Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe – Perfect Dinner Idea
If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful dinner idea, this Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe is a must-try! Made with tender beef, crisp bell peppers, and a rich, savory sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re a fan of Chinese takeout or simply love a good stir-fry, this homemade version is sure to impress your family and become a regular on your dinner menu.

What is Chinese Pepper Steak?
Chinese Pepper Steak is a popular stir-fry dish that originated in Chinese-American cuisine. It features thinly sliced beef cooked with bell peppers, onions, and a flavorful brown sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and other seasonings. The dish is known for its bold flavors, tender meat, and vibrant colors. Traditionally served over steamed rice, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy day.
✔️ Restaurant-Quality Flavor – A homemade version that tastes just like (or even better than) takeout!
✔️ Healthy & Customizable – Made with simple, fresh ingredients, and you can easily adjust it to your preference.
✔️ Perfect for Meal Prep – Stores well and reheats beautifully for a next-day meal.
Ingredients for Chinese Pepper Steak
To make this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Pepper Steak:
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp black pepper
Kitchen Equipment Needed
To prepare this recipe, you’ll need:
✔️ Sharp knife for slicing the beef and vegetables
✔️ Cutting board
✔️ Large skillet or wok
✔️ Mixing bowls for the sauce
✔️ Measuring spoons and cups
✔️ Tongs or spatula for stirring
How to Make Chinese Pepper Steak
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
- Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- In a bowl, mix the beef with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and ½ tablespoon of cornstarch. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and the rest of the cornstarch. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef in a single layer and sear for about 2 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil.
- Toss in the garlic, ginger, and onion, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and cook for 3–4 minutes until they soften slightly but remain crisp.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Return the beef to the skillet and pour in the prepared sauce.
- Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.
Step 6: Serve & Enjoy
- Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.

Tips for the Best Pepper Steak
⭐ Choose the Right Beef: Use flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye for the best texture. Always slice against the grain for tenderness.
⭐ Marinate for Extra Flavor: A quick marinade helps to keep the beef juicy and flavorful.
⭐ Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the beef in batches if needed to ensure even cooking.
⭐ Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: Prefer a sweeter taste? Add a little more brown sugar. Want extra spice? A pinch of red pepper flakes will do the trick!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using the Wrong Cut of Beef: Tough cuts will result in chewy steak. Stick to flank or sirloin.
❌ Overcooking the Beef: Thin slices cook fast—just 2–3 minutes per side is enough!
❌ Skipping the Cornstarch: This helps tenderize the beef and thickens the sauce.
❌ Not Prepping Ahead: Stir-frying is quick, so have everything chopped and ready before you start cooking.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with:
🍚 Steamed Rice – The classic pairing to soak up the delicious sauce.
🍜 Lo Mein or Chow Mein – If you love noodles, try serving it over stir-fried noodles.
🥦 Stir-Fried Vegetables – Add more greens like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy.
🍲 Egg Drop Soup – A light, comforting soup makes a great side.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storage:
- Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
🌿 Vegetarian Option: Swap beef for tofu or mushrooms.
🌶️ Spicy Version: Add chili flakes or Sriracha to the sauce.
🍍 Sweet & Savory Twist: Add pineapple chunks for a delicious balance of flavors.
🥩 Different Proteins: Try chicken or shrimp for a fun variation.

FAQs About Chinese Pepper Steak
Q: What is the best cut of beef for pepper steak?
A: Flank steak and sirloin are the best choices as they stay tender when stir-fried.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prep everything in advance and store it in the fridge for quick cooking later.
Q: Can I use frozen bell peppers?
A: Fresh peppers are best for texture, but frozen ones work if needed—just cook them a little less to avoid mushiness.
Q: How do I thicken the sauce more?
A: Add a little more cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water) while cooking.
Conclusion
This Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a homemade version of a takeout favorite! It’s quick, delicious, and packed with bold flavors. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Try it today and let us know how it turns out!
Print
Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe – Perfect Dinner Idea
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner, Stir-Fry
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
Description
This Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe is a quick and flavorful stir-fry made with tender beef, crisp bell peppers, and a rich, savory sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and tastes just like your favorite takeout! Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish pairs beautifully with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients
For the Pepper Steak:
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
For the Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef against the grain and marinate with 1 tbsp soy sauce & ½ tbsp cornstarch for 10 minutes.
2️⃣ Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, and cornstarch. Set aside.
3️⃣ Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and sear for 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
4️⃣ Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same pan, add another 1 tbsp oil. Sauté garlic, ginger, and onion for 30 seconds, then add the bell peppers and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.
5️⃣ Combine Everything: Return the beef to the pan, pour in the sauce, and stir for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.
6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy: Remove from heat and serve immediately over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions if desired.
Notes
✔️ Slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.
✔️ Marinating the beef in cornstarch helps keep it juicy and tender.
✔️ Adjust the sauce to taste—add more brown sugar for sweetness or chili flakes for spice.
✔️ Use fresh bell peppers for the best texture and color.