Quick & easy Chinese Pepper Steak recipe! Tender beef, bell peppers, and a flavorful sauce for a perfect dinner.

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.


Quick & easy Chinese Pepper Steak recipe! Tender beef, bell peppers, and a flavorful sauce for a perfect dinner.

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

  1. Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
  2. 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

  1. 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

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. 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

  1. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil.
  2. Toss in the garlic, ginger, and onion, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the sliced bell peppers and cook for 3–4 minutes until they soften slightly but remain crisp.

Step 5: Combine Everything

  1. Return the beef to the skillet and pour in the prepared sauce.
  2. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

  1. 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!

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Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe – Perfect Dinner Idea

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  • Author: Maria
  • 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

Scale

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.

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