A savory stir-fry featuring tender beef slices, crisp bell peppers, and a flavorful garlic-soy sauce, this Chinese Pepper Steak is a quick and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a delicious homemade takeout dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it great for weeknight dinners.
- Savory & flavorful – A perfect balance of garlic, soy sauce, and oyster sauce enhances every bite.
- Tender & juicy beef – The cornstarch marinade helps keep the beef extra tender.
- Customizable – Swap in your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to taste.
- Great for meal prep – Makes delicious leftovers that reheat well.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Beef & Marinade:
- Beef (flank steak or sirloin) – Thinly sliced for tenderness.
- Soy sauce – Adds deep, savory flavor.
- Cornstarch – Helps tenderize the beef.
For the Stir-Fry:
- Red bell pepper & green bell pepper – For a crisp, colorful contrast.
- Onion – Sliced for sweetness and depth.
- Garlic & fresh ginger – Essential aromatics for bold flavor.
- Vegetable oil – For high-heat stir-frying.
For the Sauce:
- Soy sauce & oyster sauce – The base of the rich, umami-packed sauce.
- Water – Helps balance the sauce consistency.
- Sugar – Adds a slight sweetness.
- Sesame oil – Gives a nutty, aromatic finish.
- Black pepper – For a hint of spice.
Directions
1. Marinate the Beef:
- In a bowl, toss sliced beef with soy sauce and cornstarch.
- Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes while preparing the other ingredients.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Stir-fry bell peppers and onions for 3-4 minutes, until slightly softened but still crisp.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Cook the Beef:
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the pan.
- Stir-fry the marinated beef for 2-3 minutes until browned.
- Add garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Combine & Serve:
- Return the vegetables to the pan with the beef.
- Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, water, sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper.
- Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, coating everything in the sauce.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy version – Add red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers for extra heat.
- Vegetable boost – Add broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini for more variety.
- Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce.
- Extra saucy – Double the sauce ingredients if you prefer a more saucy dish.
- Alternative protein – Swap beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Sirloin, ribeye, or skirt steak work well for this recipe.
How do I make the beef extra tender?
Marinate the beef with cornstarch and soy sauce for at least 10 minutes, or add a splash of baking soda for extra tenderness.
Can I use pre-sliced stir-fry beef?
Yes, but make sure to slice it against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Can I substitute oyster sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, try using hoisin sauce or extra soy sauce.
Can I make this dish low-carb?
Yes! Serve over cauliflower rice or enjoy it on its own without rice.
What should I serve with this dish?
Pair it with steamed white rice, fried rice, or lo mein noodles for a complete meal.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! It reheats well, making it great for meal prep.
What oil should I use for stir-frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are great for high-heat cooking.
How do I prevent the sauce from being too salty?
Use low-sodium soy sauce or adjust the amount to taste.
Can I add a thickener to the sauce?
Yes! If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it in at the end.
Conclusion
This Easy Chinese Pepper Steak is a savory, quick, and flavorful stir-fry that’s perfect for any night of the week. With tender beef, crisp bell peppers, and a rich garlic-soy sauce, it’s a homemade takeout favorite that’s better than the restaurant version. Try it today for a meal the whole family will love!
Print
Easy Chinese Pepper Steak
Easy Chinese Pepper Steak is a flavorful stir-fry featuring tender beef, crisp bell peppers, and a savory garlic-soy sauce. This quick 30-minute recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying homemade takeout meal!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Beef & Marinade:
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
-
Marinate the Beef:
- In a bowl, mix sliced beef with soy sauce and cornstarch.
- Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes while preparing the vegetables.
-
Cook the Vegetables:
- Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Stir-fry bell peppers and onions for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Remove from the pan and set aside.
-
Cook the Beef:
- Add the remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the pan.
- Stir-fry marinated beef for 2-3 minutes until browned.
- Add garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
-
Combine & Serve:
- Return the vegetables to the pan with the beef.
- Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, water, sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper.
- Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, coating everything in the sauce.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce.
- For a vegetable boost, add broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- For extra sauce, double the sauce ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Stir-Fry, Asian-Inspired
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Gluten Free
