Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe You’ll Crave Every Time

If you’re craving something quick, hearty, and full of flavor, this Chinese Pepper Steak recipe is exactly what you need.

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I love making this dish when I want a restaurant-style dinner without leaving home.

It’s the perfect balance of tender beef, colorful bell peppers, and a rich, savory sauce that coats every bite.

This dish is great for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. I usually serve it over rice or noodles for a filling meal that’s satisfying every time.

Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick look at what makes this Chinese Pepper Steak recipe special.

Quick Info	Details
Cuisine	Chinese-American
Main Ingredient	Beef (flank or sirloin steak)
Calories (per serving)	~320 kcal
Protein	26g
Carbohydrates	12g
Fat	18g
Gluten-Free	Optional (use gluten-free soy sauce)
Vegan	No
Dairy-Free	Yes
Best Served With	Steamed rice or noodles

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

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• It’s packed with bold, savory flavors from soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.
• The beef turns out tender and juicy every time.
• You can cook it on the stove, in a crockpot, or even in an Instant Pot.
• It’s healthier than takeout and easy to customize.
• Perfect for meal prep—it tastes even better the next day.
• You only need simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
• It pairs well with rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Ingredients

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To make this Chinese Pepper Steak recipe, you only need a few simple ingredients that bring out the classic takeout flavor we all love. Each ingredient plays a special role in creating that perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet, and peppery taste.

Beef (1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced)
The star of this recipe! Flank or sirloin steak works best because it becomes tender and flavorful when cooked quickly over high heat. Make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for the best texture.

Bell Peppers (2 medium, any color, sliced)
Colorful bell peppers add crunch, sweetness, and a burst of color to the dish. You can use red, green, or yellow peppers—or a mix of all three.

Onion (1 medium, sliced)
Onions add mild sweetness and depth of flavor that balances the savory sauce perfectly.

Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
Garlic brings bold aroma and enhances the richness of the sauce. Fresh garlic is best, but you can use minced garlic from a jar in a pinch.

Soy Sauce (¼ cup)
This gives the dish its salty, umami-rich flavor. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you want to control the salt level.

Oyster Sauce (2 tablespoons)
Oyster sauce adds depth and a slightly sweet, caramelized flavor that makes this dish taste like authentic restaurant-style pepper steak.

Beef Broth (½ cup)
A flavorful base that keeps the sauce rich and savory. You can also use chicken or vegetable broth if preferred.

Cornstarch (2 tablespoons, mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
This thickens the sauce, making it glossy and smooth. Always mix it with water first to prevent lumps.

Brown Sugar (1 tablespoon)
A small amount of sugar balances out the savory and salty notes for a perfectly rounded flavor.

Black Pepper (1 teaspoon, freshly ground)
This is where the “pepper” in pepper steak shines. Use freshly ground pepper for the best flavor.

Sesame Oil (1 teaspoon)
Adds a subtle nutty aroma and finishes the dish with authentic Asian flair.

Cooking Oil (2 tablespoons)
Used for stir-frying the beef and vegetables. Any neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil works well.

Steps to Make Chinese Pepper Steak

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Making Chinese Pepper Steak is simple and fun. Follow these easy steps to get that tender beef and glossy, flavorful sauce every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by slicing your steak thinly against the grain. This helps the beef cook quickly and stay tender. Toss the slices in a little soy sauce and cornstarch, then set them aside while you prepare the vegetables.

Step 2: Stir-Fry the Beef

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef in batches so it cooks evenly without steaming. Sear each side for about 2 minutes until browned, then remove it from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in the onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. This keeps the veggies vibrant and full of flavor.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, and black pepper. Pour the sauce mixture into the pan and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once it starts bubbling, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked beef back into the pan and toss everything together until coated in sauce. Drizzle with sesame oil, give it a final stir, and cook for another minute. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles for a delicious homemade meal.

Serving Suggestions

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Chinese Pepper Steak tastes best when served fresh and hot, straight from the pan. The tender beef and vibrant peppers shine when paired with simple sides that soak up the flavorful sauce.

• Steamed White Rice: Classic and perfect for balancing the savory sauce.
• Fried Rice: Adds extra flavor and texture for a heartier meal.
• Noodles: Lo mein or rice noodles work great for a takeout-style dinner.
• Cauliflower Rice: A light, low-carb option that keeps things healthy.
• Stir-Fried Veggies: Add broccoli, snow peas, or mushrooms for extra crunch.
• Fresh Garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for a final touch.

No matter how you serve it, this dish brings comfort and bold flavors to every bite.

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Can We Make Chinese Pepper Steak in Advance?

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Yes, you can definitely make Chinese Pepper Steak ahead of time! It’s great for meal prep and stays flavorful even after reheating.

Cook the beef and sauce as directed but keep the vegetables slightly undercooked. This way, they stay crisp when reheated. Store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge.

When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and beef in a skillet over medium heat, then add the veggies. Stir until heated through.

You can also slice the beef and prep all ingredients the night before. This saves cooking time and makes it easy to whip up dinner in minutes.

Tips and Tricks

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Follow these tips to make your Chinese Pepper Steak extra flavorful and tender. Simple adjustments can make a big difference in taste and texture.

• Slice beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
• Marinate beef briefly in soy sauce and cornstarch to lock in flavor.
• Cook beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and steaming it.
• Keep vegetables slightly crisp by stir-frying over high heat for a short time.
• Use fresh garlic and black pepper for the best aroma and bold flavor.
• Adjust sauce sweetness or saltiness according to your taste.
• Add a splash of sesame oil at the end for authentic flavor.

Variations of Chinese Pepper Steak

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You can easily tweak this recipe to suit your preferences or try new flavor twists. Experimenting keeps this classic dish exciting.

• Swap beef with chicken, pork, or tofu for a different protein.
• Mix in other vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, or snap peas.
• Make it spicy by adding chili flakes or sliced fresh chili.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier version.
• Try hoisin sauce or a splash of rice vinegar for a unique flavor twist.
• Serve over quinoa or brown rice for a nutritious alternative.

Storage Instructions

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Chinese Pepper Steak stores well in the fridge for easy meals later. Proper storage helps maintain flavor and texture.

• Let the dish cool completely before storing.
• Use airtight containers to keep the beef and vegetables fresh.
• Store sauce and beef together for best flavor, or separately if preferred.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• You can also freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

Can We Reheat Chinese Pepper Steak

Reheating Chinese Pepper Steak is simple and keeps it tasty. Use gentle methods to avoid overcooking the beef.

• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
• Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to heat evenly.
• Avoid overcooking to keep the beef tender and vegetables crisp.
• Garnish with fresh green onions or sesame seeds after reheating for extra flavor.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef?
Yes, sirloin or ribeye works well, but slice thinly against the grain for tenderness.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce to keep it safe for gluten-free diets.

Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, but fresh bell peppers and onions give the best texture and flavor.

Can I make this in a crockpot or Instant Pot?
Yes, cook the beef and sauce on low in a crockpot for 4–5 hours, or use the sauté and pressure cook functions in an Instant Pot for 20–25 minutes.

Can I prep this ahead of time?
You can marinate the beef and chop vegetables in advance, then cook when ready for a quick meal.

Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it’s high in protein and can be made lower in carbs by serving with cauliflower rice.

Conclusion

Chinese Pepper Steak is a flavorful, quick, and versatile dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. It combines tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce that’s better than takeout.

With simple ingredients and easy steps, anyone can make this restaurant-style favorite at home. Whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or a low-carb alternative, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time.