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recipe image of a realistic top down mise en place shot showing flank steak or sirloin bell peppers onions garlic ginger soy sauce oyster sauce hoisin sauce sesame oil cornstarch rice vinegar green onions sesame seeds arranged on a white marble kitchen counter with healthy clear glass bowls and rustic brown wooden kitchen sets under soft diffuse daylight
C. Motter Cindy

Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

This sizzling Chinese pepper steak with onions is a quick, flavor-packed stir-fry that brings takeout-quality taste to your dinner table in under 30 minutes, featuring tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a glossy, umami-rich sauce.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Steak Marinade and Beef
  • 1.5 lbs Flank steak or sirloin thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 tbsp Soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp Sesame oil
  • 1 tsp Sugar
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch
For the Stir Fry & Vegetables
  • 2 tbsp Neutral oil like canola or grapeseed
  • 1 large White or yellow onion sliced into thick strips
  • 2 Bell peppers one red and one green, cut into 1-inch strips
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 inch Fresh ginger grated or finely minced
For the Pepper Steak Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Beef broth or water
  • 3 tbsp Soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp Oyster sauce or hoisin for deeper sweetness
  • 1 tbsp Hoisin sauce
  • 1 tsp Sesame oil
  • 1 tsp Cornstarch dissolved in 1 tbsp cold water
  • Pinch White pepper or red pepper flakes optional for heat

Equipment

  • Large Skillet or Wok
  • - Mixing bowls
  • - Whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prep the Beef & Marinate: Pat the thinly sliced flank steak dry using a paper towel. In a medium bowl, combine the beef with the marinade ingredients: soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and cornstarch. Toss it well until the meat is coated and let it sit at room temperature while you prepare the vegetables (about 10 minutes).
  2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients except the cornstarch slurry: beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil. Set aside. Also, prepare your cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch in 1 tbsp cold water) and keep it next to the stove.
  3. Sear the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add about half of the marinated beef in a single layer (do not overcrowd the pan). Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside. Repeat with remaining oil and beef.
  4. Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables: Reduce heat to medium-high. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Stir fry for about 3 minutes until crisp-tender. Add ginger and garlic in the final minute, stirring until fragrant.
  5. Combine and Finish the Sauce: Return all seared beef to the pan with vegetables. Pour the sauce over and bring to a quick boil.
  6. Thicken the Glaze: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the boiling mixture, stirring constantly. Cook 30-60 seconds until thickened. Remove from heat, garnish if desired, and serve over rice.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 35gFat: 20g

Notes

For tender beef, always slice against the grain. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days; reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain sizzle. Variations: Make it keto by replacing cornstarch with xanthan gum and using cauliflower rice. For heat, add chili garlic sauce or Szechuan peppercorns.
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