EASY CHINESE PEPPER STEAK

Craving that savory, slightly sweet, and undeniably satisfying flavor of Chinese takeout? Forget the delivery fees and questionable ingredients because I’m about to show you how to create the BEST Chinese Pepper Steak you’ve ever tasted, right in your own kitchen! Trust me, with this recipe, you’ll be whipping up restaurant-quality Chinese Pepper Steak in no time!

The Star Players: Assembling Your Ingredients

Beefy Goodness

• 1 lb Beef Steak (Sirloin or Flank): Thinly sliced against the grain – this is crucial for tenderness!
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch: For tenderizing the beef.
• 1 tbsp Soy Sauce: Adds that umami depth.
• 1 tbsp Cooking Oil: For searing the beef perfectly.

The Veggie Crew

• 1 Green Bell Pepper: Cut into bite-sized pieces.
• 1 Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness and color, also cut into bite-sized pieces.
• 1 Yellow Bell Pepper: (Optional) For even more color and flavor.
• 1 Medium Onion: Sliced.
• 2-3 Cloves Garlic: Minced – because garlic makes everything better!

The Sauce That Makes It All Sing

• 1/4 cup Soy Sauce: The base of our savory sauce.
• 2 tbsp Oyster Sauce: This is the secret ingredient! It adds richness and depth.
• 1 tbsp Brown Sugar: For a touch of sweetness.
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce.
• 1/2 cup Beef Broth: Adds moisture and flavor.
• 1 tsp Sesame Oil: For that authentic Asian flavor.
• 1/2 tsp Ground Ginger: A warm, subtle spice.
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper: Freshly ground is best!

Optional Garnishes

• Sesame Seeds: For a nutty crunch.
• Chopped Green Onions: For a fresh, vibrant finish.
• Red Pepper Flakes: If you like a little heat.

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Beef

1. Slice the Beef: This is probably the most important step to achieve a tender and flavorful Chinese Pepper Steak. Make sure you slice the beef thinly *against* the grain. This will shorten the muscle fibers and prevent the steak from being chewy.
2. Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with 1 tbsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp soy sauce. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This helps tenderize the beef and infuse it with flavor.

Stir-Frying Like a Pro

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Before you start cooking, make sure all your vegetables are chopped and your sauce is mixed. Stir-frying moves fast, so having everything ready to go is key!
2. Heat the Wok (or Large Skillet): Heat 1 tbsp of cooking oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. You want it screaming hot!
3. Sear the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the hot wok and stir-fry until browned on all sides. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the beef will steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the beef in batches. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the sliced onions and minced garlic to the wok and stir-fry for about a minute, until fragrant.
5. Add the Peppers: Add the bell peppers to the wok and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until they are tender-crisp.
6. Combine Everything: Return the cooked beef to the wok with the vegetables.

Making the Magic Sauce

1. Whisk the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, beef broth, sesame oil, ground ginger, and black pepper. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to avoid lumps.
2. Pour and Thicken: Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables in the wok. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly, about 1-2 minutes.

Serving Time!

1. Serve Immediately: Serve your Chinese Pepper Steak hot over steamed rice or noodles.
2. Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and red pepper flakes (if desired). Enjoy the delicious flavors of your homemade Chinese feast!

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Chinese Pepper Steak

Beef Selection Matters

While sirloin or flank steak are classic choices, you can also use skirt steak or even ribeye if you’re feeling fancy. The key is to slice it thinly *against* the grain. I can’t stress this enough! It really makes a difference in the tenderness of the dish. If you’re unsure about identifying the grain, ask your butcher to slice it for you.

The Wok Hei Factor

“Wok hei” refers to the slightly smoky, charred flavor that’s characteristic of authentic Chinese stir-fries. Achieving this at home can be tricky, but a few things can help. First, make sure your wok or skillet is VERY hot before you start cooking. Second, don’t overcrowd the pan. Cooking the beef in batches allows it to sear properly instead of steaming. Finally, use a high-heat oil like peanut oil or vegetable oil.

Customizing Your Veggies

Feel free to get creative with the vegetables! Other great additions include mushrooms, snow peas, water chestnuts, and broccoli. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Heartier vegetables like broccoli will need to be added earlier than more delicate ones like snow peas.

Spice It Up (or Tone It Down)

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or a dash of chili oil to the finished dish. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the red pepper flakes altogether. You can also adjust the amount of brown sugar to control the sweetness of the sauce.

Making it a Meal: What to Serve with Your Pepper Steak

Steamed rice is the classic accompaniment to Chinese Pepper Steak, but you can also serve it with noodles. Lo mein noodles or even spaghetti noodles work well. For a healthier option, try serving it with quinoa or brown rice. A side of steamed broccoli or a simple salad also makes a great addition to the meal.

Craving more easy weeknight dinners? Why not try these Garlic Butter Beef Bites or Sheet Pan Fajitas. They’re quick, easy, and packed with flavor!

Variations to Try: Remix Your Pepper Steak!

Spicy Szechuan Pepper Steak

Add a tablespoon of Szechuan peppercorns to your sauce for a numbing, tingling heat that’s characteristic of Szechuan cuisine. You can also add a few dried red chilies for an extra kick.

Honey Garlic Pepper Steak

Replace the brown sugar with honey for a more floral sweetness. Add an extra clove of minced garlic to the sauce for a bolder garlic flavor. This is similar in taste to these Garlic Butter Honey Bbq Beef Tacos

Black Bean Pepper Steak

Add a tablespoon of fermented black beans (rinsed and minced) to the sauce for a salty, savory depth of flavor. Reduce the amount of soy sauce slightly to balance the saltiness.

Why This Recipe Rocks: More Than Just a Meal

This isn’t just another Chinese Cooking Recipes; it’s an experience! Making Homemade Chinese Food allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your liking. Plus, it’s often healthier and more affordable than ordering takeout. This Easy Chinese Recipes version of Chinese Pepper Steak is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part is seeing the smiles around your table when everyone digs in!

If you love the taste of beef and authentic Chinese flavours, why not try this Chinese Beef & Broccoli.

Troubleshooting Time: Common Pepper Steak Problems (and Solutions!)

Tough Beef

The most common complaint about Chinese Pepper Steak is tough beef. The key to avoiding this is to slice the beef thinly *against* the grain and to marinate it for at least 15 minutes. Overcooking the beef can also make it tough, so be sure to cook it quickly over high heat.

Soggy Vegetables

Soggy vegetables are another common problem. To avoid this, make sure your wok or skillet is very hot before you add the vegetables. Stir-fry them quickly until they are tender-crisp. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the vegetables will steam instead of sear.

Thin Sauce

If your sauce is too thin, whisk together a little more cornstarch with cold water and add it to the wok. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens. You can also simmer the sauce for a few minutes to reduce it and concentrate the flavors.

Final Thoughts: Your Pepper Steak Adventure Awaits!

So there you have it! Everything you need to create a truly amazing Chinese Pepper Steak. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different vegetables and spices to create your own signature version. With a little practice, you’ll be whipping up restaurant-quality Chinese food in no time. Happy cooking!

Easy Chinese Pepper Steak

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This recipe provides a simple and delicious way to make authentic Chinese Pepper Steak at home, surpassing takeout quality. It features tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce, all easily prepared in your own kitchen.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Wok or large skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Whisk

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb Beef Steak Sirloin or Flank
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch
• 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
• 1 tbsp Cooking Oil
• 1 Green Bell Pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 Yellow Bell Pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces optional
• 1 Medium Onion, sliced
• 2-3 Cloves Garlic, minced
• ¼ cup Soy Sauce
• 2 tbsp Oyster Sauce
• 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
• 1 tbsp Cornstarch
• ½ cup Beef Broth
• 1 tsp Sesame Oil
• ½ tsp Ground Ginger
• ¼ tsp Black Pepper
• Sesame Seeds, for garnish optional
• Chopped Green Onions, for garnish optional
• Red Pepper Flakes, for garnish optional
• Cooked Rice or Noodles, for serving

Instructions

 

• Slice the beef thinly against the grain. This is crucial for tenderness.
• In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with 1 tbsp cornstarch and 1 tbsp soy sauce. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
• Before you start cooking, make sure all your vegetables are chopped and your sauce is mixed. Stir-frying moves fast, so having everything ready to go is key!
• Heat 1 tbsp of cooking oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
• Add the marinated beef to the hot wok and stir-fry until browned on all sides. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
• Add the sliced onions and minced garlic to the wok and stir-fry for about a minute, until fragrant.
• Add the bell peppers to the wok and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until they are tender-crisp.
• Return the cooked beef to the wok with the vegetables.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, 1 tbsp cornstarch, beef broth, sesame oil, ground ginger, and black pepper. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
• Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables in the wok. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly, about 1-2 minutes.
• Serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles.
• Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and red pepper flakes (if desired).

Notes

For the best results, slice the beef thinly against the grain. Marinating the beef helps tenderize it. Using a very hot wok or skillet ensures proper searing and prevents soggy vegetables. Adjust the amount of brown sugar and red pepper flakes to your taste. For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or a dash of chili oil to the finished dish. Feel free to customize the vegetables with additions like mushrooms, snow peas, or water chestnuts. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving. Variations include Spicy Szechuan Pepper Steak (add Szechuan peppercorns and dried red chilies), Honey Garlic Pepper Steak (replace brown sugar with honey and add extra garlic), and Black Bean Pepper Steak (add fermented black beans).