Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions Recipe

Introduction

This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions recipe is the perfect easy weeknight dinner, delivering restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. Tender strips of beef are stir-fried with crisp bell peppers and onions in a savory sauce, creating a satisfying meal that’s faster than takeout. For another simple skillet meal, try the Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet Recipe.

Ingredients

The aroma of garlic and ginger hitting the hot wok, followed by the sizzle of thinly sliced flank steak, signals the start of this classic Chinese pepper steak with onions—a dish that promises tender beef and crisp-tender vegetables in a savory, well-balanced sauce.

• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 bell peppers (green and red), sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, cut into chunks
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, sliced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup beef broth or water
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Optional garnish: 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, 2 tablespoons sliced green onions

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	10 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes

Context: This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Steak

Slice 1 pound of flank steak or sirloin against the grain into thin, ¼-inch strips. This ensures tenderness in your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions.

Place the sliced steak in a bowl and add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Step 2 — Cut the Vegetables

Slice 1 large onion and 1–2 bell peppers into thin strips. Mince 3 cloves of garlic and 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger.

Keep vegetables separate for staged cooking, which helps maintain texture and flavor in your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions.

Step 3 — Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of water or beef broth.

Add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and whisk until smooth. Set the sauce aside—this will create the glossy coating for the dish.

Step 4 — Sear the Steak

Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add the marinated steak in a single layer.

Sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the steak and set aside—it will finish cooking later.

Step 5 — Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

In the same wok, add another tablespoon of oil. Stir-fry the garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.

Step 6 — Combine and Simmer

Return the seared steak to the wok. Pour the prepared sauce over everything and toss to coat.

Bring to a simmer and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and the steak is cooked through.

Step 7 — Serve Sizzling Hot

Transfer your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions to a preheated cast-iron platter if available, to keep it sizzling at the table.

Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately over steamed rice for the best experience.

Nutritional Information

Calories	380
Protein	32g
Carbohydrates	12g
Fat	22g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	850mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Chicken or Tofu — Swap beef for leaner protein; chicken offers a lighter taste, while tofu provides a plant-based option.
• Cauliflower Rice — Serve over cauliflower rice instead of white rice for a lower-carb alternative.
• Coconut Aminos — Use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free, lower-sodium version.
• Bell Peppers — Increase bell peppers and reduce onions for extra vitamins and a colorful, crunchy texture.
• Avocado Oil — Cook with avocado oil instead of vegetable oil for higher smoke point and heart-healthy fats.
• Low-Sodium Broth — Prepare with low-sodium beef or vegetable broth to control salt without losing depth.
• Arrowroot Powder — Thicken the sauce with arrowroot instead of cornstarch for a gluten-free, cleaner option.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the savory sauce.
• Serve alongside stir-fried vegetables like bok choy or broccoli for a complete, balanced meal.
• Offer this Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions in lettuce cups for a low-carb, interactive dining option.
• Present the dish on a preheated cast-iron platter to maintain the signature sizzle and aroma at the table.
• Accompany with a light cucumber salad or pickled vegetables to cut through the rich, savory flavors.
• Serve family-style with scallion pancakes or crispy noodles for a festive, shareable dinner.

This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions is perfect for weeknight dinners, casual entertaining, or whenever you crave restaurant-quality flavor at home.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using the wrong cut of beef, resulting in tough meat. Fix: Opt for flank steak or sirloin, which are tender and ideal for quick stir-frying.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the wok, which steams the steak instead of searing it. Fix: Cook the Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions in batches to ensure a proper, hot sear.
• Mistake: Slicing the steak with the grain, making it chewy. Fix: Always slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Mistake: Not marinating the beef, leading to bland flavor. Fix: A brief marinade with soy sauce and cornstarch enhances both taste and texture.
• Mistake: Adding garlic too early, causing it to burn and turn bitter. Fix: Stir in minced garlic for just the last 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning.
• Mistake: Using low heat, which fails to create the signature sizzle and caramelization. Fix: Ensure your wok or pan is smoking hot before adding ingredients for that authentic wok hei.
• Mistake: Cutting onions too thick, so they don’t cook evenly with the steak. Fix: Slice onions uniformly thin so they soften quickly and meld with the dish.
• Mistake: Skipping the cornstarch slurry, resulting in a watery sauce. Fix: Thicken your sauce at the end with a cornstarch slurry for a glossy, clingy coating.
• Mistake: Overcooking the bell peppers until they become mushy. Fix: Briefly stir-fry peppers to retain a slight crunch and vibrant color.
• Mistake: Not prepping all ingredients before starting, leading to rushed cooking. Fix: Practice mise en place—have everything chopped and measured for a smooth, quick cook.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store leftover Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the steak has cooled to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain food safety.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the pepper steak in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions in a skillet over medium heat until steaming hot, or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Properly storing your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions helps preserve its flavor and texture, making for delicious leftovers.

Conclusion

This Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal right to your table. If you enjoyed this dish, you might also love our Taco Bell Beefy Melt Burrito Copycat Recipe. Give it a try and share your results in the comments below—don’t forget to subscribe for more fast, flavorful recipes!

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FAQs

What cut of beef is best for Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions?

Flank steak or sirloin works best for this recipe. These cuts are lean, tender, and slice thinly for quick cooking. Using these ensures your Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions turns out juicy and flavorful.

How do I get that signature sizzle when serving this dish?

Heat an empty cast iron skillet or metal plate in the oven until very hot before serving. Carefully transfer your cooked Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions to the hot skillet at the table. The hot surface will create the dramatic sizzle and keep the dish warm.

Can I make Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak With Onions ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients ahead, but cook just before serving for the best texture. Slice the steak and vegetables, and mix the sauce in advance. Quickly stir-fry everything when ready to serve for a fresh, sizzling result.