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Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Chinese pepper steak with onions - featured image
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This Chinese pepper steak with onions is a quick and easy beef stir fry featuring juicy steak, crisp bell peppers, and sweet onions in a savory, glossy sauce. It’s a healthier, fresher take on classic takeout that comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) beef steak (flank, sirloin, or skirt), thinly sliced against the grain
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (divided, regular or low-sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated or minced (optional)
  • 2 bell peppers (1 green, 1 red or any color), sliced
  • 1 large yellow onion, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or canola oil (plus more as needed)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for finishing)
  • 1–2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) beef broth or water
  • Scallions, sliced (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice the beef steak into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick, across the grain for tenderness.
  2. In a medium bowl, toss beef strips with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and a generous pinch of cracked black pepper. Let marinate while prepping veggies.
  3. Slice the onion and bell peppers into thin strips. Mince garlic and grate ginger.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1/2 cup beef broth or water, 1-2 teaspoons brown sugar, and a splash of sesame oil. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  5. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until just smoking.
  6. Add beef in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Sear for 1-2 minutes until browned and caramelized. Remove beef to a clean bowl and set aside.
  7. Add another teaspoon of oil if needed. Add sliced onions, bell peppers, garlic, and ginger. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes until veggies start to soften but remain crisp.
  8. Return beef (and any juices) to the pan. Pour in the sauce. Toss everything together over high heat for 2-3 minutes until beef is just cooked through and sauce thickens.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth or water; if too thin, let it bubble for a minute longer.
  10. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with sliced scallions and extra black pepper if desired.
  11. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

For best results, slice beef thinly against the grain and cook over high heat in batches to avoid overcrowding. Prep all ingredients before starting, as stir fry moves quickly. Adjust sauce thickness by adding more broth or letting it reduce. For gluten-free, use Tamari and gluten-free oyster sauce. Add extra veggies or spice as desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: pepper steak, Chinese beef stir fry, easy beef dinner, takeout, onions, bell peppers, quick dinner, Asian, weeknight meal, homemade takeout

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/chinese-pepper-steak-with-onions-best-easy-beef-stir-fry-recipe/