Name: Chinese Pepper Steak
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-484748H35M38S
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium white onion, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 1/2 cup beef broth; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp minced ginger; 1 tsp fish sauce; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp sesame oil; 2 green onions, sliced; 1 tbsp sesame seeds; Steamed white rice or lo mein noodles

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & easy: A full-flavored stir-fry ready in under 30 minutes.
Restaurant quality at home: Skip the takeout and make it yourself.
Loaded with veggies: Bell peppers and onions bring color and crunch.
Customizable heat: Add chili flakes or keep it mild to your taste.
Flexible protein: Swap steak for chicken or tofu.
Better-than-takeout flavor: Umami-packed sauce with oyster and soy sauce.
One-pan meal: Easy to cook and clean up.
Family friendly: Great for all ages and dietary preferences.
Versatile: Serve over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice.
Great for leftovers: Tastes just as good reheated.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Olive oil
Ribeye steak, cut into bite-sized cubes
Soy sauce
Cornstarch
Black pepper
White onion, chopped
Red bell pepper, chopped
Green bell pepper, chopped

Sauce:

Beef broth
Soy sauce
Cornstarch
Oyster sauce
Brown sugar
Rice vinegar
Minced garlic
Minced ginger
Fish sauce
Black pepper
Sesame oil

Garnish & Serving:

Sliced green onion
Sesame seeds
Steamed white rice or lo mein noodles

directions

Prep the meat: In a bowl, toss ribeye steak with soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper.
Sear the steak: Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan. Add steak cubes and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Cook the veggies: Add chopped onion and bell peppers to the pan and cook for 4 minutes until slightly tender.
Make the sauce: Whisk all sauce ingredients together in a bowl.
Combine: Pour sauce into the pan with the veggies. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Finish: Return steak to the pan and cook for another 3–4 minutes until fully coated and heated through.
Serve: Top with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice or noodles.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian: Use tofu instead of steak and vegetable broth.
Spicy twist: Add chili flakes, sriracha, or chili garlic sauce for heat.
Add more veggies: Mushrooms, snow peas, or baby corn work well.
Swap proteins: Try it with chicken, shrimp, or pork for a new flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Avoid overcooking to keep steak tender.

FAQs

What type of steak is best for pepper steak?

Ribeye is ideal for tenderness and flavor, but sirloin or flank steak can also work.

Can I use frozen bell peppers?

Yes, but fresh peppers give a better texture and brighter color.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, it reheats well and can be stored for several days.

What’s a good rice to pair with this?

Long grain white rice, jasmine, or even fried rice are great options.

Does it taste fishy with fish sauce?

No, fish sauce adds umami depth without a strong fishy taste.

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, flank steak or sirloin are good alternatives—just slice thinly.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Add a little extra cornstarch mixed with cold water if needed.

Can I freeze Chinese Pepper Steak?

Yes, but the vegetables may become softer after thawing. Best enjoyed fresh.

What can I use instead of oyster sauce?

Hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little sugar can substitute.

Conclusion

Chinese Pepper Steak is a deliciously savory stir-fry that’s easy to prepare and loaded with bold flavor. With juicy steak, crisp peppers, and a sauce that’s the perfect mix of salty, sweet, and tangy, this dish will quickly become a dinner favorite. Whether served over rice or noodles, it’s a satisfying meal that delivers takeout-quality taste straight from your kitchen.