Quick Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe in 45 Minutes

When it comes to quick and flavorful weeknight dinners, the Chinese pepper steak recipe is a winner. This classic stir-fry combines tender beef, colorful bell peppers, and savory seasonings, all simmered in a rich, flavorful sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for anyone looking for a hearty meal that doesn’t take hours to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for your family or impressing guests, this pepper steak is sure to please.

With its balance of savory, slightly sweet, and peppery flavors, Chinese pepper steak is a dish that can be enjoyed by anyone. Paired with steamed white rice, it becomes the ultimate comfort food. Plus, it’s a great way to use everyday ingredients and turn them into something special.

Why You’ll Love This Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: In just 30 minutes, you can have a delicious, restaurant-quality meal on your table. The recipe is simple, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

2. Tender, Flavorful Beef: Thanks to the velveting technique, this recipe guarantees tender and juicy beef without the toughness that sometimes comes with stir-fries.

3. Versatile: You can easily adjust the recipe based on your preferences. Add more vegetables, use a different cut of beef, or tweak the seasoning to suit your tastes.

4. Healthy Option: This stir-fry packs a good amount of protein from the beef and is loaded with vegetables, making it a balanced meal. Plus, it’s lower in calories than takeout versions!

Ingredients for Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe

This recipe relies on simple ingredients that you can easily find in most grocery stores. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:

• Beef: Flank steak is the best choice for this dish due to its tenderness and flavor. Make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain to keep it tender. You can also use London broil or chuck roast if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option.
• Bell Peppers: Red, green, or yellow bell peppers add color, crunch, and sweetness to the dish. Feel free to mix and match different colors for visual appeal.
• Onions: Yellow or white onions work well in this stir fry, adding a savory and slightly sweet flavor.
• Soy Sauce: The foundation of the sauce, soy sauce adds the necessary saltiness and depth of flavor.
• Oyster Sauce: Adds a touch of sweetness and umami richness to the sauce, making it more complex.
• Sesame Oil: Provides a nutty, toasty flavor that enhances the stir fry’s overall taste.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for adding fragrance and savory flavor to the dish.
• Ginger (optional): For a slight zing, fresh ginger is an excellent addition, complementing the other flavors.
• Sugar: Just a bit of sugar helps balance out the saltiness of the soy sauce and oyster sauce, giving the dish a pleasant sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce and give it that glossy, smooth texture.

Preparing the Beef for Stir-Fry

One of the secrets to making tender, juicy beef in a stir fry is the velveting technique. This method involves marinating the beef in a cornstarch mixture, which helps lock in moisture while cooking. The cornstarch also ensures the beef becomes crispy and tender when stir-fried at high heat.

How to Velvet the Beef:

1. Slice the Beef: Start by slicing your flank steak into thin strips. For easier slicing, place the beef in the freezer for 20–30 minutes until firm but not frozen solid. This will make it easier to cut thin, even slices.

2. Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, mix the sliced beef with water, cornstarch, neutral oil, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, and baking soda. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or longer for tougher cuts like London broil or chuck roast).

By allowing the beef to marinate in this mixture, you ensure that it retains its juice while cooking, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth texture you crave.

Preparing the Vegetables

While your beef is marinating, you can prepare the vegetables:

1. Slice the Bell Peppers and Onions: Cut the bell peppers and onion into even, bite-sized pieces. For uniform cooking, make sure all the pieces are roughly the same size. You can also slice the peppers into thin strips if you prefer.

2. Prepare the Garlic and Ginger: Mince the garlic and grate the ginger (if using). These two aromatics will infuse your stir-fry with that signature Chinese flavor.

Cooking the Chinese Pepper Steak

Now that your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to bring everything together in the kitchen!

1. Pre-cook the beef: Heat the wok or a large skillet over high heat until it’s smoking. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and quickly sear the beef for about 30 seconds per side. The goal is to sear the beef, not fully cook it. It should still be about 80% done. Once seared, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

2. Cook the Vegetables: In the same wok, add the remaining oil and sauté the ginger, garlic, bell peppers, and onions for about 1-2 minutes. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender-crisp but still vibrant in color.

3. Add the Beef Back: Return the beef to the wok along with any juices. Stir everything together for about 15–20 seconds.

4. Make the Sauce: Stir the sauce mixture (chicken stock, cornstarch, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and white pepper) well and pour it into the wok. Stir-fry everything together, making sure the sauce coats the beef and vegetables. The cornstarch will help the sauce thicken and coat everything in a glossy sheen.

5. Serve: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, transfer the pepper steak to a serving plate. Serve it immediately with steamed white rice or noodles.

Expert Tips for Perfect Chinese Pepper Steak

While this recipe is simple, a few expert tips can help you elevate your Chinese pepper steak and ensure it turns out perfectly every time. Here are some key tricks to make the beef tender, the sauce rich, and the stir-fry a total success:

1. Slice the Beef Thinly and Against the Grain

One of the most important steps for making tender beef is slicing it against the grain. The grain refers to the muscle fibers that run through the meat. By slicing against the grain, you shorten the muscle fibers, making the beef easier to chew and more tender. Be sure to slice thinly—about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick—to ensure it cooks quickly and evenly.

2. Velvet the Beef for Tenderness

As mentioned earlier, the velveting technique helps keep the beef tender and juicy. It’s essential to let the beef marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you’re using a tougher cut like London broil or chuck roast, marinate the beef for up to an hour or overnight in the refrigerator. The baking soda in the marinade helps break down the meat fibers, ensuring a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

3. Use High Heat for Quick Cooking

Stir-frying is a fast cooking method, and high heat is key. It allows the beef to cook quickly while creating a slightly crispy texture on the outside, without overcooking it. Make sure your wok or skillet is preheated and smoking before adding the beef, and cook it in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can cause the beef to steam instead of sear, which results in a less desirable texture.

4. Don’t Overcook the Vegetables

Vegetables in a stir-fry should be cooked until they are tender-crisp, retaining their bright colors and nutrients. Don’t overcook them! The bell peppers should stay vibrant and slightly crunchy, and the onions should be soft but not mushy. Stir-fry them for no more than 1-2 minutes, or until they reach the desired level of tenderness.

5. Adjust the Sauce Consistency

The sauce should be thick enough to coat the beef and vegetables without being too gloopy. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Conversely, if the sauce is too thin, allow it to simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken. The key is to get a glossy, smooth sauce that clings to everything in the wok.

Possible Variations and Substitutes

This Chinese pepper steak recipe is highly versatile. Here are some easy variations and ingredient substitutes to tailor the dish to your tastes or dietary preferences:

1. Swap the Beef

Flank steak is the most popular choice for this recipe due to its flavor and tenderness, but you can substitute it with other cuts of beef. Sirloin or skirt steak are great alternatives if you want something more affordable. Just remember to slice it thinly and against the grain to ensure tenderness.

2. Add More Vegetables

Feel free to add extra vegetables to the stir-fry for more nutrition and color. Carrots, snow peas, broccoli, or mushrooms all work well in this dish. For a more traditional version, bok choy or Chinese cabbage can be added for an authentic touch.

3. Make it Spicy

If you like your pepper steak with a little extra heat, you can add chili peppers, Sriracha, or chili paste to the sauce. Adjust the amount according to your desired spice level. You can also increase the white pepper in the recipe for an extra peppery kick.

4. Go Gluten-Free

For a gluten-free version, be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce. Many brands offer gluten-free alternatives, including Tamari or Coconut Aminos as soy sauce substitutes. Double-check all sauces and ingredients to ensure they meet gluten-free standards.

5. Vegetarian Option

To make this dish vegetarian, replace the beef with tofu or tempeh. Tofu absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully, while tempeh provides a firmer texture. Make sure to press the tofu to remove excess moisture before stir-frying it for the best results.

Serving Suggestions for Chinese Pepper Steak

While Chinese pepper steak is already a complete meal when served with rice, there are a few ways to make it even more satisfying. Here are some great side dish options to pair with it:

• Steamed White Rice: A classic pairing, fluffy steamed white rice soaks up the savory sauce and complements the rich flavors of the pepper steak.
• Fried Rice: For a more indulgent option, serve your pepper steak with fried rice. Add scrambled eggs, peas, and carrots to make it a colorful and hearty side dish.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: If you want more veggies, pair the pepper steak with a simple vegetable stir-fry, such as broccoli, snow peas, or bok choy.
• Garlic Noodles: If you’re craving noodles, garlic noodles or lo mein would complement the beef stir-fry wonderfully.
• Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls: For an appetizer, serve some crispy egg rolls or spring rolls to round out the meal and add some crunch.

Storing and Reheating Chinese Pepper Steak

If you have leftovers, Chinese pepper steak stores well in the fridge and makes for a great meal the next day.

Storage

• Refrigeration: Store the pepper steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce and beef will retain their flavor, but the vegetables may lose some of their crispness.
• Freezing: While the beef and sauce freeze well, the vegetables might become mushy after thawing. If you plan to freeze it, separate the beef and sauce from the vegetables. Freeze for up to 3 months and reheat in a skillet over medium heat.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pepper steak in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave the leftovers, but be sure to cover them to prevent drying out.

Nutritional Information for Chinese Pepper Steak

When it comes to delicious, quick stir-fries, Chinese pepper steak is both satisfying and nutritious. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving based on a recipe serving 4.

Is Chinese Pepper Steak Healthy?

Chinese pepper steak is a flavorful, protein-packed dish that can be part of a balanced diet. While it’s higher in sodium due to the soy sauce and oyster sauce, you can make a few adjustments to lighten it up without sacrificing flavor:

• Lower the sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and low-sodium chicken stock to reduce the salt content.
• Add more veggies: Increase the amount of bell peppers and add other vegetables like broccoli or carrots to boost the fiber and nutrients of the dish.
• Use lean beef cuts: Choose lean cuts like flank steak or sirloin to reduce the fat content, or opt for tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.

By making these adjustments, you can enjoy Chinese pepper steak in a way that fits your dietary goals while still savoring its delicious flavors

FAQs On Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe

Why is Chinese Pepper Steak So Tender?

Chinese pepper steak is so tender because of the velveting technique used in preparing the beef. This method involves marinating the beef in a mixture of cornstarch, water, oil, and other ingredients like oyster sauce and Shaoxing wine. This marinating process helps tenderize the meat, keeping it juicy and soft even when stir-fried at high heat. The cornstarch coating also locks in moisture, ensuring the beef doesn’t dry out and stays tender throughout cooking.

What Are the Ingredients for Pepper Steak?

The main ingredients for Chinese pepper steak include:

• Beef (usually flank steak)
• Bell peppers (green and red)
• Onions
• Garlic
• Ginger (optional)
• Soy sauce (light and dark)
• Oyster sauce
• Shaoxing wine
• Sesame oil
• Sugar
• White pepper
• Cornstarch (for thickening and velveting the beef)
• Chicken stock or water for the sauce
• Neutral oil for stir-frying

These ingredients come together to create a savory, slightly sweet sauce that coats the tender beef and vegetables, making the dish flavorful and satisfying.

How to Make Marinated Pepper Steak?

To make marinated pepper steak, follow these steps:

1. Slice the Beef: Thinly slice your beef (flank steak is recommended) against the grain into strips.
2. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix water, cornstarch, oil, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, and baking soda. This marinade helps tenderize the beef and lock in flavor.
3. Marinate the Beef: Add the sliced beef to the marinade and toss it to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for tougher cuts).
4. Stir-fry: After marinating, stir-fry the beef with your vegetables and sauce as usual. The marinade will ensure the beef stays tender while cooking.

Which Steak is Best for Pepper Steak?

The best cuts of steak for pepper steak are:

• Flank steak: Known for its tenderness and beefy flavor. It’s ideal for stir-frying as long as it’s sliced thinly against the grain.
• Sirloin steak: A more affordable option with good flavor, though it may be slightly less tender than flank steak.
• London broil: Also called top round steak, it’s a lean cut that can be used in pepper steak but requires a longer marinating time to ensure tenderness.
• Chuck steak: A cheaper option that can be used for pepper steak, but it needs to be marinated longer to break down the tougher fibers.

Flank steak is generally the top choice for its tenderness, flavor, and quick cooking time, but any of these cuts can work if prepared properly.

Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe Card

Ingredients:

• 12 oz flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 ½ tablespoons water
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons neutral oil
• 2 teaspoons oyster sauce
• 2 teaspoons Shaoxing wine
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup low-sodium chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 ½ tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
• 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon sesame oil
• ⅛ teaspoon white pepper (or to taste)

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 green bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• ½ red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium onion, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil
• ½ teaspoon ginger (optional, minced)
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef: Slice the flank steak into thin strips (⅛” to ¼” thick). For easier slicing, partially freeze the beef until firm. In a medium bowl, mix the beef with water, cornstarch, neutral oil, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, and baking soda. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

2. Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the chicken stock, cornstarch, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and white pepper. Set aside.

3. Prep the Vegetables: Cut the bell peppers and onion into 1-inch pieces. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger (if using).

4. Pre-cook the Beef: Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and sear the beef in batches, about 30 seconds per side. The beef should be about 80% cooked. Remove from the wok and set aside.

5. Cook the Vegetables: In the same wok, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the ginger (if using) and sauté for 10 seconds. Add the garlic, bell peppers, and onion. Stir-fry for 1 minute until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

6. Combine the Beef and Sauce: Return the beef to the wok with any juices. Stir-fry for 15 seconds. Stir the sauce to re-incorporate the cornstarch, then add it to the wok. Stir everything together, and cook until the sauce thickens, about 1–2 minutes. Adjust the consistency with more chicken stock or water if needed.

7. Serve: Once the sauce has thickened and coated everything, serve the pepper steak with steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy!

Notes:

• Beef Cut: Flank steak is ideal for this recipe, but you can substitute it with sirloin or chuck steak.
• Vegetables: You can add more vegetables like carrots, snow peas, or broccoli for added color and nutrition.
• Spice Level: For extra heat, you can add chili flakes or Sriracha to the sauce.
• Marinating Time: If you’re using a tougher cut like chuck roast, marinate the beef for up to an hour or overnight to ensure tenderness.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce for a gluten-free version of the dish.

Nutritional Facts (per serving):

Prep Time: 30 minutes (for marinating)

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Method: Stir-frying

Cuisine: Chinese, Asian-inspired