Some dinners just wrap you in comfort from the very first bite, and Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is one of them. Growing up, I’d watch my nonna season her dishes with patience and care. Though this isn’t a Sicilian classic, it carries that same heart. Juicy strips of beef, sweet onions, and colorful peppers tossed in a rich soy-based sauce create a meal that feels like a warm hug. Just like a cozy bowl of crockpot chicken alfredo tortellini, this recipe turns an ordinary evening into something special.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
This onion pepper steak is a keeper because it’s both delicious and quick. You’ll love it if you want takeout-style flavor without leaving home.
- It’s ready in under 30 minutes.
- Thin-sliced beef cooks tender and juicy.
- Onions caramelize slightly for a sweet depth.
- Works perfectly with rice or noodles.
- Easy to customize with your favorite veggies.
If you enjoy hearty fall dinners like turkey pumpkin chili, you’ll find this dish equally comforting in its own savory way.
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Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Juicy beef strips, sweet onions, and colorful peppers in a savory soy-based sauce. A quick, homemade takeout favorite ready in under 30 minutes.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
1 large onion, sliced
2 bell peppers (red & green), sliced
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp oyster sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup beef broth
2 tsp cornstarch
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Marinate beef in soy sauce, cornstarch, and pepper for 10 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a wok or skillet. Sear beef strips until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, sauté onions and bell peppers until crisp-tender.
4. Add garlic, return beef, and stir well.
5. Pour in beef broth and oyster sauce. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly.
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
Slice beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.
Add chili flakes or jalapeños for spice.
Swap beef for chicken or tofu for variation.
Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for pepper steak with onions:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef sirloin, thinly sliced | 1 lb |
| Onion, sliced | 1 large |
| Red and green bell peppers | 2 medium |
| Soy sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Oyster sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Beef broth | 1/2 cup |
| Cornstarch | 2 tsp |
| Vegetable oil | 2 tbsp |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
Simple pantry staples transform into a meal bursting with flavor. Much like the ingredients in these apple cider cheesecake cookies , these basics come alive when cooked with love.
How to Make It
Cooking Chinese pepper steak with onions is straightforward and rewarding:
- Marinate sliced beef in soy sauce, cornstarch, and pepper for about 10 minutes.
- Heat oil in a skillet or wok. Quickly sear beef until browned, then set aside.
- Add onions and peppers to the same pan. Stir-fry until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Toss in minced garlic. Return beef to the pan.
- Pour in broth and oyster sauce. Stir well and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a full comfort meal. Much like we did with these Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles.
Tips and Variations
This dish adapts easily to your preferences. Here are some ideas:
- Cut beef against the grain to keep it tender.
- Swap beef for chicken or tofu for variety.
- Add mushrooms or snap peas for more texture.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds for a nutty finish.
- Spice it up with chili flakes or fresh jalapeños.
Just as with copycat Dolly Parton stampede soup, the key is keeping veggies vibrant and the broth flavorful. High heat and short cooking time give the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make pepper steak ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best eaten fresh. Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat gently to keep the beef tender.
What cut of beef works best?
Sirloin, flank, or tenderloin are ideal because they cook quickly and remain juicy.
How do I thicken the sauce more?
Mix a little extra cornstarch with water, then stir into the sauce until it reaches the consistency you like.
Can I freeze pepper steak with onions?
Yes. Freeze in airtight containers for up to two months. Keep in mind the peppers may soften after thawing.
Conclusion
This Chinese pepper steak with onions is proof that simple ingredients can create big flavor. With tender beef, sweet onions, and colorful peppers in a savory sauce, it’s a dinner worth repeating. Whether you serve it with fluffy rice or noodles, it’s bound to satisfy the whole table. Just like Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken, this dish turns an ordinary evening into something unforgettable.
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