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Chinese Pepper Steak: The Ultimate 30-Minute Weeknight Stir-Fry

Chinese Pepper Steak: The Ultimate 30-Minute Weeknight Stir-Fry

This classic Chinese Pepper Steak is a vibrant, high-protein stir-fry featuring tender ribbons of beef and sweet caramelized onions tossed in a glossy, savory glaze. It is the ultimate solution for busy weeknights when you want a restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 lb beef strips sirloin or ribeye
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil divided
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce for marinade
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce optional
  • 1 tsp sesame oil toasted
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce for sauce
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce optional
  • 2 tbsp hoisin sauce for sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar for sauce
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch for thickening
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil for searing
  • 1 large onion sliced
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil for onions
  • salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Wok Or Large Skillet
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Chef Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

Main Instructions
  1. Whisk together the soy sauce, ginger, garlic, oyster sauce, and sesame oil in a medium bowl to create a fragrant marinade.
  2. Toss the beef strips into the marinade, ensuring every piece is coated, and let them rest for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  3. Heat one tablespoon of oil in your skillet over medium heat and add the sliced onions.
  4. Sauté the onions until they become soft, translucent, and slightly golden at the edges, then remove them and set aside.
  5. Increase the heat to high and add two tablespoons of oil to the same pan until it is shimmering.
  6. Sear the marinated beef strips in a single layer, stir-frying for about 3 minutes until perfectly browned.
  7. Combine the sauce ingredients—soy sauce, hoisin, rice vinegar, and cornstarch—in a small bowl and pour it over the sizzling beef.
  8. Simmer the mixture for one minute until the sauce thickens into a beautiful, glossy glaze.
  9. Fold the sautéed onions back into the pan and toss everything together before serving over a bed of fluffy rice.

Notes

For the best results, slice your beef against the grain to ensure every bite is melt-in-your-mouth tender. You can prep the sauce and slice the onions up to 24 hours in advance for an even faster weeknight dinner. Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container for up to three days and reheat well in a hot pan.