Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe

If you’ve ever been on the hunt for that perfect, flavorful dish that’s downright irresistible, look no further. This Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe is a sizzling combination of tender flank steak stir-fried to perfection with crisp bell peppers and onions, all coated in a savory, tangy sauce that brings each bite to life. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day—full of vibrant colors, bold flavors, and easy enough to whip up any night of the week. Get ready to bring a beloved classic right into your kitchen with a simple recipe that never disappoints.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe is straightforward but plays a crucial role—from the tender slices of flank steak to the fresh bell peppers that add crunch and color, and the savory sauces that deliver a flavor punch. Here’s what you’ll gather to create this mouthwatering dish.

• Flank steak, 1 pound: Thinly sliced against the grain for tender, juicy bites every time.
• Soy sauce, 2 tablespoons plus 1/4 cup: Adds classic umami and saltiness, essential for marinating and sauce.
• Cornstarch, 1 tablespoon: Helps tenderize the beef and thickens the sauce to a glossy finish.
• Vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon: Perfect for high-heat stir-frying without overpowering flavors.
• Red bell pepper, 1 sliced: Brings sweetness and vibrant red color for visual appeal and flavor balance.
• Green bell pepper, 1 sliced: Adds a slightly bitter crunch to contrast the sweetness of the red pepper.
• Onion, 1 medium sliced: Offers a subtle sweetness and aroma when sautéed.
• Garlic, 3 cloves minced: Infuses the dish with a fragrant punch of flavor.
• Ginger, 1 tablespoon grated: Adds sharpness and warmth, uplifting the entire dish.
• Oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon: Enhances depth and savory richness to the sauce.
• Rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon: Brings a subtle tang that balances sweetness perfectly.
• Sugar, 1 tablespoon: Offsets the acidity and savory notes with a touch of sweetness.
• Black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon: Gives the dish its namesake mild peppery kick.
• Water, 1/4 cup: Used to create the sauce base and help it coat the steak and vegetables.
• Sesame oil, 2 teaspoons (optional): Adds a toasty aroma and extra flavor depth if you like.

How to Make Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Start by tossing the thinly sliced flank steak with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and cornstarch. This simple step might seem small, but it’s game-changing for tenderizing the beef and setting up the perfect texture for stir-frying. Let it sit and soak up those flavors for 15 to 20 minutes while you prep your veggies.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

Heat your vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry quickly for 3 to 4 minutes. Watching the beef brown beautifully and sizzle is the kind of action that makes your mouth water. Once it’s just cooked through, remove it from the wok to keep for later—don’t overcook, as you want it tender.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Using the same hot wok keeps all those meaty flavors around. Toss in your red and green bell peppers, sliced onion, and minced garlic. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the veggies soften a bit but still hold a crisp bite. This balance delivers both flavor contrast and a pleasing texture that’s essential for a standout dish.

Step 4: Add the Ginger

Now, toss in the grated ginger and cook it just for 30 seconds. That little burst of ginger releases its aromatic oils that really brighten the entire dish—trust me, you’ll notice the difference.

Step 5: Whisk Together the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, black pepper, and water. Whisking this mixture ensures the flavors blend beautifully—creating the sweet, savory, and tangy magic that dresses the beef and veggies perfectly.

Step 6: Combine Beef and Sauce with Vegetables

Return the cooked beef to the wok and pour your sauce mixture over everything. Stir it all together thoroughly so every piece is generously coated. This step brings all the components into harmony with each other, building layers of flavor.

Step 7: Finish Cooking Until Sauce Thickens

Let the whole thing cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to the steak and vegetables with a luscious sheen that makes you want to dig in immediately.

Step 8: Add Sesame Oil (Optional)

If you’re a fan of that nutty, toasted aroma, now’s the time to drizzle in sesame oil. Just a teaspoon or two added right before serving takes this Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe over the top in flavor sophistication.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your vibrant Chinese Pepper Steak over a steaming bed of white rice or your preferred grain. The sauce beautifully soaks into the rice, making every bite incredibly satisfying.

How to Serve Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or a handful of toasted sesame seeds on top for an extra pop of color and texture. These little touches brighten the dish and add a subtle crunch that will impress anyone sharing your meal.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple steamed rice to balance the bold flavors. For a vegetable side, consider sautéed bok choy or steamed broccoli—both are light and complement the peppery richness beautifully without stealing the show.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to jazz it up, serve the stir-fry in lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld option that’s fun and interactive. Another idea is to pile it over fried rice or even tuck it into warm tortillas for a fusion twist that’s as delicious as it is unexpected.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers should be cooled quickly and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy that incredible flavor without cooking from scratch again.

Freezing

If you want to freeze your Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw it fully in the refrigerator before reheating to keep that tender texture intact.

Reheating

Best reheated over medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible to prevent the beef from becoming tough, and add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can use sirloin or skirt steak as good alternatives. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain to keep the beef tender.

Is this dish spicy?

This Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe isn’t inherently spicy since it mainly highlights black pepper’s mild heat, but you can add chili flakes or fresh chili peppers if you like a little kick.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Sure thing! Swap out the beef for firm tofu or seitan, and use vegetarian oyster sauce or mushrooms to maintain that savory depth of flavor. The technique and sauce still work great.

What can I substitute for oyster sauce?

If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a bit of mushroom broth for a similar umami boost.

How long does the marinade need to be?

Marinating the steak for 15 to 20 minutes is sufficient to tenderize and infuse flavor. If you’re short on time, even 10 minutes helps, but longer isn’t necessary for this recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a beloved tradition in the making—easy, vibrant, and bursting with balance between savory, sweet, and peppery notes. Whether you’re treating yourself after a busy day or cooking up a storm for friends, you can count on this recipe to deliver comfort and delight in every bite. Give it a whirl in your kitchen; I promise it’ll become a fast favorite.

Print