If you’re looking for a dish that’s loaded with flavor, texture, and a big splash of color, look no further than Chinese Onion Pepper Steak. This quick, savory stir-fry brings together tender marinated beef, crisp bell peppers, and sweet onions in a glossy, aromatic sauce. It hits every note: comforting, umami-rich, just the right amount of crunch, and ready to impress anyone lucky enough to share your table. Whether you’re craving a speedy weeknight meal or planning to wow your favorite dinner guests, Chinese Onion Pepper Steak promises a restaurant-worthy experience right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best parts about Chinese Onion Pepper Steak is that the ingredient list is simple and approachable, but every component earns its place and brings something delicious to the plate. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need—and why you won’t want to skip a single thing!
- Flank steak: The key to melt-in-your-mouth beef; slice thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Soy sauce: Adds salty depth both in the marinade and the finishing sauce—low-sodium keeps it balanced.
- Oyster sauce: Brings a savory, slightly sweet umami punch that’s signature to Chinese stir-fries.
- Cornstarch: Helps the beef develop a heavenly crust and thickens the sauce just enough to coat everything beautifully.
- Vegetable oil: A neutral high-heat oil perfect for quick, hot stir-frying without overpowering other flavors.
- Yellow onion: Sliced and stir-fried until tender yet a touch crunchy, adding both sweetness and body.
- Green bell pepper: For that classic peppery zing and a splash of lively green color.
- Red bell pepper: Balances the green pepper with sweetness and a sunset-like vibrancy on your plate.
- Garlic: Minced to release a big, aromatic boost—don’t skip it!
- Ginger: Fresh, pungent, and bright, this gives the whole dish irresistible warmth.
- Dark soy sauce: Adds deep color and richness to the final sauce—just a splash makes a big difference.
- Sugar: A tiny amount softens the tang of the sauces and balances out the flavors.
- Black pepper: Lends sharp, aromatic heat to every bite—freshly ground is best.
- Water: Helps loosen the sauce just enough to coat everything evenly without making it watery.
How to Make Chinese Onion Pepper Steak
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
Toss your thinly sliced flank steak with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch in a medium bowl. While it might be tempting to rush, a brief 15–20 minute marinade transforms ordinary beef into something luxuriously succulent and flavorful. The cornstarch ensures a silky texture that’s essential for classic Chinese Onion Pepper Steak.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat up your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the marinated steak in a single layer. Stir-fry vigorously for 2–3 minutes until all the pieces are browned yet still juicy inside. Remove the steak promptly so it stays tender and doesn’t overcook.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same sizzling pan, toss in your onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, letting them blister just a little while keeping their essential crunch. Add minced garlic and ginger for the final 30 seconds—this is when your kitchen fills with that irresistible, toasty aroma.
Step 4: Mix the Sauce
While the veggies work their magic, quickly combine your low-sodium soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, black pepper, and water in a small bowl. This savory-sweet sauce is what brings Chinese Onion Pepper Steak together, creating the glossy finish you know and love.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Pour your sauce into the skillet, letting it bubble and thicken slightly. Slide the steak back in and toss everything together until the beef is well-coated and the vegetables shine. Serve hot and steamy, ideally over a bed of rice that soaks up every last drop.
How to Serve Chinese Onion Pepper Steak
Garnishes
Add a final flourish with some freshly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for even more color and flavor. If you’re craving extra zing, try a scattered pinch of red pepper flakes or a tiny drizzle of sesame oil.
Side Dishes
While Chinese Onion Pepper Steak is undeniably the star, it loves good company. Pair it with fluffy steamed jasmine rice, nutty brown rice, or even delicate fried rice for a classic duo. Lightly stir-fried greens like bok choy or snap peas also make refreshing, nutrient-packed additions.
Creative Ways to Present
Level up dinner by serving your steak “family style” on a big platter or spooning it into individual rice bowls for a comforting, takeout-at-home vibe. For fun twists, wrap the filling in lettuce cups or even nestle it atop noodles for a brand-new spin on the traditional Chinese Onion Pepper Steak experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chinese Onion Pepper Steak stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors settle and mingle, meaning tomorrow’s lunch may taste even richer!
Freezing
While possible, freezing can soften the peppers a bit. If you’re planning ahead, freeze just the cooked steak and sauce. Add fresh peppers and onions when reheating for the best texture in your Chinese Onion Pepper Steak.
Reheating
For tastiest results, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too, but pan-heating helps the vegetables stay as crisp as possible.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness, sirloin or skirt steak are excellent substitutes in Chinese Onion Pepper Steak—just remember to cut thinly against the grain for that same satisfying bite.
Is there a way to make it spicier?
Of course! Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, a chopped chili, or even a dash of hot sauce either to the stir-fry or as a garnish to bring extra heat to your Chinese Onion Pepper Steak.
Can I make Chinese Onion Pepper Steak gluten-free?
Definitely. Swap regular soy and oyster sauces for gluten-free versions, and you’ll have a delicious, allergy-friendly dish without sacrificing flavor.
What is the best way to slice the beef?
The secret is to use a sharp knife and slice against the grain into thin strips; this keeps the steak tender and easy to chew when making Chinese Onion Pepper Steak.
Can I add other vegetables?
Why not! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, snap peas, or even carrots for extra crunch and color—the beauty of this recipe is how customizable it is, while keeping the spirit of Chinese Onion Pepper Steak alive.
Final Thoughts
Once you try Chinese Onion Pepper Steak for yourself, you’ll understand why it’s such a favorite—you get tender beef, vibrant veggies, and a sauce that’s honestly good enough to lick from the bowl! Give it a spin and you just might find it becomes a new staple in your dinner rotation.
Print
Chinese Onion Pepper Steak 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: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious Chinese-inspired dish, this Onion Pepper Steak is a flavorful and quick stir-fry that combines tender slices of beef with colorful bell peppers and onions in a savory sauce. Perfect served over steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the steak:
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the stir-fry:
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Marinate the steak: In a bowl, combine steak with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Marinate for 15–20 minutes.
- Stir-fry the steak: Heat oil in a skillet, stir-fry marinated steak until browned. Set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same pan, sauté onions, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger.
- Make the sauce: Mix soy sauces, oyster sauce, sugar, pepper, and water. Pour into the pan.
- Combine and serve: Add steak back to the pan, toss to coat. Serve over rice.
Notes
- Enhance with a dash of sesame oil before serving.
- Substitute steak cuts based on preference.
- Adjust spice level with red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 730 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
