🥡 Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
🍽️ Description:
This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions brings restaurant-style flavor straight to your kitchen! Tender, thinly sliced beef is marinated and stir-fried with vibrant bell peppers and onions, all coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce with umami-rich notes. Served over rice, it’s the ultimate takeout-style dinner with a sizzling twist — ready in just 30 minutes!
🛒 Ingredients:
For the beef & stir-fry:
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (for velveting the beef)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (for marinating)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil (for cooking)
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
For the sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar (or honey)
- 1/4 cup water
Optional garnish:
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp green onions, chopped
🍳 Instructions:
- Marinate the beef:
In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced beef with 2 tbsp soy sauce and 2 tbsp cornstarch. Let sit for at least 15 minutes. This helps tenderize the meat and gives it that smooth, velvety texture. - Make the sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients — soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin, sugar, and water. Set aside. - Stir-fry the vegetables:
Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until just tender but still crisp. Remove and set aside. - Cook the beef:
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil. Add the marinated beef in a single layer. Let it sear for 1-2 minutes without stirring, then stir-fry until browned and cooked through (about 3-4 more minutes). - Combine everything:
Add garlic and ginger, stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant. Return the veggies to the pan. Pour in the sauce and stir to coat everything. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens. - Garnish & serve:
Top with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot over steamed white rice or noodles.
🍽️ Servings:
4 servings
Serve with 1 cup of steamed jasmine or basmati rice per person for a complete meal.
🔍 Nutritional Info (Per Serving, w/o rice):
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 14g
- Sugar: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: ~900mg
Note: Values can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
✅ Benefits:
- High in protein – Supports muscle growth and repair.
- Rich in antioxidants – From bell peppers and onions.
- Quick cooking – Great for busy weeknights.
- Customizable – Swap in mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli!
💡 Chef’s Tips:
- Slice meat thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Preheat your pan fully before adding meat for a proper sear.
- Double the sauce if you like it extra saucy — great over rice!
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili oil for extra heat.
- Velveting (marinating in cornstarch + soy) makes the beef soft and silky, like in restaurants.
❓ Q&A:
Q: Can I use chicken instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs work great — just reduce cooking time slightly.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prep the beef and sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Stir-fry just before serving for best results.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: It can be — just use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin/oyster sauce substitutes.
Q: Can I make it spicy?
A: For sure — add chili paste, red pepper flakes, or diced fresh chilies during the stir-fry step.
Want a printable version or meal prep variant? I can hook you up!