Name: Chinese Pepper Steak
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 300g thinly sliced beef sirloin or flank steak; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1/4 cup water or beef stock; 1 teaspoon sugar; Freshly ground black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons vegetable or peanut oil for stir-frying; 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Savor the bold flavors of authentic Chinese Pepper Steak, a tender and spicy stir-fry that’s restaurant-quality at home. This classic dish bursts with vibrant color and rich umami, combining juicy strips of beef with crisp bell peppers and onions, all coated in a savory, slightly spicy sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, Chinese Pepper Steak delivers satisfying taste with simple, fresh ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless flavor explosion: Quick stir-frying locks in juicy beef goodness and aromatic vegetables.
Simple, wholesome ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples for an authentic taste without extra fuss.
Perfectly balanced sauce: A savory, slightly spicy blend that complements without overpowering.
Colorful and nourishing: Packed with colorful bell peppers adding crunch and vitamins.
Family-friendly and versatile: Great served over rice or noodles for an easy, filling meal everyone loves.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to achieving authentic Chinese Pepper Steak. Each ingredient plays a unique role, whether it’s tenderizing the beef, creating the sauce’s rich flavor, or adding texture and color.

Beef sirloin or flank steak: Choose thinly sliced beef for tenderness and quick cooking.
Bell peppers: A mix of green, red, and yellow peppers adds vibrant crunch and sweetness.
Onion: Sliced for a slight sharpness that balances the rich beef.
Soy sauce: Provides the deep umami base essential in Chinese cooking.
Oyster sauce: Adds deliciously savory depth and a touch of sweetness.
Garlic and ginger: Freshly minced for aromatic warmth and zing.
Black pepper: The star seasoning that gives this dish its signature spicy kick.
Cornstarch: Used for marinating the beef and thickening the sauce to a luscious finish.
Sesame oil: Just a hint adds a nutty, aromatic glow to the final dish.
Vegetable or peanut oil: For high-heat stir-frying that seals in flavor.
Water or beef stock: Helps create the perfect sauce consistency.

Variations for Chinese Pepper Steak

One of the best parts about this Chinese Pepper Steak recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your preferences or pantry. Whether you want to amp up the heat or keep it lighter, there’s always a delicious twist!

Spicy upgrade: Add fresh chili peppers or a dash of chili paste for extra heat.
Vegetarian version: Substitute beef with firm tofu or seitan for a plant-based twist.
Different protein: Use thinly sliced chicken breast or pork loin for variety.
Low-sodium option: Replace regular soy sauce with a low-sodium version to reduce saltiness.
Gluten-free version: Swap soy sauce with tamari and ensure oyster sauce is gluten-free.

Authentic Chinese Pepper Steak Stir Fry Recipe

How to Make Chinese Pepper Steak

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by thinly slicing your beef against the grain. Marinate it in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of black pepper. This tenderizes the meat and ensures each bite is juicy and flavorful.

Step 2: Chop the Vegetables

While the beef marinates, slice your bell peppers and onions into thin, even strips. The variety of colors not only creates visual appeal but also adds a wonderful texture contrast to the dish.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, water or beef stock, a little sugar, and freshly ground black pepper. This sauce will coat your ingredients with that signature savory and slightly spicy flavor.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Beef

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Quickly stir-fry the marinated beef until just browned and almost cooked, then remove it from the pan to avoid overcooking and keep it tender.

Step 5: Cook the Vegetables

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in garlic and ginger first for a fragrant base. Add the bell peppers and onions, stir-frying until crisp-tender to maintain that satisfying crunch.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Return the beef to the pan, pour in the prepared sauce, and cook everything together for a couple more minutes. Add a drizzle of sesame oil, stir well, and your Chinese Pepper Steak is ready to serve steaming hot!

Pro Tips for Making Chinese Pepper Steak

Slice beef thinly: Ensures quick cooking and tender bites.
High heat cooking: Use a hot wok or pan to achieve that perfect sear and prevent sogginess.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook beef in batches if needed to avoid steaming instead of frying.
Marinate well: The cornstarch in the marinade locks in moisture, keeping beef juicy.
Use fresh veggies: Fresh bell peppers and onions add essential crunch and vibrant color.
Adjust black pepper: Add more or less depending on your preferred spice level.

How to Serve Chinese Pepper Steak

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top for a beautiful presentation and added flavor dimension.

Side Dishes

Chinese Pepper Steak pairs perfectly with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice, and a simple stir-fried vegetable side like bok choy or snap peas complements it wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve in lettuce cups for a refreshing handheld option or pile over noodles with a drizzle of extra sauce for a hearty, comforting meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to keep the beef tender and vegetables fresh.

Freezing

This dish freezes well; just cool completely and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce and prevent dryness.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for Chinese Pepper Steak?

Yes! While sirloin or flank steak is ideal due to tenderness and quick cooking, you can use other lean cuts as long as they are sliced thinly and cooked briefly.

What makes Chinese Pepper Steak spicy?

The key spicy element comes from freshly ground black pepper, giving this dish its signature heat, along with optional chili additions if you’d like it hotter.

Is Chinese Pepper Steak gluten-free?

Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, but you can make this recipe gluten-free by using tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and ensuring the oyster sauce is gluten-free too.

Can I prepare Chinese Pepper Steak ahead of time?

You can marinate the beef up to 24 hours in advance and chop your veggies beforehand to make cooking faster; however, stir-frying is best done fresh to keep veggies crisp.

What’s the best way to serve Chinese Pepper Steak?

Serving it over steamed rice is classic, but it’s equally delicious over noodles or wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter option.

Final Thoughts

This Chinese Pepper Steak recipe is a true home-cooked treasure that brings together bold flavors and simple ingredients in the most satisfying way. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to Chinese cuisine, this dish will quickly become a favorite for busy weeknights or special dinners. Give it a try and enjoy the perfect balance of tender beef, crisp veggies, and that unforgettable peppery kick!

Chinese Pepper Steak

Author: Anna
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 3-4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-Frying
Cuisine: Chinese
Diet: Dairy-Free

Print Recipe

Description

Savor the bold flavors of authentic Chinese Pepper Steak, a tender and spicy stir-fry featuring thinly sliced beef, crisp bell peppers, and onions coated in a savory, slightly spicy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, it delivers restaurant-quality taste using simple, fresh ingredients.

Instructions

Prepare the Beef: Thinly slice the beef against the grain. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of black pepper, then marinate the beef in this mixture to tenderize and lock in juices.
Chop the Vegetables: Slice the green, red, and yellow bell peppers along with the onion into thin, even strips to provide a colorful and crunchy texture.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, water or beef stock, sugar, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined to create a balanced savory and slightly spicy sauce.
Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Quickly stir-fry the marinated beef until it is just browned and nearly cooked through, then remove from the pan to prevent overcooking and maintain tenderness.
Cook the Vegetables: Add a bit more oil to the pan if needed, then add the garlic and ginger, stir-frying briefly to create an aromatic base. Toss in the bell peppers and onions, stir-frying until they are crisp-tender to preserve crunchiness.
Combine and Finish: Return the beef to the pan, pour in the prepared sauce, and cook everything together for 2-3 minutes allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and stir well before serving hot.