Savory, saucy, and bursting with bold flavor — Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions is a timeless takeout favorite you can easily recreate at home. Tender strips of beef are stir-fried to perfection with crisp bell peppers and sweet onions, all coated in a rich, glossy sauce that’s perfectly balanced between salty, savory, and slightly sweet. Served sizzling hot over rice or noodles, this dish is a sensory delight — smoky aroma, bright colors, and melt-in-your-mouth texture. I once made this with a touch of oyster sauce and sesame oil for added depth, and it tasted just like my favorite Chinese restaurant’s version. Quick to cook and full of flavor, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners that feel special without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This classic pepper steak recipe brings together tender beef, colorful vegetables, and a rich umami sauce in under 30 minutes. The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger creates a deep, satisfying flavor that pairs beautifully with fluffy rice. It’s a one-pan wonder — fresh, fast, and incredibly comforting.
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# Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Tender strips of beef stir-fried with bell peppers and onions in a savory soy-garlic sauce. This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions is a takeout classic made fresh at home — full of flavor, quick to cook, and perfectly served over steamed rice.
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin (thinly sliced against the grain)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 medium onion (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp fresh ginger (grated)
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (extra for sauce)
- 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water for slurry)
- Cooked jasmine or white rice (for serving)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine sliced beef with 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp cornstarch, and rice vinegar. Mix well and marinate for 15–20 minutes.
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the beef and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining oil to the wok. Stir-fry onions, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Return the beef to the wok. Pour in beef broth, sesame oil, brown sugar, and an extra 1 tbsp soy sauce. Stir to combine.
- Add the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.
- Serve hot over steamed rice, garnished with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
Notes
- Slice beef very thinly for tenderness — freezing it for 20 minutes helps with cutting.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.
- For heat, add a few red chili flakes or sliced Thai peppers.
- This dish also pairs well with noodles or fried rice.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-Fried
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Beef Sirloin or Flank Steak
Thinly sliced against the grain for maximum tenderness and quick cooking.
Soy Sauce
Forms the base of the sauce, adding saltiness and umami depth.
Oyster Sauce
Adds a glossy richness and slightly sweet, savory flavor that makes the sauce irresistible.
Garlic
Freshly minced for that aromatic, savory kick that defines a good stir-fry.
Ginger
Adds warmth and freshness, balancing the bold sauce flavors.
Bell Peppers
Green and red peppers bring sweetness, color, and a satisfying crunch.
Onions
Sliced onions caramelize slightly in the sauce, adding natural sweetness.
Cornstarch
Used to thicken the sauce and coat the beef, giving it that velvety texture.
Beef Broth
Adds depth and body to the sauce, keeping it from being too salty.
Brown Sugar
Balances the savory flavors and enhances the caramelization of the sauce.
Rice Vinegar
Adds a light tang that keeps the dish bright and flavorful.
Sesame Oil
Drizzled in at the end for nutty aroma and authentic flavor.
Vegetable Oil
Perfect for high-heat cooking and quick stir-frying.
Salt and Black Pepper
Enhances the overall flavor and highlights the peppery notes of the dish.
Directions
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Pat the beef dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the beef in batches and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sliced onions and bell peppers, stir-frying for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Return the beef to the pan, pour in the sauce mixture, and toss everything together until well coated.
- Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, about 1–2 minutes.
- Drizzle with sesame oil before serving and garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete, sizzling meal.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can overcook the beef.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Pepper Steak
Add red chili flakes or sliced fresh chili for extra heat.
Sweet & Tangy Version
Add a splash of orange juice or hoisin sauce for a sweeter profile.
Vegetable-Packed Pepper Steak
Include broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for a heartier, veggie-filled stir-fry.
Ginger-Garlic Boost
Double the ginger and garlic for a stronger, aromatic flavor.
Low-Sodium Option
Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and broth to control salt levels.
Sesame Lover’s Twist
Top with toasted sesame seeds for added crunch and nuttiness.
Beef Substitute
Use chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein with the same flavorful sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, flank, ribeye, or top sirloin all work well — just slice thinly against the grain.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce and slice the beef and veggies ahead, then cook everything fresh when ready.
What’s the best way to get tender beef?
Slice it thinly against the grain and cook quickly over high heat.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, swap the beef for tofu or seitan and use vegetable broth.
Can I use frozen peppers?
Fresh is best for texture, but frozen works in a pinch — just thaw and drain well.
How thick should the sauce be?
It should coat the beef and vegetables evenly — glossy and slightly sticky.
Can I serve it with noodles instead of rice?
Absolutely! It pairs wonderfully with lo mein or rice noodles.
What can I do if the sauce is too salty?
Add a splash of water or an extra teaspoon of brown sugar to balance it out.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce, and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A light red like Pinot Noir or a crisp white like Riesling complements the bold flavors perfectly.
Conclusion
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions is a quick and flavorful meal that delivers takeout-quality taste right from your kitchen. The combination of tender beef, crisp vegetables, and savory sauce creates a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough to serve guests. Once you try this sizzling stir-fry, it’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation — fast, flavorful, and always satisfying.
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