If you’re craving a quick dinner that’s packed with bold flavors, vibrant veggies, and melt-in-your-mouth beef, Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is the dish you’re looking for. This crowd-pleaser pairs tender slices of steak with bell peppers and onions, all tossed in a rich, savory sauce that dazzles every taste bud. The best part? It all comes together in just half an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a special weekend treat. You’ll love how this classic Chinese takeout favorite sizzles its way into your regular dinner rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions lies in its straightforward ingredients list. Each component brings something essential—whether that’s a pop of color, a satisfying chew, or those deep umami flavors that make this dish irresistible.
- Flank steak or sirloin: Slicing against the grain ensures your beef turns out ultra-tender and soaks up all those amazing seasonings.
- Soy sauce: The must-have for bringing out savory depth and just the right level of saltiness.
- Oyster sauce: This adds rich, complex umami and just a touch of sweetness—don’t skip it!
- Hoisin sauce: Sweet, tangy, and just a bit smoky, hoisin gives your sauce those signature Chinese restaurant vibes.
- Cornstarch: Not only does it help the marinade cling to the beef, but it also makes that glossy, alluring sauce we love.
- Vegetable oil: Essential for getting a proper sear on the beef and fast-cooking those crisp-tender veggies.
- Green and red bell pepper: Their vivid color and sweet crunch make each bite irresistible.
- Large onion: The juicy, mellow bite of onion is a must for both flavor and texture.
- Garlic: A couple of minced cloves elevate everything with unmistakable aroma and depth.
- Ground black pepper: Provides gentle heat and that classic “pepper steak” zing.
- Beef broth or water: Adds just enough moisture to marry everything together into a luscious sauce.
- Sesame oil (optional): Just a drizzle brings aromatic, toasty depth at the finish.
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional): For a final flourish—these take the presentation and flavor to the next level!
How to Make Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by placing your thinly sliced steak in a medium bowl. Add the soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper, giving everything a good toss to ensure the beef is evenly coated. Let this mixture sit for 15 to 20 minutes while you prep the veggies. Marinating not only allows the seasonings to infuse every slice, it also helps break down the meat so it cooks up tender and incredibly flavorful.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until it’s shimmering but not smoking. Add the marinated beef in a single layer—don’t crowd the pan. Sear the steak for about 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until browned but not fully cooked through. Promptly remove the beef and set it aside, so it stays tender and doesn’t overcook later.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to your pan. Stir in the sliced onions and bell peppers, and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re just crisp-tender and the colors are bright. This short cooking time preserves both the crunch and the sweetness of the veggies, which is key to that signature Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions experience. Toss in the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Combine and Sauce
Return your seared beef to the pan, then add the oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and beef broth (or water). Carefully toss everything together so the beef, peppers, and onions are coated in sauce. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the sauce thickens up and the steak is cooked through. If desired, finish with a quick drizzle of sesame oil for extra aroma and shine.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Serve your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions while it’s piping hot for the ultimate “sizzle” effect. Transfers beautifully to a serving platter or straight over steamed rice. Sprinkle on sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you like a little freshness and crunch on top.
How to Serve Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Garnishes
A shower of sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds add fresh flavor and eye-catching contrast. If you’re partial to a bit of heat, try finishing with finely chopped chili or a dusting of crushed red pepper flakes. These little extras turn your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions into a restaurant-worthy main course with minimal effort.
Side Dishes
This dish sings when served over fluffy steamed white rice, but don’t stop there—think jasmine rice, brown rice, or even fried rice for that classic takeout pairing. For a lower-carb option, try serving alongside steamed broccoli or a simple stir-fried bok choy. The savory sauce is perfect for drizzling over vegetables as well!
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling a bit fancy? Serve Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions sizzling hot on a cast-iron platter for some tableside drama. Or, for a party, portion it into lettuce cups for fun, bite-sized wraps that showcase all the vibrant colors and flavors. No matter the presentation, this dish is always a star.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers of your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions? Cool any extras to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors often develop even deeper overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch extra satisfying.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for even greater convenience! Once completely cooled, spoon the pepper steak into freezer-safe containers or zip bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To keep your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions as tasty as possible, reheat gently over medium heat in a skillet. A splash of beef broth or water will revive the sauce and maintain tenderness. Microwave reheating works, too—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring once or twice.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! Flank steak and sirloin work best for tenderness, but you can use skirt steak, ribeye, or even thinly sliced chuck. Just make sure to cut against the grain for the best results and maximum juiciness.
Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?
If you’re out of oyster sauce or need a vegetarian option, you can substitute with mushroom stir-fry sauce or a bit more hoisin sauce for sweetness. The depth of flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
How do I get the steak so tender?
The secrets are marinating with cornstarch and soy sauce, and slicing the beef thinly against the grain. A quick high-heat sear locks in the juices and gives that craveable, tender texture every time.
What vegetables can I add to this dish?
While bell peppers and onions are classic, you can mix it up with snap peas, thinly sliced carrots, mushrooms, or broccoli florets. Just be sure to add them according to their cooking times so everything stays crisp-tender and vibrant.
How spicy is Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions?
The baseline recipe is mild and family-friendly, but it’s easy to dial up the heat. Add fresh chilies, a pinch of crushed red pepper, or a swirl of sriracha to suit your spice preference without overpowering the other flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing like the aroma and satisfaction of a homemade Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions, fresh off the stove and bursting with color and flavor. It’s a fast, fun way to bring your favorite Chinese takeout vibes straight to your dinner table. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious it is, whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd!
Print
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Savor the bold flavors of this sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions that brings together tender slices of beef with vibrant bell peppers and onions in a savory sauce. Perfect for a quick and delicious stir-fry dinner!
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
- Sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, toss the sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper. Let marinate for 15–20 minutes.
- Sear the Beef: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Stir-Fry: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan, then add the onion and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until just tender. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Return the beef to the pan and stir in the oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and beef broth. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and the beef is cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Drizzle with sesame oil if desired. Serve hot, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds, over steamed rice.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a sliced chili.
- Slice the beef thinly for tenderness and quick cooking.
- Best served immediately for that classic ‘sizzling’ effect.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
