Description
Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion is a flavorful and classic Chinese stir-fry dish featuring tender strips of beef, crisp bell peppers, and sweet onions in a savory, slightly sweet soy-based sauce. Perfectly balanced with a hint of ginger and cornstarch thickening, this easy-to-make recipe is a favorite for home cooks and can be served over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Marinade
- 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
Vegetables and Oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced or finely diced
- 1–2 bell peppers, sliced (use mixed colors for presentation)
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, separated
Instructions
- Slice Beef: Slice the beef top sirloin steak into thin strips to ensure quick and even cooking.
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, mix soy sauce, granulated white sugar, cornstarch, and powdered ginger thoroughly to create a balanced marinade and sauce base.
- Marinate Beef: Add the sliced beef to the marinade and let it sit for 15-20 minutes to absorb flavor and tenderize.
- Cook Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove beef and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add sliced or diced onions and stir-fry until translucent and slightly caramelized for sweetness.
- Cook Bell Peppers: Add sliced bell peppers to the skillet and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp, preserving their vibrant texture.
- Combine Beef and Vegetables: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables and stir-fry briefly to mix flavors.
- Add Sauce: Pour any remaining marinade over the beef and vegetables, stirring for about one minute until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the ingredients.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat once everything is hot and well-coated. Serve immediately over steamed white rice or your choice of noodles for a delicious meal.
Notes
- Marinating the beef is key for tender, flavorful meat.
- Use a wok or large skillet for effective stir-frying and quick cooking.
- For a healthier alternative, substitute vegetable oil with canola or peanut oil.
- Adjust the amount of bell peppers based on preference or availability; mixed colors enhance presentation.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed broccoli or bok choy to add a fresh green element.
- If you prefer spiciness, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes during cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Keywords: Chinese Pepper Steak, Pepper Steak with Onion, stir-fry beef recipe, Chinese beef stir-fry, easy Chinese dinner
