Chinese pepper steak with onions

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions — A Classic Takeout-Style Favorite You Can Make at Home

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a timeless stir-fry dish that beautifully combines tender slices of beef, crisp bell peppers, and sweet onions in a savory soy-based sauce. This flavorful and aromatic meal is not only quick to prepare but also delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen. Let’s walk through the process step by step so you can master this delicious Chinese-American classic.

🥩 What is Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions?

Originally inspired by Chinese stir-fry traditions, Pepper Steak became popular in the United States during the mid-20th century. It features marinated beef slices, usually flank steak or sirloin, stir-fried with bell peppers and onions in a rich sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sometimes oyster sauce. The result is a glossy, flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles.

🍽️ Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef Marinade:

• 1 lb (450 g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon rice wine or dry sherry (optional)
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tablespoons vegetable or peanut oil
• 1 large onion, sliced into strips
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but adds depth)
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ cup beef broth or water
• 1 teaspoon sugar

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by slicing your beef thinly against the grain. This ensures that the meat stays tender when cooked. Combine it in a bowl with soy sauce, cornstarch, rice wine, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for 15–20 minutes. The cornstarch forms a light coating that helps lock in the juices and gives the beef a velvety texture.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, cornstarch, beef broth, and sugar until smooth. Set it aside — this will be your flavorful stir-fry sauce that ties everything together.

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