Pepper Steak with Onions

Bold flavors. Tender beef. A glossy, savory sauce that clings to every bite. Pepper Steak with Onions is a dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes.

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Thinly sliced beef sears in a hot pan, locking in its juices while bell peppers and onions add crunch and sweetness. A rich, umami-packed sauce ties it all together, co/inating the beef and vegetables with a perfect balance of soy, garlic, and ginger.

This dish is quick, easy, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you serve it over rice or tucked into a wrap, it’s a meal that works any night of the week.

What You’ll Need to Make the Best Pepper Steak

Quality ingredients make all the difference. This dish relies on bold flavors, so it’s important to choose the right cuts and seasonings.

• Beef – Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye work best. The key is slicing it thin so it cooks fast and stays tender. Cutting against the grain ensures the steak remains juicy and easy to chew.
• Bell Peppers & Onions – A mix of red and green bell peppers adds sweetness and color. Onions bring a hint of sharpness and depth. Together, they balance the richness of the beef with a slight crunch.
• Soy Sauce & Oyster Sauce – These two combine to create the rich, savory base of the sauce. Soy sauce brings saltiness, while oyster sauce deepens the flavor with a subtle sweetness.
• Cornstarch Slurry – Helps thicken the sauce so it clings beautifully to every bite. This simple addition gives the dish its signature glossy, restaurant-style finish.

How to Make Pepper Steak with Onions

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This recipe is all about technique. Cooking at high heat ensures the beef gets a flavorful sear without overcooking.

1. Slice and Marinate the Beef – Cut against the grain into thin strips. Toss with a little soy sauce, cornstarch, and a touch of oil. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes. Marinating the beef helps tenderize it while adding depth to the flavor.
2. Sear the Steak – Heat a skillet or wok over high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned. Remove and set aside. Cooking in batches prevents overcrowding, ensuring each piece develops a golden crust.
3. Cook the Peppers & Onions – In the same pan, stir-fry the bell peppers and onions until slightly tender but still crisp. This step enhances their natural sweetness while maintaining their bite.
4. Make the Sauce – Combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch slurry. Pour into the pan. The sauce should thicken quickly, coating the vegetables and meat in a rich glaze.
5. Combine & Finish – Return the beef to the pan. Toss everything together until coated in the glossy sauce. Serve immediately. A final toss ensures every bite is packed with flavor.

Easy Ways to Switch It Up

Pepper steak is already a well-balanced dish, but small adjustments can make it even more exciting.

• Make It Spicy – Add sliced chili peppers or a dash of red pepper flakes. This simple tweak turns it into a bold, heat-packed stir-fry.
• Go Low-Carb – Swap out rice for cauliflower rice or serve it over sautéed greens. The rich flavors of the sauce will still shine through.
• Use Chicken Instead – Swap the beef for thinly sliced chicken breast for a lighter take. The marinade and cooking process stay the same.
• Extra Umami – A splash of hoisin or a teaspoon of black bean sauce deepens the flavor. This small addition enhances the richness of the dish.

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Why This Recipe Works Every Time

Some stir-fries turn out bland or watery. This one doesn’t. Here’s why:

• Fast & Easy – From prep to plate in about 30 minutes. A quick meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
• Rich, Savory Sauce – A balanced blend of soy, garlic, and oyster sauce ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Nothing overpowering, just a perfect harmony of salty, sweet, and umami.
• Tender Beef – Quick searing keeps the steak juicy and flavorful. The cornstarch marinade locks in moisture while helping the sauce cling to the meat.

What to Serve with Pepper Steak

This dish pairs well with simple, flavorful sides that soak up the sauce.

• Steamed White Rice – The perfect base to absorb all that delicious sauce. A classic choice that never fails.
• Garlic Noodles – Toss cooked noodles with butter, garlic, and soy for a simple side. The subtle flavors enhance the richness of the beef.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables – Bok choy, snap peas, or broccoli add freshness and crunch. A great way to add color and texture to your plate.
• Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls – A crispy side to complement the tender beef. Serve with a dipping sauce for an added flavor boost.

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Pepper Steak with Onions

Pepper Steak with Onions is a quick and flavorful stir-fry featuring tender beef, bell peppers, and onions in a savory sauce. Perfect for a weeknight meal, this dish is easy to make and packed with umami-rich flavors.

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Chinese-American

Servings 4 serving

Equipment

• Wok or Large Skillet For stir-frying the beef and vegetables
• Mixing Bowls For marinating the beef and preparing the sauce

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 pound flank steak sliced thinly against the grain
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce for marinating
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch for marinating
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for cooking

Instructions

 

• Mix soy sauce, cornstarch, and sliced steak in a bowl. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
• Heat oil in a skillet over high heat. Sear the steak in batches until browned, then remove from the pan.

Notes

• For extra heat, add chili flakes or fresh sliced chilies.
• Best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well.

Keyword beef stir-fry, pepper steak, quick stir fry

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Carrie Boyd

Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.

As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.

A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!