Chinese Pepper Steak with Onion 🥩🧅
A fast, savory stir-fry with tender beef, sweet onions, and a bold peppery soy sauce glaze—classic takeout style.
Ingredients
- 400–500 g beef (flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced)
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 1 bell pepper (optional, sliced)
- 2–3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional but recommended)
- 1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground is best)
- 1 tsp sugar or honey
- 2–3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)
- 1–2 tbsp oil
How to make it
1. Marinate beef (10–15 min)
Mix beef with:
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- a pinch of pepper
2. Stir-fry beef
- Heat oil in a hot pan or wok
- Cook beef quickly until browned (don’t overcook)
- Remove and set aside
3. Cook vegetables
- Stir-fry onions (and bell pepper if using)
- Add garlic and cook briefly
4. Make the sauce
Add:
- soy sauce
- oyster sauce
- sugar/honey
- black pepper
- a splash of water
Then return beef to pan.
5. Thicken
- Add cornstarch slurry
- Stir until glossy and slightly thickened
Tips
- Slice beef against the grain for tenderness
- Use very high heat for restaurant-style flavor 🔥
- Don’t overcook onions—keep them slightly crisp
- Add chili flakes if you want heat 🌶️
If you want, I can also show:
- low-carb version
- chicken pepper stir-fry
- or a full Chinese takeout meal plan 🍜
