Why Make This Recipe
Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions is a delightful dish that brings restaurant-quality dining right to your dinner table. The savory flavors of tender beef, sweet onions, and a rich sauce blend together beautifully. It’s quick, easy to prepare, and perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests. Plus, it pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles, making it a versatile meal option.
How to Make Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) beef strips (sirloin or ribeye)
- 2 tbsp (30g) vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp (15g) grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp (15g) soy sauce
- 1 tbsp (15g) oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp (30g) soy sauce
- 2 tbsp (30g) oyster sauce (optional)
- 2 tbsp (30g) hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp (30g) rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp (15g) cornstarch
- 2 tbsp (30g) vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp (15g) vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Prepare the Steak: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Toss the beef strips in the marinade and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
Cook the Onions: Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté until soft and slightly caramelized. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from the pan and set aside.
Sear the Beef: In the same pan, heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil over high heat. Add the marinated beef strips and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Pour the sauce over the beef and let simmer until it thickens.
Combine & Serve: Add the sautéed onions back into the pan, stirring to combine. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.

How to Serve Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Serve this delicious dish hot, over a bed of steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra touch. It makes a fantastic meal that’s both satisfying and visually appealing!
How to Store Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. You can reheat it in a skillet or microwave. For longer storage, consider freezing it for up to a month. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly upon reheating.
Tips to Make Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
- Don’t marinate the beef for too long, as even 15 minutes can enhance the flavor without making it too salty.
- Make sure your skillet is hot enough to sear the beef so that it gets that nice brown crust.
- Feel free to add more veggies, like bell peppers or snap peas, for extra crunch and nutrition.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by using chicken or tofu in place of the beef. Adjust the marinade and cook times accordingly for different proteins. Adding other vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots, can also enhance the dish.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes! Cuts like flank steak or tenderloin can work well too. Just ensure they are cut into thin strips for quick cooking.
2. Is it necessary to use oyster sauce?
Oyster sauce adds a rich umami flavor, but you can skip it or replace it with a bit more soy sauce if you prefer.
3. Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Add some sliced chili peppers or a dash of red pepper flakes to the marinade or stir-fry for an extra kick.

Sizzling Chinese Pepper Steak with Onions
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1 lb beef strips (sirloin or ribeye) Cut into thin strips
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil For marinating
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional) Can be omitted
- 1 tsp sesame oil
For the Dish
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional) Can be omitted
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch For thickening the sauce
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 5 tbsp vegetable oil Divided into parts for marinating, sautéing, and searing
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Toss the beef strips in the marinade and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
Cooking Onions
- Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté until soft and slightly caramelized. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from the pan and set aside.
Searing Beef
- In the same pan, heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil over high heat. Add the marinated beef strips and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned.
Making the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Pour the sauce over the beef and let simmer until it thickens.
Combining & Serving
- Add the sautéed onions back into the pan, stirring to combine. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
