Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
This Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe is a delightful way to bring the flavors of takeout right into your home. With tender strips of beef and vibrant bell peppers stir-fried in a savory sauce, it’s not just quick to prepare—ready in under 30 minutes—but also perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a fantastic choice for busy evenings.
- Flavorful: The combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and fresh vegetables creates a rich and vibrant flavor profile that stands out.
- Versatile: Serve it over rice or noodles, or enjoy it as is. This dish adapts easily to your preferences.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the tender beef and colorful peppers, making it a hit for family dinners.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and vegetables, this dish offers a balanced meal without sacrificing taste.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into cooking, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make cooking enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet or wok: Provides ample space for stir-frying, ensuring even cooking of ingredients.
- Mixing bowls: Perfect for marinating the beef and combining sauces without spilling.
- Whisk: Helps blend sauces smoothly for consistent flavor throughout the dish.
Ingredients
For the Beef
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
For the Marinade
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
For the Sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- ½ cup water or beef broth
For Stir-Frying
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger (optional)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Toss to coat evenly. Allow the mixture to marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and water or beef broth until smooth. Set aside for later use.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer. Cook until browned on both sides, approximately 2–3 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 4: Stir-Fry Vegetables
Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Stir-fry the sliced bell peppers and onion for about 3–4 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Incorporate minced garlic and ginger; cook an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked beef to the skillet with vegetables. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir everything together until coated evenly. Cook for another 2–3 minutes as the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning if necessary by adding black pepper.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish with chopped green onions before serving hot over steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy your homemade Easy Chinese Pepper Steak!
How to Serve Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
Serving your Easy Chinese Pepper Steak can elevate the dining experience and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some creative ways to present this delicious dish.
Over Steamed Rice
- Steamed white rice is a classic pairing that soaks up the flavorful sauce, making each bite delightful.
With Noodles
- Serve your pepper steak over chow mein or rice noodles for a heartier meal that adds texture.
In Lettuce Wraps
- For a fresh twist, spoon the beef and vegetable mixture into crisp lettuce leaves for a fun finger food option.
As a Stir-Fry Bowl
- Create a colorful stir-fry bowl by layering cooked quinoa or brown rice with your pepper steak and assorted veggies.
With Salad
- A light side salad can complement the richness of the beef while adding freshness. Consider a simple cucumber salad or Asian slaw.

How to Perfect Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
To achieve the best results with your Easy Chinese Pepper Steak, consider these helpful tips.
- Use high-quality beef – Choosing tender cuts like sirloin or flank steak ensures a juicy texture that enhances your dish.
- Marinate properly – Allowing the beef to marinate for at least 15 minutes helps infuse flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Cook on high heat – Stir-frying at a high temperature seals in juices and gives the beef a nice sear, adding depth of flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – Cooking in batches prevents steaming and allows for even browning of the meat.
- Adjust sauce thickness – If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more water or broth gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
- Experiment with vegetables – Feel free to add other veggies like snap peas or carrots for added color and nutrition.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Easy Chinese Pepper Steak can enhance your meal. Here’s a list of great options to consider:
- Fried Rice – A savory fried rice mixed with vegetables adds texture and complements the pepper steak perfectly.
- Egg Rolls – Crispy egg rolls filled with veggies are an excellent crunchy contrast to the tender beef.
- Garlic Green Beans – Quickly sautéed green beans with garlic offer a fresh side that balances flavors nicely.
- Creamy Coleslaw – The coolness of coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch against the warm pepper steak.
- Spring Rolls – These light rolls filled with fresh veggies work as an appetizer or side dish that enhances any Asian meal.
- Steamed Broccoli – The slight bitterness of steamed broccoli pairs well with the savory flavors of your dish, adding nutrients too.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your Easy Chinese Pepper Steak, it’s crucial to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
- Skipping the marinade: Marinating the beef is essential for flavor and tenderness. Always allow at least 15 minutes for marination.
- Overcrowding the pan: Cooking too much beef at once can lead to steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches for a nice brown color.
- Neglecting to prep ingredients ahead: Having all ingredients ready before cooking makes the process smoother. Chop your vegetables and measure sauces in advance.
- Using low-quality beef: The quality of beef affects the final dish. Choose tender cuts like sirloin or flank steak for best results.
- Ignoring cooking times: Cooking the beef too long can make it tough. Aim for 2-3 minutes per side for perfect doneness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- The Easy Chinese Pepper Steak will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
- Place cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- It can be frozen for up to 2 months; label with the date.
Reheating Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: In a skillet, add a splash of water or broth and stir over medium heat until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making this Easy Chinese Pepper Steak.
How do I make an Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe?
To make this dish, marinate sliced beef, stir-fry it with bell peppers and onions, then add a savory sauce.
Can I customize my Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for extra nutrition and flavor.
What can I serve with my Easy Chinese Pepper Steak?
This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or noodles, providing a complete meal experience.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The total time for this Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe is just 30 minutes, making it a quick dinner option.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chinese Pepper Steak is not only quick to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various vegetables or adjust spices to suit your taste preferences. Give this delightful dish a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!

Easy Chinese Pepper Steak
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of takeout with this Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe, perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Tender strips of beef are marinated and stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and onions in a savory sauce, ready in just 30 minutes. This dish is not only quick and simple but also adaptable, allowing you to serve it over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps for a fresh twist.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak (thinly sliced)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (for marinade)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for marinade)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (for marinade)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (for marinade)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (for sauce)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (for sauce)
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (for sauce)
- 2 tsp sugar (for sauce)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for sauce)
- ½ cup water or beef broth (for sauce)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 green bell pepper (sliced)
- 1 yellow onion (sliced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp grated ginger (optional)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 green onions (chopped for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the beef: Combine sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Prepare the sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and water until smooth.
- Cook the beef: In a skillet over high heat, add oil and cook marinated beef until browned on both sides. Remove from the skillet.
- Stir-fry vegetables: Add remaining oil to the skillet; stir-fry bell peppers and onion until tender-crisp. Add garlic and ginger; cook briefly.
- Combine everything: Return beef to the skillet, pour in the prepared sauce, and cook until everything is coated and heated through.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg