Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions 🥩🔥🌶️
Tender strips of beef, crisp bell peppers, and onions wok-tossed in a savory, garlicky black pepper sauce—ready in 20 minutes and better than takeout!
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Steak & Marinade:
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1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp oyster sauce
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1 tbsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
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1 tsp cornstarch
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1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
For the Stir-Fry:
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2 tbsp vegetable oil (divided)
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1 green bell pepper, sliced
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1 red bell pepper, sliced
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1 large onion, sliced
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp ginger, grated
For the Sauce:
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3 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp dark soy sauce (or 1 extra tbsp regular soy sauce)
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1 tbsp hoisin sauce
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1 tsp sesame oil
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1 tsp sugar
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½ tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
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¼ cup water or beef broth
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1 tsp cornstarch (mixed with 1 tbsp water)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Beef
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In a bowl, combine steak with soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and black pepper.
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Let sit for 15+ mins (or overnight for deeper flavor).
2. Stir-Fry
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Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or skillet over high heat. Sear beef for 1–2 mins until browned but not fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
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Add remaining oil, then stir-fry garlic and ginger for 10 secs until fragrant.
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Toss in bell peppers and onions. Cook for 2–3 mins until slightly charred but crisp.
3. Sauce & Finish
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Return beef to the wok. Pour in sauce mixture and stir-fry for 1 min.
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Add cornstarch slurry and cook until glossy and thickened (~30 secs).
4. Serve Hot!
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Garnish with extra black pepper and serve over steamed rice or noodles.
Tips for the Best Pepper Steak
🔥 High heat is key—get that wok smoking for authentic flavor.
🌶️ Like it spicy? Add sliced chili peppers or Sichuan peppercorns.
🥩 Slice beef thin and against the grain for tenderness.
Why You’ll Love This
✅ Bold, peppery, umami-rich sauce that clings to every bite.
✅ Faster than delivery—on the table in 20 mins!
✅ Versatile—swap beef with chicken or tofu.
Leftovers? Reheat in a wok with a splash of broth to keep it juicy.
Want a saucier version? Double the sauce ingredients! 😋
Need a low-sodium option? Use reduced-sodium soy sauce.