Description
A vibrant and flavorful Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions stir-fry, featuring tender marinated beef, sweet caramelized onions, and colorful bell peppers in a glossy, umami-rich sauce. This quick and easy recipe brings takeout-quality flavor to your home kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) beef strips (sirloin, flank, or ribeye)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (for marinade)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for marinade)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (for marinade)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for marinade)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (for sauce)
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for sauce)
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for vegetables)
- Sesame oil for drizzling (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the beef strips in a bowl with 2 tbsp vegetable oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce (if using), 1 tsp sesame oil, salt, and pepper for 10-15 minutes.
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add 2 tbsp vegetable oil to the same skillet over high heat. Sear the marinated beef strips in batches for 2-3 minutes until browned. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients: 2 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp oyster sauce (if using), 2 tbsp hoisin sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, and 1 tbsp cornstarch.
- Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the seared beef. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture.
- Stir-fry everything together until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the beef and vegetables.
- Drizzle with a little sesame oil before serving, if desired. Serve your Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Slice beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.
- Use high heat for stir-frying to achieve a good sear.
- Cook beef in batches to prevent steaming.
- Cornstarch in the sauce helps achieve a glossy, thickened consistency.
- Adjust heat with red pepper flakes or chili oil if you prefer a spicier Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure other sauces are certified gluten-free.
- Customize with other vegetables like mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Stir-fry
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: N/A
- Cholesterol: N/A