Name: Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons soy sauce (for marinade); 2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided; 1 large onion, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ginger, minced; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1/4 cup water; 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional); 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (optional)

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If you’re searching for a dinner that packs big flavor without hours in the kitchen, look no further than this Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions. Bursting with vibrant colors, juicy steak, crisp-tender veggies, and a savory sauce that clings to every bite, this dish is an absolute favorite for weeknight meals. Did you know pepper steak is thought to have originated from Chinese-American restaurants in the mid-20th century, evolving into a beloved family classic?

What really makes this recipe shine is its quick preparation—ready in just about 30 minutes! It’s a family-friendly meal that even picky eaters will love. Compared to my ever-popular Sticky Orange Chicken, this pepper steak offers that same irresistible, saucy goodness but brings even more veggies to the table. Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to stir-fry!

What is Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions?

Let’s pause for a moment—how did “Pepper Steak” get its catchy name? Is there a secret band of peppers and steak making music in the skillet? Not quite, but you will hear a pleasing sizzle as the steak hits the hot pan, and the onions and peppers start to shine. This dish is a classic “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach” meal. It’s quick, savory, and full of the kind of nostalgic flavors you’d expect from your favorite takeout spot—only better! Give it a try tonight and see who comes running to the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This

First, the highlight: those tender, juicy strips of steak paired with a colorful trio of onion, red, and green bell pepper—all tossed in a glossy, savory sauce with hints of garlic and ginger. What’s not to love? Making this at home saves you the cost (and calories) of takeout, plus you get to control every ingredient that goes into your dish. Add in those little touches—like sesame seeds and fresh green onions for garnish—and suddenly your weeknight dinner feels a whole lot more special.

Compared to my Honey Garlic Beef Stir-Fry, this recipe delivers extra veggie crunch, and the peppery kick pays homage to authentic Chinese-American flavors. If you love saucy, satisfying meals, you’ll want to bookmark both! Ready to upgrade your dinner routine? Let’s make this pepper steak together tonight.

How to Make

Quick Overview

This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is the epitome of easy, satisfying cooking. With just a few basic steps, you’ll have a vibrant dish on the table in about 30 minutes. The marinade infuses the steak with savory flavor, and the quick stir-fry preserves the bell peppers’ natural crunch. The standout element is the aromatic homemade sauce—a blend of soy, oyster, hoisin, and rice vinegar that brings everything together. Ditch the takeout menus—this dish is simple, quick, and so much more flavorful when made fresh.

Ingredients

1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons soy sauce (for marinade)
2 tablespoons sesame oil, divided
1 large onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ginger, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (optional)

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced steak with cornstarch and 2 tablespoons soy sauce. Toss well to coat and let it marinate for about 15 minutes. This helps tenderize the beef and gives it a flavorful base.
In a small bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients: 1/4 cup soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sugar, and water. Stir until everything is well combined and the sugar has dissolved. Set this aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the marinated steak to the pan in a single layer. Sear the beef for about 3 to 4 minutes until browned but still tender. Use tongs to remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Add the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2 minutes to soften slightly, then add the minced garlic and ginger. Continue to stir-fry everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp and fragrant.
Return the browned beef to the skillet with the veggies. Pour in the prepared sauce and give everything a good stir to combine. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to bubble and thicken slightly, coating the steak and vegetables evenly.
Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired.
Serve immediately, ideally over a bed of steamed white rice or noodles.

What to Serve With

Pair your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions with fluffy steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a classic, hearty combo. If you prefer noodles, try it over simple stir-fried lo mein or even wide rice noodles. For even more flavor and crunch, serve alongside a quick Asian cucumber salad or sautéed bok choy. Don’t forget to pour a cold glass of jasmine tea or sparkling water with lime to round out your meal!

Top Tips for Perfecting

Choose the Right Cut: Flank steak or sirloin are ideal for quick stir-fries. Slice as thinly as possible, against the grain, for the most tender results.
Prep Ahead: Have all your ingredients chopped and ready—this is a fast-moving recipe, so mise en place is key!
Mind the Heat: High heat is best for a quick sear and to lock in the juices of both steak and veggies. Don’t overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming.
Sauce Adjustment: If you like it saucier, feel free to add an extra splash of water or soy sauce before serving.
Ingredient Swaps: Don’t have oyster or hoisin sauce? You can sub a little extra soy sauce and a tiny drizzle of honey or brown sugar for sweetness.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water and warm gently in a skillet over medium heat until just heated through; this keeps the steak from getting tough and the veggies from becoming mushy. You can also reheat in the microwave—short intervals work best. If you’d like to freeze, cool the dish completely first, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as above for an easy future meal.

FAQs

Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs work beautifully and cook quickly, just like the steak.

Do I have to marinate the steak?
It’s highly recommended, as the cornstarch and soy sauce help tenderize the meat and give it loads of flavor. Even 10-15 minutes makes a difference.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and make sure your oyster and hoisin sauces are gluten-free.

What vegetables work besides peppers and onions?
You can add or swap in sliced carrots, snow peas, mushrooms, or even baby corn for extra color and crunch.

How spicy is this dish?
This version isn’t spicy, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sliced chili to the sauce if you like a bit of heat!

Conclusion

Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is everything a cozy dinner should be: fast, full of flavor, and bursting with satisfying textures. Why wait for takeout when you can whip up this restaurant-quality classic at home in under 30 minutes? Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving something bold and delicious, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your weeknight rotation. Give it a try—your taste buds, and your wallet, will thank you!