Easy Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions: 5-Ingredient Bliss

Name: Easy Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb flank steak (or sirloin/ribeye), thinly sliced against the grain; 2 tbsp soy sauce (divided); 2 tsp cornstarch (divided); 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1/2 cup beef broth; 1 tbsp vegetable oil (plus more if needed); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced; 1 large onion, sliced into wedges; 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips; 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips; 1 tsp sesame oil; Optional: chopped green onions for garnish

Jump to Recipe

Some nights, dinner just needs to be quick, colorful, and comforting—without leaving your kitchen looking like a hurricane hit it. That’s where Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions comes in.
This dish is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, a showstopper for casual dinners with friends, and a total flavor bomb you can make in under 30 minutes.

Think tender strips of juicy steak, sweet and smoky bell peppers, soft caramelized onions, and a glossy, savory sauce that clings to every bite. Bonus? Your house will smell like your favorite Chinese takeout spot… but you’ll be in slippers.

Why You’ll Love This Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

If you’re anything like me, dinner needs to check a few boxes: quick to make, easy to clean up, and so good you can’t wait for leftovers the next day. This recipe delivers all that and more.

Fast cooking, big flavor – Once the ingredients are prepped, the stir-fry magic happens in minutes.
Balanced textures – Crisp-tender peppers, silky beef, and soft onions all playing together in one happy wok.
Takeout vibes at home – Save money, eat fresher, and control the ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find the exact measurements in the recipe card below, but here’s the lineup:

Beef Strips – Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye sliced against the grain for tenderness.
Bell Peppers – A rainbow of red and green for sweetness and crunch.
Onions – Slightly caramelized for that touch of natural sweetness.
Garlic & Ginger – The flavor powerhouses.
Soy Sauce – Deep umami in every bite.
Oyster Sauce – Adds a rich, savory depth.
Beef Broth – The backbone of the sauce.
Cornstarch – For thickening and giving the beef that silky coating.
Sesame Oil – A nutty, aromatic finishing touch.

The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card below.

How to Make Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

1. Slice the Beef
Start by placing your steak on a cutting board and trimming away any excess fat. Cut it into thin strips, going against the grain—this shortens the muscle fibers, making every bite tender instead of chewy. Toss the beef with soy sauce and cornstarch, giving it a light, even coating. This little pre-step not only locks in the juices but also helps the sauce cling to the meat later. Think of it as giving your beef a spa treatment before its big debut.

2. Make the Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, beef broth, and a touch more cornstarch until smooth. This sauce is the flavor heart of the dish—salty, savory, slightly sweet, and ready to mingle with everything in the pan. Set it aside so it’s ready to jump in when the moment comes.

3. Sear the Beef
Heat a tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. You want it hot enough that the beef sizzles the instant it touches the pan. Stir-fry the strips in small batches—crowding them will cause steaming instead of searing. Cook just until browned on the outside; the inside will finish cooking later when you combine everything. Transfer the beef to a plate and try not to snack on it (good luck).

4. Sauté the Aromatics
Add another drizzle of oil to the same pan. Toss in the garlic, ginger, and onions. Stir-fry for about 1–2 minutes, until the onions start to soften and the kitchen smells so good your family starts wandering in asking, “When’s dinner?”

5. Add the Peppers
Throw in your sliced red and green bell peppers. Keep the heat high and stir often so they blister slightly but keep their bright color and crisp bite. This step only takes 2–3 minutes—overcooking will leave them limp, and nobody wants sad peppers.

6. Combine Everything
Slide the seared beef back into the pan with the veggies. Give the sauce a quick stir to recombine (cornstarch tends to settle at the bottom) and pour it over everything. Stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes, until the sauce thickens into a glossy coat that clings to every strip of beef and pepper slice.

7. Finish & Serve
Turn off the heat, drizzle with fragrant sesame oil, and give everything one last gentle toss. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy. Serve hot over a bed of fluffy steamed rice, and prepare for applause.

Mounia’s Tips for Perfect Pepper Steak Every Time

Hot pan = happy beef. High heat is key for that restaurant-style sear.
Don’t overcook the peppers. They should keep a little crunch.
Prep before you start. Stir-fries move fast—you’ll thank yourself later.
Want more heat? Toss in a few sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili oil.

Quick Story from My Kitchen

The first time I made this, it was on a week when life felt like one giant to-do list. Between work, errands, and a mountain of laundry threatening to avalanche, I needed something that felt indulgent but wouldn’t keep me chained to the stove.
This dish came through like a hero—dinner on the table in under 25 minutes, and my husband swore it tasted better than takeout. The laundry? Still waiting, but at least we ate well.

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions in a sizzling skillet with tender beef strips, red and green bell peppers, and caramelized onions in savory sauce. — Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions — tender beef, colorful peppers, and onions in a rich, savory sauce.

FAQs About Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes! Thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs work beautifully—just adjust the cooking time so the chicken is fully cooked through.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture.

Can I make this ahead?

You can prep the beef and chop the veggies ahead of time. Stir-fry right before serving for maximum freshness.

Bring the Sizzle to Your Table

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is proof that a quick dinner can still be special. It’s sizzling, savory, and downright satisfying—without a sink full of dishes or a late-night takeout bill.
Next time you’re craving a cozy, flavor-packed meal, skip the delivery and whip this up instead. Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you.

More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed making this Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions, you might also want to try some of my other flavorful dishes. Here are a few you won’t want to miss:

Satisfy your craving for rich, creamy comfort food with Gordon Ramsay Beef Stroganoff—a dish that’s as indulgent as it is easy to make.
Switch things up with a sweet and savory twist by trying Crockpot Pineapple BBQ Chicken for a tropical-inspired dinner.
Bring a bold, savory kick to your weeknight with Slow Cooker Korean Beef—perfect served over rice or noodles.
For a cozy, stick-to-your-ribs meal, you can’t go wrong with Crockpot Beef and Broccoli—a slow cooker classic that’s always a hit.

💬 If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a review in the comments and let me know your favorite twist on it.
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