Name: Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 pound beef top sirloin, sliced into thin strips; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons granulated white sugar; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon powdered ginger; 1 onion, thinly sliced or finely diced; 1-2 bell peppers, sliced (use mixed colors for presentation); 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, separated

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Introduction

Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion is a classic and flavorful stir-fry featuring tender beef strips, crisp bell peppers, and sweet onions in a savory sauce. This dish brings authentic Chinese flavors to your table and pairs beautifully with rice or noodles for a satisfying meal.

The dish shows many small pieces of cooked beef coated in a shiny, thick brown sauce, mixed with slices of red and green bell peppers and light brown onion strips. The beef pieces have a tender texture with grill marks, and the sauce looks glossy and sticky, adding a rich look. The colorful peppers and onions are evenly spread throughout, giving a fresh contrast to the dark beef. Everything sits on a round white plate, and the background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound beef top sirloin, sliced
1 onion, thinly sliced or finely diced
2 tablespoons granulated white sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/2 teaspoon powdered ginger
1-2 bell peppers, sliced (use mixed colors for presentation)
3 tablespoons vegetable oil, separated

Instructions

Step 1: Slice the beef top sirloin steak into thin strips.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and powdered ginger to create the marinade. Mix well.
Step 3: Add the sliced beef to the marinade and let it marinate for 15-20 minutes.
Step 4: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Step 5: Stir-fry the marinated beef until cooked to your liking. Remove it from the skillet and set aside.
Step 6: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet.
Step 7: Stir-fry the sliced or diced onion until translucent and slightly caramelized.
Step 8: Add the sliced bell peppers and stir-fry for a few minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Step 9: Return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir-fry briefly to combine with the vegetables.
Step 10: Pour any remaining marinade over the beef and vegetables, stirring for another minute until the sauce thickens and coats everything.
Step 11: Remove from heat once well-coated and heated through. Serve over steamed rice or noodles.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers for a colorful presentation.
For extra flavor, add minced garlic or a splash of oyster sauce to the marinade.
Substitute beef top sirloin with flank steak or skirt steak if preferred.
Serve with steamed broccoli or bok choy for a nutritious side.

Storage

Store leftover pepper steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the beef tender.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a dish in a white plate filled with glossy pieces of cooked brown beef mixed with bright green and red bell pepper slices and soft light brown onion wedges, all coated in a shiny dark brown sauce, sprinkled lightly with small sesame seeds. The textures show tender beef with a slightly wrinkled surface alongside smooth, slightly crispy peppers and soft onions, all sitting together in a rich, glistening sauce that catches the light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of beef for this recipe?

Yes, flank steak or skirt steak work well as alternatives to top sirloin. Just slice thinly against the grain for tenderness.

What should I serve with Chinese Pepper Steak?

This dish pairs perfectly with steamed white rice or noodles like chow mein or lo mein. Adding steamed greens such as broccoli or bok choy balances the meal nicely.