If you’re looking for a dish that brings vibrant colors, bold flavors, and tender beef all in one pan, then this Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe is destined to become one of your favorites. It’s a classic stir-fry that’s surprisingly simple to make yet packed with savory depth from soy and oyster sauce, sweet crunch from bell peppers, and that unmistakable zing of fresh garlic and ginger. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe combines accessible ingredients and quick techniques to deliver a restaurant-quality meal at home in just 30 minutes. Get ready to wow your taste buds with a dish that’s as comforting as it is exciting!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—whether it’s tenderizing the beef, infusing the sauce with rich umami, or adding a pop of color and sweetness from fresh vegetables.
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin: Choose thin slices for quick cooking and maximum tenderness.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (for marinating): This adds savory depth right from the start.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: Helps the beef stay juicy and creates a glossy sauce.
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds a sweet crunch and vibrant red color.
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced: Offers a fresh, slightly grassy balance to the mix.
- 1 small onion, sliced: Brings mild sweetness and texture.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: For that irresistible aromatic punch.
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated: Adds a warm, spicy note that lifts the dish.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil: Perfect for high-heat stir-frying without overpowering flavors.
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (for sauce): Intensifies the savory flavor for the final glaze.
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce: Brings rich umami and silky texture to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup water: Balances sauce thickness and helps everything meld together.
- 1 tsp sugar: Highlights the natural sweetness of the peppers and balances salty notes.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: Adds a toasty finish that’s uniquely comforting.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Delivers a gentle heat to complement the beef.
How to Make Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by tossing your thinly sliced beef in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. This marinade softens the meat and gives it a beautiful, tender texture after cooking. Let it rest for about 10 to 15 minutes while you prep the veggies—this little wait makes all the difference.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in the sliced bell peppers and onion, stir-frying gently until they soften just a bit but still keep their vibrant crunch. This quick cooking preserves the freshness and adds appealing texture to the dish. Once ready, remove them from the pan and set aside—keeping them vibrant and separate until they get reintroduced later.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Into the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Stir-fry the marinated beef for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns a lovely brown and caramelizes slightly. This step locks in all those rich flavors. Next, add the minced garlic and fresh grated ginger, cooking for just 30 seconds until that fragrant aroma fills your kitchen—that’s a sign the dish is coming to life.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
Return the cooked bell peppers and onions to the pan along with the beef. Now it’s time to stir in 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce, 1/4 cup water, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and coat every piece with that glossy, flavorful finish. Serve your beautiful pepper steak piping hot over steamed rice or noodles for the perfect dinner!
How to Serve Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate this Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe further, sprinkle some freshly chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds on top right before serving. These simple garnish touches add a burst of color and a subtle crunch that makes each bite even more exciting.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce, or try it with egg noodles for a slightly different texture. For a vegetable boost, a side of steamed bok choy or sautéed snow peas complements the pepper steak’s richness without overpowering its bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to mix things up? Serve this Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or use it as a flavorful filling for lettuce wraps. Another fun idea is topping warm bao buns with the pepper steak mixture for a handheld twist that’s perfect for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for next-day lunches or quick dinners during a busy week.
Freezing
If you want to save it longer, freezing your easy Chinese pepper steak is an option. Pop the cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container or bag, and it will keep for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture and flavor retention.
Reheating
When it’s time to enjoy again, reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to keep the sauce saucy and prevent sticking. Microwaving works too, but stirring halfway through will help heat it evenly without drying out the beef.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak or sirloin is ideal due to their tenderness and quick cooking properties, you can also use skirt steak or even ribeye if you prefer a richer flavor. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and check your oyster sauce brand for gluten-free labeling. This way, you can still enjoy all the flavors without worry.
Can I add other vegetables to the pepper steak?
Of course! Feel free to toss in sliced mushrooms, snap peas, or carrots to personalize the recipe. Just adjust cooking times slightly to keep everything crisp and vibrant.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce on hand?
If oyster sauce isn’t available, a mixture of soy sauce and a touch of hoisin sauce can be a good substitute to mimic that sweet-savory umami element, though the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How spicy is this Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe?
This recipe is mild, focusing on savory and slightly sweet flavors with just a hint of black pepper heat. If you like more spice, add sliced fresh chili or a dash of chili flakes during cooking for a kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about a dish that tastes gourmet but comes together in no time, and this Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe fits that bill perfectly. It’s a brilliant way to get dinner on the table with bold flavors, fresh veggies, and tender beef that’s sure to impress everyone. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!
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 slices of flank steak stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and onions, coated in a savory sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, and aromatic garlic and ginger. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a quick, flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners 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 & 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 thinly sliced beef with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Mix well to coat all slices evenly. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes to tenderize and absorb flavors.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the beef marinates, slice the red and green bell peppers and the small onion. Mince garlic and grate fresh ginger to have all ingredients ready for cooking.
- Cook the Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions, stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they soften slightly but remain crisp. Remove vegetables from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same skillet. Stir-fry the marinated beef over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Add Aromatics: Immediately add minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef. Stir-fry together for about 30 seconds until fragrant without burning the garlic.
- Combine & Sauce: Return the cooked bell peppers and onions back 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. Stir-fry everything together for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats all ingredients beautifully.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the pepper steak hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- For best results, slice the beef thinly against the grain to keep it tender.
- You can substitute flank steak with sirloin or other tender cuts.
- Adjust the amount of soy and oyster sauce depending on your salt preference.
- Adding a splash of rice wine or Shaoxing wine to the marinade can enhance flavor.
- Serve immediately for the freshest texture; leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently.
