Description
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a classic takeout favorite made easily at home. Tender slices of marinated beef are stir-fried with crisp onions and bell peppers, all coated in a rich, savory sauce. Perfect served over steamed rice or noodles, this dish delivers bold, authentic flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Marinade:
1 pound beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Stir-Fry:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
For the Sauce:
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry for thickening)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or more, to taste)
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
Instructions
1️⃣ In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Add the beef slices to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let sit for at least 15 minutes or up to 30 minutes for deeper flavor.
2️⃣ In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce if using, black pepper, and the cornstarch slurry. Set the sauce aside.
3️⃣ Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the onion and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, until slightly softened but still crisp. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
4️⃣ Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5️⃣ Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the beef. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together. Stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables evenly.
6️⃣ Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
For the best texture, slice the beef thinly against the grain and make sure the skillet is very hot before adding the meat. You can substitute other vegetables like snap peas or mushrooms for variety. Adjust the spice level by adding more red pepper flakes or a splash of chili oil. This dish is great for meal prepping and tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.