Name: Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 pounds ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 medium white onion, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 red bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 green bell pepper, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 1/4 cup beef broth; 1/3 cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 teaspoon minced ginger; 1 teaspoon fish sauce; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; Sliced green onion; Sesame seeds

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 12 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant colors and bold flavors, this Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender, juicy chunks of ribeye steak perfectly seared and tossed with crisp onions and colorful bell peppers, all coated in a luscious, savory sauce with just the right hint of sweetness and spice. This dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a fun, quick, and satisfying way to bring authentic Asian-inspired flavors to your dinner table any night of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view of many small white bowls and one white plate all on a white marbled surface. The white plate holds raw red chunks of meat with a slightly marbled texture. Surrounding it are white bowls filled with chopped green bell peppers, chopped white onions, and chopped red bell peppers. Smaller white bowls contain dark brown sauce, golden oil, light brown sugar, white powder, black pepper, chopped yellow ginger, minced garlic, a thick dark sauce, sliced green onions, a reddish-brown sauce, and a light amber liquid. To the right is a glass measuring cup filled with a dark brown liquid. The scene is neat and organized, showing fresh and prepared ingredients for cooking photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients, each carefully chosen to contribute to the perfect taste, texture, and color harmony in the dish. From the tender steak to the fresh peppers, every component works together like a well-rehearsed orchestra.

2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the steak and sautéing the vegetables, imparting a subtle richness.
2 pounds ribeye steak: Cut into bite-sized cubes, ribeye offers a tender and flavorful base for the dish.
1 tablespoon soy sauce: Used to marinate the steak, enhancing its umami and depth.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps create a silky coating on the steak when mixed with soy sauce.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat and warmth.
1 medium white onion: Cut into bite-sized pieces, it adds sweetness and crunch.
1 red bell pepper: Its vibrant color and sweetness elevate the visual appeal and flavor.
1 green pepper: Provides slight bitterness and balance to the sweetness of the red pepper.
1 1/4 cup beef broth: The rich base for the sauce, adding depth.
1/3 cup soy sauce: A key ingredient in the sauce for saltiness and umami.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a perfect consistency.
2 tablespoons oyster sauce: Brings a wonderful savory complexity.
2 tablespoons brown sugar: Balances savory and spicy elements with sweetness.
2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Adds a touch of acidity for freshness.
1 tablespoon minced garlic: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
1 teaspoon minced ginger: Offers a bright, zesty kick.
1 teaspoon fish sauce: Adds depth and a subtle salty tang.
1 teaspoon black pepper: Sprinkled in the sauce for that signature peppery punch.
1 teaspoon sesame oil: Finished with this for a toasty, nutty aroma.
Sliced green onion: Used as a fresh garnish for color and crunch.
Sesame seeds: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor as a garnish.
Rice or noodles: To serve alongside, soaking up every bit of the delicious sauce.

How to Make Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe

Step 1: Marinate and Sear the Steak

Start by combining the ribeye cubes with soy sauce and cornstarch in a large bowl; this will gently coat the steak, helping it to stay tender and juicy once cooked. Sprinkle in black pepper for a subtle heat. Heat olive oil in a wide sauté pan over medium-high heat, then add the steak cubes, cooking them for about 4 to 5 minutes, turning often to ensure all sides develop that irresistible caramelized crust. Once browned, remove the meat carefully and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Peppers

In the same pan, toss in your onion and brightly colored bell peppers. The onions soften and sweeten while the peppers retain just enough crunch, which is essential to contrast the tender steak. Sauté for around 4 minutes to develop those flavors and build the base of the dish.

Step 3: Prepare and Simmer the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, oyster sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, minced garlic and ginger, fish sauce, black pepper, and sesame oil. Pour this fragrant mixture over your softened vegetables and let it simmer gently. In 3 to 4 minutes, the sauce will thicken and coat the veggies beautifully.

Step 4: Reintroduce Steak and Finish Cooking

Return the seared steak pieces to the pan, letting them mingle with the sauce and vegetables as everything simmers for another 3 to 4 minutes. This step melds all those flavors, giving you tender steak bites glazed in a rich, peppery sauce that will have you sighing in bliss.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

All that’s left is plating your masterpiece. Serve hot over fluffy steamed rice or your favorite noodles. Sprinkle sliced green onions and sesame seeds on top for a fresh burst of color and a hint of nuttiness. Your Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe is now ready to wow your taste buds!

How to Serve Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe

A top view of a white skillet filled with dark brown stew sauce that holds many beef chunks in the center, with small pieces of red and green bell peppers mixed in the sauce around the beef. A wooden spoon rests on the right side inside the skillet, partially covered by the sauce. Above the skillet is a white bowl filled with light brown cooked rice and topped with a small green leaf. To the right of the bowl, there are two stacked light-colored plates with three metal forks placed on top. Below the skillet, there are two small white bowls, one filled with white sesame seeds and the other with chopped green onions. All items are set on a white marbled texture surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of the final touch. Freshly sliced green onions offer a mild sharpness and crisp bite, while toasted sesame seeds provide a light crunch and deepen the nuttiness of the dish. Both are simple additions that elevate the experience and make the presentation pop with contrast and color.

Side Dishes

While the Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe is delightful on its own, pairing it with perfectly steamed jasmine rice or egg noodles helps soak up the luscious sauce. For a lighter balance, serve it alongside sautéed greens like bok choy or Chinese broccoli. These vegetable sides provide a refreshing, healthy counterpoint to the savory richness of the steak.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Try serving the pepper steak in individual bowls with a sprinkle of crushed roasted peanuts for extra texture. Wrapping the steak and peppers in warm lettuce cups is another fun way to enjoy this dish, adding freshness and making it perfect for sharing. A side of pickled vegetables also complements the bold flavors beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled to room temperature, store your Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even more satisfying.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well if you want to stash some away for busier days. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible. Frozen Chinese Pepper Steak will keep for up to 2 months. Just be mindful to thaw it properly before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the steak and sauce in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain the best texture, especially for the peppers and steak.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While ribeye is ideal for its tenderness and flavor, you can use sirloin or flank steak as well. Just slice the meat thinly or into bite-sized pieces and be mindful of cooking times to avoid toughness.

Is this recipe spicy?

The pepper steak has a mild to moderate heat thanks to the black pepper, but it’s not overly spicy. You can easily adjust by adding chili flakes or fresh chili if you prefer a little more kick.

Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, and check that the oyster sauce is gluten-free as well. This way, you can enjoy the full flavors without worry.

What’s the best way to slice the steak?

Cutting the steak against the grain into bite-sized cubes or thin strips ensures tenderness. Cutting with the grain can result in chewier pieces, so take an extra moment to slice properly.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

You can chop and prep all your vegetables and even marinate the steak a few hours ahead to save time. Just cook it fresh before serving for the best taste and texture experience.

Final Thoughts

This Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe is a triumphant combination of simple ingredients, quick cooking, and mouthwatering results. It’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again, impressing friends and family with its vibrant colors and delightful balance of flavors. So go ahead, dive into the experience, and let this recipe become a beloved staple in your kitchen!