Jen
There’s something so satisfying about a quick and flavorful stir-fry, and Chinese Pepper Steak is one of my all-time favorites! Juicy, tender slices of beef, crisp bell peppers, and a rich, savory sauce come together in just 30 minutes. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights when you’re craving takeout but want something homemade and wholesome. Plus, the aroma that fills the kitchen while it’s cooking is absolutely irresistible!
I love making this dish because it reminds me of my childhood. Growing up, my family often ordered pepper steak from our favorite Chinese restaurant, and it was always a hit at the dinner table. When I started cooking on my own, I knew I had to recreate that same bold flavor at home, but with a fresher and healthier touch. Over time, I perfected my own version of this classic, and now, I’m excited to share it with you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful & Savory – The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger gives this dish an irresistible taste.
- Better Than Takeout – Fresh ingredients and no unnecessary additives make this a healthier option.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level, swap out vegetables, or use your preferred protein.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Leftovers taste amazing and reheat beautifully, making this a great option for prepping meals ahead of time.
Every time I make this dish, I find myself sneaking little bites straight from the pan—it’s just that good! The beef is tender, the peppers have the perfect crunch, and the sauce is packed with umami flavor that coats every bite beautifully.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice (for serving)
I always make sure to have these ingredients stocked in my kitchen, so I can whip up this dish whenever the craving hits. Fresh bell peppers add a pop of color and crunch, while the combination of sauces creates a deep, rich flavor that’s absolutely mouthwatering.
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
- In a bowl, combine the sliced flank steak with soy sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, and black pepper.
- Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance the flavor and tenderness. If I have extra time, I like to marinate the beef for 30 minutes to let the flavors really soak in!
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- In a separate small cup, dissolve cornstarch in water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce beautifully, giving it that classic glossy finish.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
When cooking the beef, I always make sure my pan is really hot to get that nice sear—it locks in the juices and creates the best texture!
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- In the same pan, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Toss in the sliced bell peppers, onions, garlic, and ginger.
- Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp. I love how the peppers keep their bright colors and fresh crunch!
Step 5: Bring It All Together
- Return the cooked beef to the pan.
- Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens (about 1 minute).
- Sprinkle with black pepper and garnish with chopped green onions.
Watching the sauce thicken and coat the beef and vegetables is so satisfying! It’s the moment when everything comes together into a perfect, restaurant-quality dish.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve hot over white rice or with noodles for a complete meal.
- Pair with steamed vegetables or an egg roll for the ultimate takeout-style dinner!
I always serve this with fluffy white rice because it soaks up all that delicious sauce. Sometimes, I make extra sauce just so I can drizzle more over my rice—it’s too good to waste!
Tips for the Best Pepper Steak
- Slice beef thinly – Cutting against the grain ensures tenderness.
- Use high heat – A hot pan helps sear the beef quickly for maximum flavor.
- Don’t overcook the veggies – Keeping them slightly crisp adds texture and freshness.
- Make it spicy – Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat.
- Meal prep friendly – Store leftovers in an airtight container, and they’ll taste just as amazing the next day!
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chinese Pepper Steak is a go-to dish in my house because it’s so quick, flavorful, and better than anything I can get from takeout. The tender beef, crisp veggies, and rich sauce create the perfect harmony of flavors. Every time I make this, it brings back memories of sharing meals with my family, and I love that I can recreate that experience at home.
If you’re looking for an easy, delicious, and satisfying dinner, this pepper steak recipe is a must-try! Give it a go and let me know—did it satisfy your takeout cravings?
