There’s something wildly comforting about sizzling strips of steak cooked in a fragrant, peppery sauce with sweet onions. This Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is bold, juicy, and loaded with savory sauce, all made in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re craving takeout or planning a cozy dinner, this meal satisfies with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
This article walks you through everything: why this onion pepper steak will win your heart, what you’ll need, exactly how to make it (step-by-step), plus some game-changing tips and variations. By the end, you’ll have a new go-to weeknight stir-fry that beats delivery every time.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Pepper Steak with Onions
I still remember the first time I made this dish for my husband. He walked in, took one sniff, and said, “That smells like my favorite takeout spot!” It was one of those quiet wins in the kitchen that turned into a dinner table tradition.
There are so many reasons this Chinese-style onion pepper steak is a winner. For starters, it’s fast, faster than ordering takeout and waiting. It uses basic pantry ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and cornstarch. It’s endlessly customizable too; add mushrooms, swap the beef for chicken, or kick up the spice.
The best part? It’s all cooked in one pan. That means fewer dishes and more flavor, just like my Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles which also use quick stovetop methods to build flavor fast. Whether you serve it with fluffy jasmine rice or slurpable noodles, this dish brings that perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory with every bite.
Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
A sizzling stir-fry dish with tender beef, caramelized onions, and a bold black pepper sauce. Easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights.
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced
1 large onion, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp vegetable oil
½ cup beef broth
1 tsp sugar
½ tsp sesame oil (optional)
Instructions
1. Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and pepper. Toss steak and marinate.
2. Heat oil in wok, stir-fry garlic for 10 seconds.
3. Add steak in batches, sear for 2–3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. Stir-fry onions and peppers for 2 minutes.
5. Return steak, add broth and sugar. Stir to thicken.
6. Drizzle with sesame oil and serve hot over rice.
Notes
Slice beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.
Use high heat and cook in batches to avoid steaming.
Add chili flakes for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Ingredients for Onion Pepper Steak
This recipe relies on a handful of ingredients that come together for a deep, glossy sauce and fork-tender beef.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 large onion, sliced into wedges
- 1 green bell pepper (or red), sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
For the Marinade:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp sesame oil (optional for finish)
Want to stretch it further? Add sliced mushrooms or a handful of broccoli. This recipe is all about adjusting to what’s in your fridge; similar to our Dump and Go Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken, which thrives on flexibility.
How to Make Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
This stir-fry comes together in minutes; the key is prepping everything ahead of time and keeping that pan hot.
- Marinate the steak: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper. Toss the sliced beef in and let it sit while you prep the other ingredients (at least 10 minutes).
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet or wok over high heat, add vegetable oil. Once shimmering, add garlic and stir-fry for 10 seconds.
- Cook the beef: Add the marinated beef (in batches if needed) and sear for 2–3 minutes until browned but not overcooked. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Cook veggies: In the same pan, add onions and peppers. Stir-fry for 2 minutes or until slightly tender.
- Return the beef: Add the beef back to the pan. Pour in beef broth and sugar. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Finish: Drizzle with sesame oil, toss to coat, and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Feeling adventurous? Check out our Bang Bang Chicken Bowl for a spicy-meets-savory fusion dinner night.
Tips and Variations
This onion pepper steak recipe is easy, but here are a few tricks that make it exceptional:
Best Practices:
- Slice beef thinly and against the grain: this makes it melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch: it locks in juiciness and helps the sauce cling.
- High heat is crucial: it gives the meat a quick sear without drying it out.
Smart Variations:
- Low sodium? Use reduced-salt soy sauce and skip the oyster sauce.
- Want more heat? Add sliced Thai chilies or a spoon of chili oil.
- Meat-free? Swap steak for tofu or mushrooms, this recipe adapts well.
One last tip: cook in batches. Overcrowding the pan steams the beef instead of searing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What cut of beef is best for pepper steak with onions?
Flank steak or sirloin are top picks. Just slice thinly against the grain to avoid chewiness.
How do I prevent the beef from becoming tough?
Marinate with cornstarch and cook on high heat for a short time. Don’t skip the stir-fry step; it’s key.
Is this dish spicy?
Not by default. The pepper adds warmth, but you can control the heat by adding or omitting chili flakes.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Pepper steak with onions reheats beautifully. Store in an airtight container and warm gently on the stove or microwave.
Final Thoughts
Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a fast, full-flavored dinner that hits all the right notes: juicy steak, tender-crisp veggies, and a rich, peppery sauce that begs to be spooned over rice. It’s bold without being fussy and comforting without the cost of takeout.
Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a hungry family, this recipe deserves a spot in your rotation. Try it once, and you’ll come back for more.
For more easy and satisfying recipes, don’t hesitate to join me on Pinterest – where good food meets great company!
