Description
Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions & Peppers is a flavorful stir-fry dish that combines tender strips of beef with crisp bell peppers and onions in a savory sauce. This classic Chinese-American recipe offers the perfect balance of bold flavors and satisfying textures, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a delicious homemade takeout alternative. The dish is quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles. Its combination of protein-rich beef, colorful vegetables, and aromatic sauce makes it both nourishing and indulgent, giving you a restaurant-style meal in the comfort of your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 pound beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced into strips
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 2 tablespoons water or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon crushed black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance flavors)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Set aside for 15 minutes to marinate.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add marinated beef and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until browned. Remove beef from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add onion, green pepper, and red pepper. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Add garlic and ginger, cook for 30 seconds. Return beef to the pan, then add hoisin sauce, water or broth, sesame oil, black pepper, and sugar if using. Stir-fry everything together for 2–3 minutes until well coated and sauce slightly thickens. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Servings
Serves 4 people
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
Calories: 310
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 820mg
Notes
You can substitute flank steak with chicken or tofu for variation. Adjust sauce thickness by adding more cornstarch slurry or thinning with broth. For extra flavor, add sliced mushrooms or baby corn.
Tips
Slice beef thinly against the grain for tenderness. Cook over high heat to achieve authentic stir-fry texture. Prepare all ingredients before cooking since stir-frying is quick. Use a mix of colorful bell peppers for both taste and presentation.
Health Benefits
This dish provides lean protein from beef, which supports muscle health and energy. Bell peppers are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, boosting immunity and promoting skin health. Onions and garlic offer anti-inflammatory compounds and digestive benefits. By cooking at home, you can control sodium and oil content, making it healthier than restaurant versions.
Q & A
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and slice vegetables ahead, but cook beef fresh for best texture.
Q: What cut of beef works best?
A: Flank steak or sirloin are ideal due to their tenderness when sliced thin.
Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Yes, replace soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free alternative.
Q: How can I make it spicier?
A: Add sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili paste while stir-frying.
Q: What side dishes go well with this recipe?
A: Steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or lo mein noodles complement the flavors perfectly.