Juicy beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a rich umami-packed sauce – this homemade Chinese Pepper Steak will make you skip the takeout and fall in love with your wok!

---

🥢 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Looking for a quick and flavor-loaded dinner that rivals your favorite Chinese restaurant? This Chinese Pepper Steak is:

✅ Ready in under 30 minutes
✅ Perfect for busy weeknights
✅ Naturally gluten-free adaptable
✅ Healthier than takeout
✅ Loaded with fresh veggies and bold flavor

---

📖 What Is Chinese Pepper Steak?

Chinese Pepper Steak is a beloved stir-fry dish featuring thin-sliced beef, colorful bell peppers, and onions tossed in a savory, glossy sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and ginger. While it originates from Chinese-American cuisine, its soul lies in Cantonese-style stir-frying – fast cooking over high heat to preserve texture and flavor.

Fun Fact: The technique of stir-frying (炒 – “chao”) dates back to the Han dynasty and remains one of the fastest and healthiest cooking styles in the world.

---

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of what you need for authentic flavor and texture.

🥩 For the Beef:

• 1.5 lb sirloin or flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain)Copy
• 2 tbsp soy sauceCopy
• 1 tbsp rice vinegarCopy
• 1 tsp sesame oilCopy
• 1 clove garlic, mincedCopy
• 1 tsp cornstarchCopy

🥬 For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tbsp vegetable or peanut oilCopy
• 2 large bell peppers (red and green for color)Copy
• 1 medium yellow onion, slicedCopy
• 2 cloves garlic, mincedCopy
• 1 tsp freshly grated gingerCopy
• Optional: green onions, sliced for garnishCopy

🍯 For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauceCopy
• 2 tbsp oyster sauceCopy
• 1 tbsp brown sugarCopy
• 1/4 cup waterCopy
• 1 tsp cornstarchCopy
• 1/2 tsp black pepperCopy
• Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (for heat)Copy

---

🔪 Choosing the Right Cut of Beef

The success of this dish hinges on your beef choice. For tender, restaurant-style slices:

• Best Cuts:
  • Top sirloin (lean, flavorful, tender)Copy
  • Flank steak (great grain, absorbs marinades well)Copy
• Slicing Tips:
  • Slightly freeze the beef for 15–20 minutes for easier slicing.Copy
  • Slice against the grain into 1/4-inch thick strips for tenderness.Copy
  • Trim any silver skin or excess fat.Copy

---

🧄 Ingredient Spotlight & Substitutions

Ingredient	Role	Substitutes
Soy Sauce	Base umami flavor	Tamari (gluten-free), Coconut Aminos
Oyster Sauce	Depth, richness	Hoisin, Mushroom stir-fry sauce
Cornstarch	Thickener	Arrowroot, Tapioca starch
Rice Vinegar	Balancing acidity	White vinegar + a pinch of sugar
Sesame Oil	Aromatic finish	Toasted sesame oil, omit if allergic

---

🔥 How to Make Chinese Pepper Steak (Step-by-Step)

✅ Step 1: Marinate the Beef

In a bowl, combine sliced beef with:

• 2 tbsp soy sauceCopy
• 1 tbsp rice vinegarCopy
• 1 tsp sesame oilCopy
• 1 minced garlic cloveCopy
• 1 tsp cornstarchCopy

Let sit for 15–30 minutes at room temp while prepping veggies.

---

✅ Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• 1/4 cup soy sauceCopy
• 2 tbsp oyster sauceCopy
• 1 tbsp brown sugarCopy
• 1/4 cup waterCopy
• 1 tsp cornstarchCopy
• 1 tsp grated gingerCopy
• 1/2 tsp black pepperCopy
• Optional: red pepper flakes for heatCopy

Set aside.

---

✅ Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a hot wok or large skillet until shimmering.Copy
2. Stir-fry the beef in batches (don’t overcrowd) for 2–3 minutes per batch until seared.Copy
3. Remove from wok and set aside.Copy

---

✅ Step 4: Stir-Fry the Veggies

1. In the same pan, add another 1 tbsp oil.Copy
2. Toss in sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.Copy
3. Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.Copy

---

✅ Step 5: Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked beef to the pan.Copy
2. Pour the sauce over everything.Copy
3. Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the meat and veggies.Copy
4. Turn off heat and garnish with green onions if desired.Copy

---

🍚 Serving Suggestions

This Chinese Pepper Steak pairs perfectly with:

• Steamed jasmine riceCopy
• Brown riceCopy
• Cauliflower rice (low-carb option)Copy
• Stir-fried noodlesCopy
• Lettuce wraps (for keto/paleo diets)Copy

---

🥂 What to Serve with Pepper Steak

Make it a full meal with:

• 🥟 Pork or shrimp dumplingsCopy
• 🍲 Hot and sour soupCopy
• 🥬 Chinese cabbage slawCopy
• 🍵 Green tea or jasmine teaCopy

---

📦 Storage & Reheating Tips

Storage Method	Time	Instructions
Fridge	3–4 days	Store in airtight container
Freezer	Up to 2 months	Freeze in portioned bags
Reheating	Skillet (best), Microwave	Add a splash of water or broth

Pro Tip: Store rice separately to prevent sogginess when reheating.

---

📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	340 kcal
Protein	29g
Carbs	14g
Fat	18g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	5g
Sodium	~740mg

Note: Values are approximate and can vary based on exact ingredients.

---

🔄 Variations & Customizations

• Make it spicy: Add Szechuan peppercorns or more red chili flakesCopy
• Add more veggies: Mushrooms, snow peas, bok choyCopy
• Low sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip oyster sauceCopy
• Vegan: Swap beef with tofu or seitan and use vegan oyster sauceCopy

---

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Slice and marinate the beef, and prep veggies up to 24 hours in advance.

Q: What can I use instead of oyster sauce?

Hoisin sauce or mushroom stir-fry sauce works well.

Q: Why is my beef chewy?

It was likely overcooked or sliced with the grain. Use high heat and thin slices against the grain for best results.

Q: Can I use chicken instead?

Absolutely! Thinly sliced chicken breast or thighs work great in this dish.

✅ Final Thoughts

With just a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can master this Chinese Pepper Steak recipe that’s miles better than any takeout. It’s flexible, fast, and bursting with authentic flavor – the perfect answer to “What’s for dinner?”