Chinese Pepper Steak: A Savory, Flavor-Packed Stir-Fry – If you’re craving a bold, savory dish that combines tender steak, vibrant vegetables, and an irresistible sauce, look no further than this Chinese Pepper Steak. This dish is packed with flavor, and the best part? It comes together in a flash, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner that is better than any take out!

Front view of Chinese Pepper Steak in a baking dish.

Chinese Pepper Steak is a classic dish that has been around for centuries. It’s a delectable combination of peppers, onions, garlic, and steak that makes your stomach super happy! Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or something to wow the family at a dinner party, Chinese Pepper Steak is a must-try recipe.

Overhead view of Chinese Pepper Steak in a baking dish.

Why You’ll Love Chinese Pepper Steak

Something different: This Chinese Pepper Steak is something you don’t necessarily make often, but it’s so good.
Perfectly peppery: What most people don’t realize about this steak is that it has the perfect amount of seasoning.
Plenty of veggies: If you’re looking to add more veggies to the mix, this recipe is ideal!

Up close view of Chinese Pepper Steak in a baking dish.

Ingredients Needed Pepper Steak Recipe

Ribeye Steak – Ribeye steak is a juicy, marbled cut of beef popular in Chinese-American cuisine. It can be substituted with any other cut of steak you prefer.
Onion – Use white or yellow onions for the pepper steak recipe. Yellow onions are slightly sweeter than white onions.
Red Bell Pepper – Red bell peppers add bright color and sweetness to the dish. You can use either all red or all green if you prefer.
Green Pepper – Green peppers are mildly flavored and have a crisp texture when cooked. They can vary in heat levels depending on their ripeness, so taste before adding too much.
Olive Oil – Olive oil is used to cook the vegetables and steak before adding the rest of the ingredients to make the sauce.
Beef Broth – The beef broth adds flavor to the pepper steak dish and helps to thicken the sauce when mixed with cornstarch.
Soy Sauce – Soy sauce gives pepper steak an umami hit and adds a salty flavor and dark coloring.
Cornstarch – Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce and binds together all of the flavors while cooking. It should be whisked into cold water before adding it to the hot mixture in order for it to work correctly.
Oyster Sauce – Oyster sauce adds sweet and savory flavor to Chinese dishes, like our pepper steak recipe.
Brown Sugar – Brown sugar adds a deep molasses flavor and natural sweetness to balance out this dish’s flavors without being too overpowering.

Overhead view of the ingredients needed to complete this recipe.

Rice Vinegar – Rice vinegar adds tartness and acidity, making flavors pop! If you don’t have rice vinegar on hand, apple cider vinegar will work too!
Garlic & Ginger – Garlic and ginger are both classic aromatics used in many Asian dishes like pepper steak.
Fish Sauce – The fish sauce is an essential condiment in Southeast Asian cuisine. It has a pungent smell, but its taste mellows when cooked with other ingredients like oyster sauce or sesame oil!
Pepper – Either freshly ground black pepper or red pepper flakes can be used for spice. Adjust according to your preferred level of spiciness!
Sesame Oil – Sesame oil is naturally nutty and fragrant; it provides intense flavor without overpowering other ingredients like garlic or onion!
Green Onion – Green onion adds crunchiness and depth of flavor; use freshly chopped green onion as a garnish after plating up your pepper steak dish.
Sesame Seeds – Both black or white sesame seeds provide a nutty aroma that compliments most Chinese-American dishes, such as our delicious pepper steak.
Rice or Noodles – Serve your succulent pepper steak over either steamed long grain white rice or lo mein noodles for extra deliciousness!

Close up view of Chinese Pepper Steak in a baking dish.

The star of this recipe is the ribeye steak, which is cut into bite-sized cubes and seared to perfection in olive oil. It’s tender, juicy, and full of savory goodness. But what really sets this dish apart is the amazing sauce. A blend of beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and a few other ingredients come together to create a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and slightly tangy flavors. The addition of sesame oil and fish sauce gives the sauce that signature taste that makes every bite absolutely irresistible.

How to Store Steak & Peppers Recipe

You can store any leftover Chinese pepper steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply transfer the desired portion onto a microwave-safe plate and heat it in 30-second intervals until the desired temperature is reached. You can also reheat it in a pot or skillet over medium heat until hot.

Common Questions for Beef and Peppers

What type of meat should I use?

For the best texture, use ribeye. If you use sirloin or other cuts, it will be a bit tougher.

Does this fish sauce make the dish taste fishy?

Fish sauce doesn’t make the dish taste fishy, it just gives it that delicious umami flavor.

What cut of meat is used for pepper steak?

The most common cut of beef used for making pepper steak is ribeye steak. This cut is juicy and marbled, making it a great choice for the dish. Other cuts can be substituted if desired, such as flank steak or sirloin steak.

Why is my pepper steak tough?

The main reason your pepper steak may be tough is that the beef was overcooked. Make sure to cook it for no more than a few minutes on each side, and keep an eye on the temperature, so it does not get too hot. You can also try marinating the beef beforehand in order to make it more tender.

This Chinese Pepper Steak is also loaded with colorful veggies. Sweet red and green bell peppers, along with tender white onions, add crunch, freshness, and a pop of color to the dish. These vegetables perfectly complement the richness of the steak and the depth of the sauce, creating a tasty and satisfying meal.

Close up view of chopsticks holding a piece of Chinese Pepper Steak.

What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can serve it over a bed of steamed rice to soak up all that flavorful sauce, or even noodles for a little extra heartiness. It’s the kind of meal that’s just as great for a casual family dinner as it is for a dinner party with friends.

Front view of Chinese Pepper Steak on a dish served over rice.

The balance of flavors — from the tender steak and crisp veggies to the rich, savory sauce — makes this Chinese Pepper Steak a true winner. And with just a few simple ingredients and steps, you’ll have a delicious, restaurant-quality meal that’s ready in no time.

Overhead view of Chinese Pepper Steak on a dish served over rice.

Too Spicy? You can easily adjust the heat level by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a bit of chili sauce if you like some spice. Plus, if you’re not a fan of certain vegetables, feel free to swap them out with others — snap peas, mushrooms, or even baby corn would make great additions. The flexibility of this dish makes it an ideal recipe to suit your tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or impressing guests with a flavorful stir-fry, this dish is bound to be a hit every time. It’s the perfect balance of rich, savory, and slightly sweet, with just the right amount of crunch from the peppers and onions, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser.

So, if you’re looking to spice up your dinner routine with something tasty and satisfying, this Chinese Pepper Steak is the perfect dish to try. Get ready to dig in and enjoy every bite!

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