Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

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🥩 Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

📝 **Ingredients

For the Beef

  • 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp oil (for cooking)

Vegetables

  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 2 bell peppers (green or mixed colors), sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced (optional)

Stir-Fry Sauce

  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar (or honey)
  • ½ cup beef broth or water
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prep the beef

  • Slice beef thinly across the grain.
  • Toss with 1 tbsp soy sauce + 1 tbsp cornstarch.
    This tenderizes and helps give it that glossy takeout texture.

2. Make the sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:

  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Hoisin (optional)
  • Brown sugar
  • Beef broth/water
  • Cornstarch
  • Sesame oil
  • Black pepper

Set aside.

3. Stir-fry the beef

  • Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
  • Add beef and cook 2–3 minutes until just browned.
  • Remove beef from the pan and set aside.

4. Cook the vegetables

In the same pan:

  • Add onions and bell peppers.
  • Stir-fry 3–4 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
  • Add garlic (and ginger if using) and cook 30 seconds.

5. Combine everything

  • Return beef to the pan.
  • Pour sauce over the mixture.
  • Cook 2–3 minutes, stirring, until sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.

6. Serve

Serve hot over:

✔ Steamed white rice
✔ Fried rice
✔ Noodles
✔ Cauliflower rice (low-carb option)

🍽️ Description

This dish tastes just like classic Chinese takeout — tender beef, caramelized onions, crisp bell peppers, and a glossy savory sauce that clings to every piece. Sweet, salty, peppery, and incredibly satisfying.

💡 Tips for Success

  • Freeze beef 15 minutes before slicing — makes thin cutting easier.
  • Use high heat for authentic stir-fry flavor.
  • Don’t overcook beef; it stays tender when cooked briefly.
  • Add a splash of rice vinegar or chili flakes for extra flavor.

🔢 Nutritional Information (approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 290
  • Protein: 25g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbs: 18g
    (Varies with sauce additions.)

🌟 Conclusion

This Chinese pepper steak is fast, flavorful, and healthier than takeout — perfect for busy weeknights but tasty enough to impress guests.

⭐ Recommendation

Try variations:

  • Add mushrooms or snow peas
  • Use chicken instead of beef
  • Make it spicy with sliced chilies
  • Add pineapple for a sweet twist

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