If you love flavorful dinners that come together quickly, you are going to adore this Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe. It perfectly balances tender strips of marinated beef with crisp, vibrant bell peppers and a savory, slightly sweet sauce that feels just like takeout—but better, because you made it yourself! Every bite bursts with fresh garlic, ginger, and the perfect hit of black pepper, making this dish a weeknight hero that’s both approachable and impressive. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a favorite in your cooking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe is simple but incredibly important. Each component plays a special role in building the layers of taste and texture—from the tender, marinated beef to the colorful peppers that add a perfect crunch, all tied together with a flavorful sauce that is both savory and slightly sweet.
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced: Choose a lean cut sliced thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness and quick cooking.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Used in the marinade to infuse the beef with rich umami flavor.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: Helps tenderize the beef and creates a silky texture by thickening the sauce.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds a sweet pop of color and crunchy texture.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Brings balance and a fresh, slightly bitter note to the dish.
- 1 small onion, sliced: Provides sweetness and depth when stir-fried alongside the peppers.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Intensifies the savory flavor with warm, aromatic goodness.
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated: Adds a subtle kick and zing that brightens the sauce.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil: For stir-frying everything to golden perfection without sticking.
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (for sauce): Forms the salty backbone of the delicious glaze.
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce: Enhances umami and adds a touch of sweetness.
- 1/4 cup water: Balances the sauce for the perfect consistency.
- 1 tsp sugar: Rounds out flavors with just the right hint of sweetness.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: Offers a nutty aroma that lifts the entire dish.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: The star spice that gives the dish its character.
How to Make Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by tossing your thinly sliced steak with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a mixing bowl. This simple marinade works wonders, tenderizing the meat while setting the stage for a luscious sauce later. Let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes, so the flavors meld beautifully while you prep your veggies.
Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Then add your sliced red and green bell peppers along with the onion. Stir-fry them for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until they start to soften but still hold a bit of snap—which makes every bite bright and fresh. Once done, remove them from the pan and set aside to keep them crisp.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil and give it a moment to warm up. Add your marinated beef and stir-fry it for 2 to 3 minutes, letting it brown nicely on all sides. Next, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking just 30 seconds until fragrant—this is where the dish gets its signature cozy aroma.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Now, return the cooked vegetables to the pan with the beef. Pour in 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1/4 cup water, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Stir everything continuously for 1 to 2 minutes, making sure the sauce beautifully coats every piece of steak and pepper. The glossy finish signals it’s ready!
Step 5: Serve Hot
Serve your Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe hot, ideally over a bed of steamed rice or your favorite noodles. This final step is where all those tastes and textures come together in perfect harmony—simply irresistible.
How to Serve Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up the dish by sprinkling some freshly chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds right before serving. These garnishes add an extra layer of freshness and a subtle crunch that complements the tender beef and crisp vegetables.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs brilliantly with steamed jasmine rice or lightly seasoned fried rice to soak up the savory sauce. For a low-carb option, serve alongside cauliflower rice or stir-fried noodles with a hint of garlic for an extra flavor boost.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your pepper steak in lettuce cups for a fun, handheld version perfect for casual dinner parties. You can also pile it generously over steamed buns or bulgogi-style pancakes for a fusion twist that delights every palate at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe tastes amazing the next day. Simply transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making for a tasty lunch or quick dinner.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the cooked pepper steak in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely first and leave a little space for expansion.
Reheating
For the best results when reheating, gently warm your pepper steak in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally so it heats evenly without drying out. Adding a splash of water or broth helps loosen the sauce and keeps everything juicy and tender.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin works best due to their tenderness and flavor, you can also use skirt steak or even thinly sliced ribeye. Just be sure to slice against the grain to keep the beef tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can easily swap the beef for firm tofu or seitan to create a vegetarian version. Just marinate and cook the substitutes as you would the beef, and the sauce will bring plenty of delicious flavor.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the beef a few hours ahead or even the night before for a richer taste. However, it’s best to cook the vegetables fresh just before serving to maintain their crunch.
How spicy is this recipe?
This Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe highlights the warmth of black pepper but is not spicy hot. If you want more heat, feel free to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil when cooking.
What can I use if I don’t have oyster sauce?
If oyster sauce is not on hand, a mix of soy sauce and a bit of hoisin sauce can mimic the sweet and savory profile well. Alternatively, mushroom sauce is a great vegetarian-friendly substitute.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe is a shining example of how straightforward ingredients and simple steps can come together for an unforgettable meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or craving a quick dinner that feels special, this recipe hits all the right notes. So grab your skillet and give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to dish!
Print
Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Easy Chinese Pepper Steak recipe features tender strips of beef stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and onions, all coated in a savory, slightly sweet sauce. It’s a quick and flavorful stir-fry that comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner served over steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
Sauce and Cooking Oils
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Mix well ensuring the beef is evenly coated.
- Rest the Marinade: Let the beef marinate for 10 to 15 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
- Cook the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers and onion; stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until they become slightly softened but still crisp.
- Set Vegetables Aside: Remove the cooked vegetables from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- Cook the Beef: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the pan and increase the heat to high. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the beef is browned on all sides.
- Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef, cooking for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
- Combine and Add Sauce: Return the cooked vegetables to the pan with the beef. Stir in 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1/4 cup water, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to coat the ingredients in the sauce.
- Final Stir-fry: Stir-fry the combined mixture for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is heated through.
- Serve: Serve the pepper steak hot over steamed rice or your choice of noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce and oyster sauce with tamari and gluten-free oyster sauce alternatives.
- Use fresh ginger for the best flavor; powdered ginger can be used but reduce quantity to 1/4 teaspoon.
- Make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain to keep it tender.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like snap peas or mushrooms for variety.
- Adjust the amount of black pepper to suit your taste preference for spiciness.
