Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Introduction
Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a famous stir-fry dish that combines tender slices of beef, crisp bell peppers, and sweet onions in a savory sauce. It is quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and ideal for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Originating from Chinese-American cuisine, this dish has become a restaurant favorite because it is hearty, aromatic, and pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
For the beef:
- 500 g (1 lb) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the vegetables:
- 2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced into strips
- 1 large onion, sliced into wedges
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
For the sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or Shaoxing wine
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ cup beef broth or water
- 1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tsp water for slurry)
For cooking:
- 2–3 tbsp vegetable oil (peanut or sunflower oil works best)
- Extra black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the beef
- In a bowl, mix soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper.
- Add the sliced beef and coat evenly. Let marinate for 20–30 minutes.
- Prepare the sauce
- In another bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and broth.
- Add cornstarch slurry and set aside.
- Stir-fry the beef
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Add beef in a single layer, sear for 1–2 minutes (don’t overcrowd), then remove and set aside.
- Cook the vegetables
- Add more oil if needed. Stir-fry garlic, ginger, onion, and bell peppers for 2–3 minutes until fragrant but still crisp.
- Combine everything
- Return beef to the pan, pour in the sauce, and stir until it thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.
- Sprinkle freshly cracked black pepper for extra flavor.
- Serve
- Serve hot with steamed white rice, fried rice, or noodles.
Methods
- Wok Stir-Fry: High heat, fast cooking — ensures beef is tender and vegetables stay crisp.
- Skillet Method: Works well if a wok isn’t available; just cook in batches to avoid steaming.
- Meal-Prep Method: Make sauce ahead, slice vegetables, marinate beef — then cook everything in under 15 minutes.
History
Pepper Steak was inspired by Chinese stir-fry traditions but became widely popular in Chinese-American restaurants in the mid-20th century. Traditionally, Chinese stir-fry dishes featured beef with green peppers, but when adapted for Western tastes, oyster sauce, hoisin, and thicker gravies were added. Today, it remains a staple dish bridging East and West — simple, bold, and loved across generations.
Benefits
- Protein-rich: Beef provides iron, zinc, and high-quality protein.
- Vitamin-packed: Bell peppers and onions are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Balanced meal: Combines protein, vegetables, and sauce — best served with rice for energy.
Formation
This dish comes together through three main layers:
- Tender marinated beef that stays juicy because of cornstarch coating.
- Crisp vegetables that add sweetness and crunch.
- Savory sauce that ties everything together with salty, slightly sweet, and peppery notes.
Conclusion
Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a timeless dish that shows how simple ingredients — beef, peppers, and onions — can become extraordinary with the right techniques and sauces. Whether served at a family dinner, a holiday feast, or a casual weeknight meal, it never fails to satisfy.
Lovers
- Meat lovers adore the tender beef.
- Spice lovers enjoy the bold black pepper kick.
- Busy home cooks love how quick and simple it is.
- Fusion food lovers appreciate how it blends Chinese cooking with American flavors.