when marinated and quickly cooked at high heat. Alternatively, you can use sirloin or skirt steak with similar results.

  • How do I know when the steak is cooked perfectly?

For medium-rare, cook the steak for 2-3 minutes per side until browned on the outside but still slightly pink in the center. Use high heat to get a nice sear without overcooking the meat.

  • Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! Add red pepper flakes, sriracha sauce, or sliced fresh chili peppers during the final stir-frying stage to increase the heat level according to your preference.

Pepper Steak That Sizzles with Bold Chinese Flavor

  • Speedy Kitchen Magic: Whip up this delicious Chinese pepper steak in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy home cooks craving a restaurant-quality meal.
  • Flavor Explosion: Marinating the steak with a blend of soy, oyster, and hoisin sauces creates an incredible depth of taste that will make your taste buds dance.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: This dish works brilliantly for family dinners, date nights, or when you want to impress friends with your culinary skills without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimize cleanup with this streamlined recipe that uses a single skillet, making it a go-to option for those who hate washing multiple pots and pans.

Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents Ingredient List

Main Ingredients:
  • Flank Steak: Premium beef cut perfect for quick stir-frying.
  • Bell Peppers: Colorful vegetables that add crunch and sweetness.
  • Onions: Aromatic vegetable that provides depth of flavor.
Marinade Ingredients:
  • Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Hoisin Sauce: Rich Asian-style flavor enhancers.
  • Sesame Oil: Nutty and fragrant oil that adds authentic taste.
  • Cornstarch: Helps tenderize meat and thicken sauce.
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Garlic, Ginger: Fundamental aromatics that create bold Asian flavor.
  • Water, Rice Vinegar, Honey: Balanced sauce ingredients for brightness and sweetness.
  • Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Fresh garnish for final touch and texture.
  • Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking oil for high-heat stir-frying.

Cooking Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions That Sizzle

Step 1: Prep the Protein

Slice flank steak into thin strips. In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Hoisin sauce
  • Sesame oil
  • Cornstarch

Thoroughly coat the steak and let it rest for 15-20 minutes to absorb flavors.

Step 2: Sauté Colorful Vegetables

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in:
  • Bell peppers
  • Onions

Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp. Transfer to a separate plate.

Step 3: Sear the Meat

Using the same skillet, add more vegetable oil. Cook marinated steak in batches, ensuring each side turns golden brown. This should take 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Profile

Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Quickly sauté to release aromatic oils. Return cooked vegetables and steak to the pan. Pour in:
  • Water
  • Rice vinegar
  • Honey

Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce reaches a slightly thickened consistency.

Step 5: Final Touches and Plating

Remove from heat. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Pepper Steak Tips for Stir-Fry Sizzle and Bold Onion Flavor

  • Marinate Masterfully: Let the steak sit in the marinade for the full 15-20 minutes to ensure deep flavor penetration and tender meat.
  • Stir-Fry Strategically: Cook vegetables and meat in batches to maintain high heat and prevent steaming, which keeps ingredients crisp and develops a perfect sear.
  • Sauce Success: Simmer the sauce briefly to thicken and coat ingredients, creating a glossy and flavorful finish that clings to the meat and vegetables.
  • Protein Flexibility: Swap flank steak with chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a versatile dish that suits different dietary preferences and protein choices.
  • Rice Pairing Perfection: Serve over jasmine or brown rice to soak up the delicious sauce and create a complete, satisfying meal.

Best Way to Save Chinese Pepper Steak for Later Meals

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Transfer cooled pepper steak to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Place steak in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a little water or broth to maintain moisture. Stir gently to distribute heat evenly. Cook for 3-4 minutes until thoroughly heated, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Homemade Big Mac Sauce Serving Tips

  • Pair with Crisp Riesling: Light, slightly sweet German white wine cuts through the rich, savory steak, balancing its spicy pepper notes and complementing the dish's Asian-inspired flavors.
  • Serve with Jasmine Rice Pilaf: Fluffy, aromatic rice absorbs the pepper steak's delicious sauce, providing a perfect neutral base that enhances the meal's texture and taste.
  • Match with Cold Asian Beer: Refreshing Tsingtao or Sapporo beer offers a crisp, clean contrast to the steak's bold spices, cleansing the palate between bites and cooling down the dish's warmth.
  • Complement with Pickled Cucumber Salad: Tangy, crunchy cucumber slices dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil provide a fresh, light side that cuts through the meat's richness and adds textural variety.

Rotel Sausage Crescent Flavor Twists

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace soy sauce with tamari sauce and use gluten-free cornstarch. Verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap flank steak with firm tofu or seitan, pressing and cutting into strips. Marinate plant-based protein using identical sauce ingredients for similar flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Version: Replace rice or noodles with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Reduce honey quantity or substitute with monk fruit sweetener to maintain low-carbohydrate approach.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce during sauce simmering stage. Include sliced jalapeños with bell peppers for extra heat and complexity in the pepper steak recipe.
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Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe


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4.8 from 14 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling Chinese pepper steak with onions delivers bold Asian-inspired flavors that dance across your palate. Tender beef strips bathed in savory sauce promise a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 lb (453.6 g) flank steak, thinly sliced

Vegetables:

  • 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Sauces and Seasonings:

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a flavor-packed marinade by blending soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch in a mixing bowl. Thoroughly coat the sliced flank steak and allow it to absorb the marinade’s rich flavors for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Ignite a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat with vegetable oil. Toss in bell peppers and onions, creating a vibrant stir-fry that softens the vegetables while maintaining their crisp texture. Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a separate plate.
  3. Using the same skillet, introduce additional vegetable oil and sear the marinated steak in batches. Achieve a golden-brown exterior by cooking each side for 2-3 minutes, ensuring a succulent and caramelized finish. Set the cooked steak aside.
  4. Infuse the skillet with aromatic garlic and ginger, releasing their intense flavors for approximately one minute. Reunite the previously cooked vegetables and steak in the pan, creating a harmonious blend.
  5. Enhance the dish with a dynamic sauce by incorporating water, rice vinegar, and honey. Allow the mixture to simmer, gradually thickening and coating the ingredients with a glossy, tantalizing glaze.
  6. Elevate the presentation by sprinkling freshly chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the steaming dish. Serve immediately alongside steamed rice or noodles, creating a delectable Chinese-inspired meal.

Notes

  • Marinating works magic by tenderizing meat and infusing deep, rich flavors into the steak, so don’t rush this crucial step.
  • High heat is essential for achieving that perfect sizzling texture, creating beautiful caramelization and sealing in juicy meat proteins.
  • Cooking in batches prevents overcrowding the pan, ensuring each steak slice gets a beautiful golden-brown crust instead of steaming.
  • Customize heat levels by adding chili flakes or sriracha sauce for spice lovers, making the dish adaptable to different taste preferences.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 366
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Marcus Hale

Marcus Hale

Founder & Recipe Storyteller

Expertise

  • Demystifying knife work, sauce emulsification, and pastry basics.
  • Curating seasonal guides that adapt global recipes to local, in-season produce.
  • Crafting blog posts, videos, and social media tips.

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Hands-on global cuisine training emphasizes sustainable cooking and recipe development under accredited chefs.

Marcus grew up surrounded by maple trees, farm stands, and the smell of Sunday stew simmering on the stove. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from the HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he knew he didn’t want to work in fancy kitchens, he wanted to cook for real people.

At Whip Up Cook Up, Marcus is the guy turning memories into meals. His recipes are fast, full of flavor, and built for home cooks who want big taste without the drama.

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