Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Culinary adventures sometimes lead you to unexpected delights with an easy chinese pepper steak that promises pure comfort.

Tender beef strips dance with vibrant bell peppers in a savory symphony of flavors.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet spectacular solutions for hungry families.

Pantry staples combine effortlessly to create this classic dish bursting with authentic taste.

Quick marinades infuse rich depth into each succulent slice of meat.

Crisp vegetables and robust seasonings merge harmoniously, delivering a restaurant-quality meal right from your kitchen.

Discover how straightforward cooking can transport you to the heart of traditional chinese cuisine.

What Makes This Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe a Go-To

• Combines savory beef, crisp vegetables, and a tangy sauce that delivers complex Asian-inspired tastes with minimal ingredient preparation, ensuring every bite bursts with deliciousness.
• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping proteins, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra vegetables to match personal preferences and dietary needs without compromising the dish's core essence.
• Transforms affordable beef and simple pantry ingredients into a restaurant-style meal that impresses without breaking the bank, proving gourmet cooking can be accessible and economical.

What You’ll Need for Chinese Pepper Steak

• Beef Sirloin or Flank Steak: Perfect cut for quick stir-frying, tender and flavorful when sliced thinly against the grain.

• Bell Peppers, Onion: Colorful vegetables that add crunch, sweetness, and vibrant texture to the dish. Red and green bell peppers work best for visual appeal.
• Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that provide a classic Chinese flavor base with depth and warmth.

• Soy Sauce, Beef Broth: Core liquid ingredients that create a savory, umami-rich sauce base.
• Oyster Sauce: Optional ingredient that enhances the sauce with a rich, slightly sweet flavor.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds a subtle tangy brightness to balance the savory elements.
• Brown Sugar: Provides a touch of sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce and create a glossy coating for the beef and vegetables.
• Black Pepper: Adds a mild spicy kick and enhances overall flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking oil perfect for high-heat stir-frying.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Pepper Steak

Step 1: Tenderize the Meat

Slice beef into thin strips. Pour soy sauce over the meat. Sprinkle cornstarch and mix thoroughly. Let the meat rest and absorb flavors for a short while.

Step 2: Craft the Flavor Boost

• Soy sauce
• Beef broth
• Oyster sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Brown sugar
• Black pepper
• Cornstarch

Set the sauce mixture aside for later magic.

Step 3: Awaken the Vegetables

• Bell peppers
• Onions

Stir-fry quickly until they’re crisp and vibrant. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Sear the Protein

Use the same skillet. Add fresh oil. Spread beef in a single layer. Let it develop a golden-brown crust. Flip and cook until perfectly browned.

Step 5: Infuse with Aromatics

Sprinkle minced garlic and ginger into the skillet. Stir rapidly to release intense flavors.

Step 6: Bring Everything Together

Return vegetables to the skillet. Pour prepared sauce over the mixture. Stir and let everything mingle and thicken.

Step 7: Plate and Enjoy

Transfer the steaming pepper beef onto a bed of rice or noodles. Serve immediately while hot and fragrant.

Cooking Tips for Tender Pepper Steak

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let the beef sit in the soy sauce and cornstarch mixture for the full 15 minutes to ensure deep, rich flavor absorption and tender meat texture.
• Sear Beef Perfectly: Arrange beef in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the skillet to achieve beautiful golden-brown edges that lock in juiciness and create delicious caramelization.
• Control Vegetable Crispness: Stir-fry bell peppers and onions just until crisp-tender to maintain vibrant colors, nutritional value, and prevent soggy vegetables that can ruin the dish's texture.
• Sauce Thickening Technique: Whisk cornstarch into the sauce thoroughly to create a smooth, glossy coating that clings perfectly to the beef and vegetables without becoming lumpy or watery.
• Quick Cooking is Key: Keep the high heat and rapid stirring to preserve the meat's tenderness and vegetables' fresh flavors, ensuring a restaurant-quality stir-fry in just minutes.

Keeping Leftovers Fresh and Flavorful

• Store leftover pepper steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer the steak to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Properly stored, the dish will maintain quality for 2-3 months. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm the pepper steak in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent drying. Stir gently for 3-4 minutes until heated through, restoring moisture and flavor.
• Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the steak reaches 165°F for food safety.

Dishes That Pair Nicely with Pepper Steak

• Select a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec that complements the rich beef and cuts through the peppery sauce, creating a robust taste experience that dances on your palate.
• Choose jasmine or basmati rice as the perfect starchy base, which absorbs the savory sauce while providing a delicate, aromatic backdrop that enhances the pepper steak's intense flavors.
• Prepare a crisp Asian-inspired cucumber lemonade or green tea with a hint of mint to balance the dish's richness, cleansing the palate and offering a light, refreshing counterpoint to the hearty steak.
• Add a simple cucumber and sesame salad with rice vinegar dressing that provides a cool, crunchy texture and tangy brightness, cutting through the meat's richness and adding a fresh dimension to the meal.

Creative Pepper Steak Variations

Veggie Protein Power: Replace beef with firm tofu or seitan, sliced and marinated similarly for a plant-based protein alternative that maintains the recipe’s classic flavor profile.

Low-Carb Pepper Delight: Skip rice or noodles and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake while preserving the dish’s authentic taste.

Spicy Asian Fusion: Add sriracha sauce or red chili flakes during sauce preparation to create a hotter version with extra kick, perfect for spice lovers seeking more intense flavors.

Gluten-Free Friendly: Use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce, ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free, and verify oyster sauce is gluten-free to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals without compromising taste.

Common Questions About Pepper Steak

• Is this dish spicy?

The pepper steak isn’t inherently spicy. The black pepper provides mild flavor, but you can add red pepper flakes or chili sauce if you want heat.

• Can I use different cuts of beef?

Yes, flank steak, sirloin, or round steak work great. Choose a lean cut that’s easy to slice thinly against the grain for tender results.

• How do I slice beef thinly for stir-frying?

Partially freeze the beef for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This firms up the meat, making it easier to cut into thin, uniform strips.

• What if I don't have rice vinegar?

White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar are good substitutes. If you don’t have any vinegar, you can omit it without significantly changing the dish’s flavor profile.

Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savor sizzling Chinese pepper steak, a delightful blend of tender beef strips dancing with colorful bell peppers in a rich, umami-packed sauce. Juicy meat and crisp vegetables promise a quick, satisfying meal that brings restaurant-quality flavors straight to your kitchen.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (450 grams) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain

Vegetables:

• 1 medium green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced

Seasonings and Sauce Ingredients:

• ¼ cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• ¼ cup beef broth or water
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or dry sherry
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Thoroughly combine sliced beef with soy sauce and cornstarch, ensuring even coating. Allow mixture to rest and absorb flavors for a short duration.
2. Create a harmonious sauce by whisking together soy sauce, beef broth, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, black pepper, and cornstarch in a separate container. Set liquid mixture aside for later use.
3. Ignite a large skillet or wok with medium-high heat, introducing vegetable oil. Quickly sauté bell peppers and onions until they reach a vibrant, crisp-tender state. Transfer vegetables to a holding plate.
4. Utilize the same cooking vessel to sear marinated beef. Arrange meat in a single layer, allowing initial caramelization without disruption. Rapidly stir-fry until beef achieves a golden-brown exterior and proper internal doneness.
5. Introduce minced garlic and ginger directly into the beef, releasing their aromatic essence through swift, continuous movement. Continue cooking momentarily to intensify flavor profile.
6. Reunite previously cooked vegetables with the beef. Pour prepared sauce over the mixture, stirring comprehensively to ensure uniform coating. Simmer briefly to activate sauce’s thickening properties.
7. Once sauce reaches desired consistency and ingredients are thoroughly integrated, immediately transfer to serving dishes. Accompany with steamed rice or noodles for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

• Marinate longer for deeper flavor by refrigerating beef up to 2 hours before cooking.
• Choose lean beef cuts like sirloin or flank steak for tender, quick-cooking results.
• Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper beef searing and prevent steaming.
• Swap bell peppers with other vegetables like snap peas or broccoli for variety and nutrition.
• For gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free cornstarch.
• Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for extra heat and spiciness if desired.
• Slice beef against the grain to guarantee maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
• Prepare all ingredients beforehand to maintain quick stir-fry cooking technique and prevent burning.
• Consider using low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content without compromising flavor.
• Quickly toss beef to prevent overcooking and maintain juicy, medium-rare texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 295
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg