Delicious Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe

By:

Amelia

December 17, 2025

Ah, the memories of enjoying a hearty plate of Chinese pepper steak with onions bring such warmth to my heart. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish always hits the spot. It’s not only easy to make but also packed with flavors that will make you feel like you’re dining at your favorite Chinese restaurant—all from the comfort of your own kitchen. Let’s dive in and make this memorable meal together!

Why You’ll Love Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

  • Fast
  • Easy
  • Giftable
  • Crowd-pleasing

Ingredients

  • 1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced: This cut is perfect for stir-frying because it’s tender and flavorful.
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a savory umami flavor that brings everything together.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch: This helps to tenderize the meat and gives it a nice glaze.
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Essential for stir-frying, choose a neutral oil that can handle high heat.
  • 1 bell pepper, sliced: Use red or green for a pop of color and a sweet crunch.
  • 1 onion, sliced: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic makes everything better, don’t you agree?
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced: A little zing that pairs beautifully with the beef.
  • 1/4 cup beef broth: To create a rich and flavorful sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: For that authentic Chinese flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a lovely nuttiness to the dish.
  • Salt and pepper to taste: Always season to your liking!
  • Cooked rice for serving: The perfect base to soak up all that delicious sauce.

How to Make Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

  1. In a bowl, combine the sliced flank steak, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Mix well and let marinate for 15-30 minutes. This step is key for tenderizing the meat.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak and stir-fry until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced bell pepper and onion, and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
  4. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for an additional minute until fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
  5. Return the steak to the skillet, then add the beef broth, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is heated through.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over cooked rice, and enjoy every bite!

Substitutions & Additions

  • If you don’t have flank steak, you can use sirloin or even chicken for a different twist.
  • Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for extra nutrition.
  • For a bit more heat, add some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.

Tips for Success

  • Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the steak; this ensures it gets a nice sear.
  • Make sure your pan is hot before adding the meat for the best results.
  • You can prep the ingredients ahead of time to make dinner even quicker!

How to Store Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. I find that the flavors get even better the next day!

FAQs

  • Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare everything up to the cooking step and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
  • Is this recipe gluten-free? You can use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce to make it gluten-free.
  • What can I serve with this dish? It pairs beautifully with steamed rice, but you can also serve it with noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful dish? Don’t forget to follow my Pinterest for more delicious recipes and kitchen inspiration!

Quick and Easy Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe You Will Love
Delicious Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

A quick and easy recipe for Chinese pepper steak with onions, combining tender beef with colorful vegetables and a savory sauce—perfect for a weeknight dinner or special gathering.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients
  

For the Chinese Pepper Steak
  • 1 lb flank steak thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil for stir-frying
  • 1 unit bell pepper sliced
  • 1 unit onion sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp ginger minced
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • as needed cooked rice for serving

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Wok

Method
 

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine the sliced flank steak, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Mix well and let marinate for 15-30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak and stir-fry until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced bell pepper and onion, and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
  4. Step 4: Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for an additional minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Return the steak to the skillet, then add the beef broth, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Stir well to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is heated through.
  6. Step 6: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over cooked rice, and enjoy!

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

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