🥩🫑 Chinese Pepper Steak
Tender strips of beef stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and onions in a savory, slightly sweet Chinese-style sauce.
Chinese Pepper Steak is a classic takeout-inspired stir-fry that comes together quickly and delivers big flavor. Thinly sliced sirloin is marinated in soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and ginger, then stir-fried until tender and combined with crisp-tender peppers and onions.
Serve it over steamed rice for an easy and satisfying dinner.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating Time: 15–30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: About 30–40 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
- Method: Stir-fry
Ingredients
For the Beef
- 1 lb (450 g) beef top sirloin steak
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp white sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp ground ginger
For the Stir-Fry
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup water or beef broth
Optional Additions
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce, for deeper savory flavor
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, for heat
- 1 tsp sesame oil, for finishing
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
1. Slice the Beef
Slice the sirloin steak into thin strips, cutting against the grain.
For easier slicing, place the beef in the freezer for about 15–20 minutes before cutting. Slightly firm beef is much easier to slice thinly.
2. Marinate the Beef
In a medium bowl, combine:
- Soy sauce
- White sugar
- Cornstarch
- Ground ginger
Whisk until the cornstarch is mostly dissolved.
Add the sliced beef and toss until every piece is evenly coated.
Allow the beef to marinate for 15–30 minutes.
The cornstarch helps tenderize the beef and gives the finished sauce a glossy texture.
3. Prepare the Vegetables
While the beef marinates, slice the bell peppers and onion.
Mince the garlic and keep everything close to the stove, as stir-frying happens quickly.
4. Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high to high heat.
Add about half of the oil.
Once the oil is hot, add the beef in a single layer.
Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned on the outside.
Avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook the beef in batches if necessary.
Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
5. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the remaining oil to the same skillet.
Add the sliced onion and bell peppers.
Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
6. Make the Sauce
Return the cooked beef to the skillet.
Add the water or beef broth.
If using oyster sauce or black pepper, add them now.
Stir everything together and cook for 1–2 minutes.
The sauce should become glossy and lightly thickened from the cornstarch coating on the beef.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of water.
7. Finish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat.
For extra flavor, drizzle with a small amount of sesame oil.
Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Serve immediately while hot.
🍚 Serving Suggestions
Chinese Pepper Steak is delicious served with:
- Steamed white rice
- Jasmine rice
- Fried rice
- Brown rice
- Egg noodles
- Lo mein noodles
For a complete meal, serve alongside:
- Egg rolls
- Steamed broccoli
- Vegetable fried rice
- Chinese-style green beans
👩🍳 Chef’s Tips
Slice Against the Grain
Look for the direction of the muscle fibers and slice across them rather than parallel to them. This shortens the fibers and makes the beef easier to chew.
Use High Heat
A hot skillet or wok helps the beef brown quickly without overcooking.
Don’t Overcook the Beef
Thin strips of sirloin cook very quickly. Overcooking can make them tough.
Keep the Peppers Crisp
Stir-fry the vegetables just until tender-crisp for the best texture.
Cook in Batches
If your skillet is small, cook the beef in batches. Overcrowding causes the meat to steam rather than brown.
Delicious Variations
🥦 Pepper Steak with Broccoli
Add 1–2 cups of small broccoli florets. Stir-fry them until bright green and tender.
🍄 Mushroom Pepper Steak
Add 1 cup sliced mushrooms with the onions and peppers.
🌶️ Spicy Pepper Steak
Add:
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes, or
- 1 sliced fresh chili
for extra heat.
🧄 Garlic Pepper Steak
Increase the garlic to 4–5 cloves for a stronger garlic flavor.
🍯 Sweet and Savory
Add 1 tablespoon honey instead of some of the sugar for a richer sweetness.
Storage
Allow leftovers to cool completely.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or beef broth.
You can also microwave individual portions until heated through.
Avoid overheating, as the beef can become tough.
⭐ Final Result
Tender, savory beef + crisp bell peppers + sweet onions + a glossy Chinese-style sauce = an easy takeout-inspired dinner right at home.
Serve this Chinese Pepper Steak over a bowl of fluffy steamed rice for a quick, flavorful meal the whole family will love. 🥩🫑🍚