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Close-up of sizzling Chinese pepper steak with tender beef and vibrant onions on a hot plate.

Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

This recipe delivers a flavorful and tender Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions, perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Thinly sliced steak is marinated and stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and onions, all coated in a savory, rich sauce.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • medium bowl
  • small bowl
  • whisk
  • large wok or heavy-bottomed skillet

Ingredients
  

For the Steak

  • 1.5 lbs flank steak or sirloin thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil

For the Stir-Fry

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion sliced
  • 2 bell peppers any color, preferably green and red, deseeded and sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger grated

For the Sauce

  • 0.5 cup beef broth
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce low sodium preferred
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce optional
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch dissolved in 2 tbsp cold water (cornstarch slurry)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Steak

  • In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced steak with soy sauce, cornstarch, baking soda, and vegetable oil; toss to coat evenly. Marinate for 15-30 minutes at room temperature.

Prepare the Sauce

  • Whisk together beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil in a small bowl; set aside.

Stir-Fry the Steak

  • Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Add marinated steak in batches and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until browned; remove and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

  • Add remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the wok, then stir-fry sliced onions and bell peppers for 3-5 minutes until crisp-tender. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, then stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Combine and Sauce

  • Return the cooked steak to the wok with the vegetables. Stir the prepared sauce and pour it over the steak and vegetables; bring to a simmer.

Thicken the Sauce

  • Stir the cornstarch slurry, then slowly pour it into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients.

Serve Immediately

  • Remove the dish from heat and serve hot.

Notes

For extra spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and ginger. Serve this dish over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.