If you’re craving a savory, satisfying meal that’s easy to whip up on a weeknight, look no further than Chinese Pepper Steak. This classic takeout-style dish features tender strips of beef, crisp bell peppers, and a rich, garlicky sauce that’s packed with umami flavor. Best of all, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families or anyone looking for a simple yet delicious dinner.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the best homemade Chinese Pepper Steak — from choosing the right cut of beef to creating that signature glossy sauce. Let’s get cooking!
What Is Chinese Pepper Steak?
Chinese Pepper Steak is a popular stir-fry dish found on many Chinese-American restaurant menus. It typically consists of thinly sliced beef, usually flank steak or sirloin, stir-fried with bell peppers, onions, and garlic in a savory soy-based sauce. The result is a colorful, flavorful dish that’s often served over steamed rice or noodles.
While its roots lie in Chinese cooking techniques, Chinese Pepper Steak as we know it today is a fusion recipe, tailored to suit Western palates with bold flavors and hearty ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in 30 minutes or less.
- Great for weeknights: Uses simple pantry ingredients.
- Better than takeout: Fresher, healthier, and more flavorful.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the veggies or spice level to your liking.
Ingredients for Chinese Pepper Steak
Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious batch of homemade Chinese Pepper Steak:
For the beef:
- 1 lb flank steak (or sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (for marinating)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
For the stir-fry:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated (optional but recommended)
For the sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance flavors)
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Beef
Start by marinating the sliced beef with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes while you prep your other ingredients. This step helps tenderize the meat and gives it that silky texture typical of stir-fry dishes.
Tip: Slicing the beef against the grain ensures each bite is tender and easy to chew.
2. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, beef broth, sugar, cornstarch, and black pepper. This flavorful sauce is the heart of the dish, balancing savory, sweet, and slightly spicy notes.
Want more heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
3. Sear the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for about 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Remove the beef and set it aside — don’t overcook it, as it will finish cooking when added back later.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until they’re slightly tender but still crisp. Add the minced garlic (and ginger if using) and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Combine Everything
Return the seared beef to the skillet with the veggies. Pour in the sauce and stir well. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and everything is evenly coated.
Tip: Don’t overcook — you want those bell peppers to keep their crunch!
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Chinese Pepper Steak hot over steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or noodles. Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds for an extra pop of flavor and texture.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about Chinese Pepper Steak is how adaptable it is. Here are some ideas:
- Use chicken or tofu instead of beef for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Add mushrooms for an earthy, umami twist.
- Throw in broccoli or snap peas for extra greens.
- Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Freezing: You can freeze Chinese Pepper Steak, but the veggies may lose some of their crispness. For best results, freeze the cooked beef and sauce separately from the veggies.
Meal prep tip: Marinate the beef and prep the sauce ahead of time. When you’re ready to eat, just stir-fry and serve!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin are all great choices. Just be sure to slice it thinly against the grain.
What if I don’t have hoisin or oyster sauce?
While they add great depth, you can substitute with more soy sauce and a touch of brown sugar in a pinch.
Is Chinese Pepper Steak spicy?
Not typically, but you can add heat with red pepper flakes, chili paste, or hot sauce if you prefer a spicier dish.
Can I make this dish low-carb?
Absolutely! Serve it over cauliflower rice or simply enjoy it as-is without rice for a keto-friendly meal.
Final Thoughts
Chinese Pepper Steak is one of those dishes that’s incredibly easy to make but tastes like something special. With tender beef, crisp veggies, and a rich, glossy sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort food — and you don’t even have to leave the house to enjoy it.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or whipping up dinner in a flash, this Chinese Pepper Steak recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Once you try it, you’ll never need to order takeout again.
Craving More Takeout-Inspired Recipes?
Check out these delicious dishes next:
- Easy Mongolian Beef
- Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Sweet and Sour Chicken
- Garlic Ginger Noodles