If you’re craving a delicious, restaurant-style stir-fry that you can make right at home, this Easy Chinese Pepper Steak recipe is the answer! Tender strips of beef, colorful bell peppers, and onions come together in a savory sauce that’s both sweet and salty, making it the perfect dish to serve with a bowl of steaming rice. It’s the ultimate quick and flavorful meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings and impress your family.
This recipe is so easy to make, and with just a few ingredients, you can have a tasty dinner on the table in no time. The best part? It’s customizable! You can add more vegetables, adjust the spice level, or even use a different protein. Let’s dive into how you can make this delightful dish!
Why You’ll Love Easy Chinese Pepper Steak
This dish is a winner for so many reasons. It’s super fast to make—ready in under 30 minutes—and requires minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor. The beef becomes beautifully tender when stir-fried, and the peppers and onions add a satisfying crunch. The sauce brings everything together with a delicious balance of savory, sweet, and a bit of umami.
What’s even better is how adaptable this recipe is. Want to add more veggies? Go ahead! Feel free to toss in some mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn. It’s the perfect recipe to experiment with while still getting the same mouthwatering results. Plus, it’s a great dish to serve with rice, noodles, or even on its own if you’re looking for something lighter.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty Chinese Pepper Steak:
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for thickening)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked white rice for serving (optional)
Optional Add-Ons/Substitutes:
- Swap out the bell peppers for other veggies, like zucchini or snow peas.
- Use chicken or tofu in place of the beef for a lighter option.
- Add a little ginger for extra flavor! A teaspoon of fresh grated ginger adds a nice depth to the sauce.
How to Make Easy Chinese Pepper Steak
Ready to whip up this delicious stir-fry? Here’s a simple guide to making this dish:
- Prepare the Beef:
Start by thinly slicing your beef across the grain. This helps make the meat tender when cooked. Season the beef with a pinch of salt and pepper, then set it aside while you prep the vegetables. - Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, then stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they’re just tender but still crisp. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. - Cook the Beef:
Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the beef to the pan. Stir-fry the beef for about 4-5 minutes until browned and cooked through. Make sure the beef gets a nice sear on each side for the best flavor. - Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and everything is well combined. - Final Adjustments:
Taste the sauce and add more soy sauce, sugar, or vinegar to balance out the flavors to your liking. If you want some heat, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes. - Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the Chinese pepper steak over hot, steamed rice and enjoy this flavorful, comforting meal!
Pro Tips
- Thinly slice the beef: For the best texture, slice the beef as thinly as possible against the grain. This ensures that the meat will cook quickly and remain tender.
- Customize the sauce: If you like your sauce a little sweeter, you can add a touch more brown sugar. For more acidity, a splash of extra rice vinegar will do the trick.
- Use high heat: Stir-frying works best on high heat. Don’t be afraid to let the beef get a little crispy at the edges for extra flavor.
- Add extra veggies: This dish is great for using up leftover vegetables! Feel free to add mushrooms, snow peas, carrots, or even broccoli to make the dish even more nutritious.
How to Serve
Chinese Pepper Steak is best served over a bed of steaming white rice, which soaks up the savory sauce perfectly. You could also serve it with noodles, like lo mein, for a more filling meal. For a lighter option, enjoy it on its own or with a side of sautéed greens like bok choy or spinach.
For a fun presentation, you can garnish the dish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions to add a pop of color and flavor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Each serving of Chinese Pepper Steak (without rice) contains approximately:
- Calories: 300-350 (depending on the beef cut and portion size)
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
(If serving with rice, the calorie count will increase depending on the portion of rice used.)
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply place the leftovers in a skillet or wok over medium heat. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent it from drying out and stir until warmed through.
- Freezing: You can freeze Chinese Pepper Steak for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, defrost overnight in the fridge and warm in a pan on the stove.
Conclusion
This Easy Chinese Pepper Steak recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something quick, flavorful, and satisfying. The beef is tender, the vegetables are crisp, and the sauce is absolutely delicious. Plus, it’s so versatile—you can easily adjust the spice level or add more veggies to make it your own. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is a great way to bring the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout right into your kitchen. Enjoy, and let me know how it turns out!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different protein?
Yes! If you prefer chicken, pork, or tofu, those are great alternatives to beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as each protein will require different cooking times.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the beef and vegetables ahead of time. Just stir-fry everything when you’re ready to cook and add the sauce to finish it off.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Definitely! You can increase or decrease the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on your personal heat preference. Alternatively, a dash of hot sauce can add more heat to the dish!
Hi, I’m Emma Collins, a 24-year-old mom of two daughters and a little boy who keeps life full of energy. Cooking is my passion and my way of bringing my family together. Whether I’m experimenting with new recipes or perfecting old favorites, I love making meals that are simple, delicious, and full of love. As a busy mom, I’ve learned how to keep things quick and easy without sacrificing flavor. I’m excited to share my recipes and tips with you, hoping they inspire you to create memorable moments in your own kitchen with your loved ones.
