Chinese pepper steak with onions!

 

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions: A Classic Takeout Favorite Made at Home

There’s something irresistible about the aroma of sizzling beef, onions, and bell peppers tossed in a glossy, savory sauce. Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is one of those timeless dishes that perfectly balances bold flavors, tender textures, and simple ingredients. Best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make at home — no takeout menu required!

A Little Background

Pepper steak has its roots in Chinese-American cuisine, inspired by traditional stir-fry techniques from Cantonese cooking. The dish combines marinated strips of beef with colorful vegetables and a rich sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of cornstarch for that signature silky coating.

While many versions exist, the combination of tender beef, crisp bell peppers, and sweet onions remains the hallmark of this comforting classic.

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Ingredients

For the beef and marinade:

• 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the stir-fry:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

• 1 large onion, sliced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 green bell pepper, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)

For the sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• ½ cup beef broth or water

• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)

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Instructions

1. Marinate the beef:
   In a bowl, combine soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Add the beef slices, toss to coat, and let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour for more flavor).

2. Prepare the sauce:
   In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and beef broth. Set aside.

3. Stir-fry the beef:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Add the beef and sear quickly until browned but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

4. Cook the vegetables:
   In the same pan, add the remaining oil. Stir-fry onions and bell peppers for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Add minced garlic and black pepper, stirring until fragrant.

5. Combine and thicken:
   Return the beef to the pan. Pour in the sauce and bring to a simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables evenly.

6. Serve hot:
   Garnish with extra black pepper or sesame seeds, and serve over steamed rice or noodles.

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Tips for the Best Pepper Steak

• Slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.

• Use high heat to get that perfect sear without overcooking the meat.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan — cook in batches if needed to maintain the stir-fry’s signature texture.

• Adjust the sauce to your taste: add chili flakes for spice or more oyster sauce for umami depth.

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Final Thoughts

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is proof that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh produce, you can recreate a restaurant-quality dish right in your kitchen. It’s flavorful, comforting, and perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving something quick and satisfying.

So grab your wok and get ready to stir-fry — dinner’s going to be delicious tonight!