If you’re looking for a quick, tasty dinner that feels like a restaurant dish but is super easy to whip up at home, then let me tell you about my favorite pepper steak and onions Chinese recipe! I remember the first time I made this dish; I was trying to impress my friends during a casual get-together, and wow, did it turn out to be a hit! The sizzling aroma of beef, bell peppers, and onions filling the kitchen made everyone’s mouths water. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s ready in just about 25 minutes! Trust me, once you taste the tender beef coated in that savory soy sauce with a hint of ginger, you’ll want to make this again and again. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want something delicious without too much fuss!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make my delicious pepper steak and onions Chinese dish. Be sure to have these ingredients ready before you start cooking!
- 1 lb beef steak, sliced thin (I like to use flank or sirloin for tenderness)
- 1 bell pepper, sliced (any color you love—red, green, or yellow work great!)
- 1 onion, sliced (I prefer yellow onions, but white works too)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (this adds that savory flavor we crave)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (this helps to tenderize the beef and thicken the sauce)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for stir-frying; feel free to use sesame oil for extra flavor!)
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced (fresh garlic is the best, trust me!)
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced (this gives a lovely kick to the dish)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy, season it up!)
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready—this dish comes together quickly, and you’ll want to keep that heat up! Enjoy the colors and aromas as you gather your ingredients; it’s all part of the fun!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now that you’ve got your ingredients all lined up, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps for a delicious pepper steak and onions Chinese dish that’s sure to impress.
- First, start by marinating the beef. In a bowl, mix the sliced beef with the soy sauce and cornstarch. Make sure all the pieces are coated well. Let it sit for about 15 minutes. This not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the meat.
- While that marinates, get your pan ready! Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. You want it hot enough to get a good sear on the beef, but not so hot that it smokes.
- Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Stir them for about 30 seconds until they’re fragrant. Oh boy, that smell is heavenly!
- Now, add the marinated beef to the pan. Cook it for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and cooked through. If you want it medium-rare, just keep an eye on it so you don’t overcook.
- Next, it’s time to add in the sliced bell pepper and onion. Stir-fry everything together for another 3 to 4 minutes. You want the veggies to be tender but still crisp—nobody likes mushy peppers, right?
- Finally, season everything with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir to combine all those delicious flavors.
- Serve it hot over a bed of fluffy rice or toss it with noodles for a satisfying meal!
And there you have it! A quick and easy pepper steak and onions Chinese that’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.
- Deliciously savory flavor with that perfect balance of beef, veggies, and spices.
- One-pan meal, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your food.
- Great for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without a fuss.
- Versatile—serve it over rice, noodles, or even in a wrap for a fun twist!
- Family-friendly dish that even picky eaters will love.
- Customizable—feel free to add your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level.
Trust me, once you try this pepper steak and onions Chinese, it’ll be on your regular dinner rotation. Your family will be asking for seconds!
Tips for Success
To make sure your pepper steak and onions Chinese turns out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips that I’ve learned along the way!
- Cutting the Beef: Always cut your beef against the grain. This means slicing it perpendicular to the lines you see in the meat. Doing this will make it more tender and easier to chew. Trust me, it makes a big difference!
- Marinating Time: Don’t rush the marinating process. I usually let the beef sit for the full 15 minutes to really soak up those flavors. If you have more time, feel free to marinate it longer in the fridge—just remember to bring it back to room temperature before cooking.
- Cooking Temperature: Make sure your pan is hot before adding the garlic and ginger. This helps to develop those wonderful flavors quickly. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the ingredients will just steam instead of sear, which we definitely don’t want!
- Adjusting Doneness: If you like your beef a little less cooked, keep an eye on it while it’s in the pan. For a medium-rare finish, aim for about 3-4 minutes of cooking. You can always cook it a bit more if needed, but you can’t uncook it!
- Seasoning: Taste as you go! Everyone has different preferences when it comes to seasoning, so don’t be afraid to add a little more salt or pepper to suit your taste. Just remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
- Veggie Crunch: For the bell peppers and onions, stir-fry just until they’re tender but still crisp—about 3-4 minutes. You want that lovely crunch to balance the tender beef!
- Flavor Boost: If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of zing. Just a little can elevate the dish even more!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to making a fantastic pepper steak and onions Chinese dish that’ll impress anyone who sits at your table. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for one serving of my pepper steak and onions Chinese. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but it’ll give you a good idea of what to expect!
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 25g
This dish is not only delicious but also a great source of protein, making it a satisfying meal option. Enjoy every flavorful bite while keeping an eye on those nutritional benefits!
FAQ Section
How long should I marinate the beef for my pepper steak and onions Chinese?
I recommend marinating the beef for at least 15 minutes to really let those flavors soak in. If you have more time, feel free to let it sit in the fridge for up to a couple of hours. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before cooking for the best results!
Can I use other vegetables in this stir-fry?
Absolutely! This dish is super versatile. You can add broccoli, snap peas, or even carrots if you like. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so everything stays crisp and delicious!
What if I don’t have cornstarch? Can I use something else?
No worries! If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour, but it won’t give you quite the same silky texture. Just use a little less flour than cornstarch since it’s denser.
How do I store leftovers of my pepper steak and onions Chinese?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled down before sealing it up! When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it in a pan over medium heat until warmed through.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure to cool it completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It should stay good for about 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your mouthwatering pepper steak and onions Chinese all ready to go, let’s talk about the best ways to serve it up! Trust me, the right sides can elevate this dish even more.
- Steamed Rice: This classic pairing is a must! Serve your stir-fry over a fluffy bed of white or jasmine rice. The rice soaks up all those delicious juices, making every bite pure bliss.
- Lo Mein Noodles: If you’re in the mood for something a bit different, toss your pepper steak and onions with some cooked lo mein noodles. They add a lovely chewiness that complements the tender beef perfectly.
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: For a little extra color and crunch on your plate, whip up some quick stir-fried veggies like bok choy, snap peas, or carrots. They add nutrition and a pop of freshness!
- Egg Fried Rice: For a fun twist, serve your stir-fry alongside some egg fried rice. Just scramble a couple of eggs into your rice while it’s cooking, and you’ll have a hearty side that pairs beautifully.
- Spring Rolls: If you want to impress, serve some crispy spring rolls on the side. Their crunchiness will contrast nicely with the tender beef and veggies.
- Simple Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil can really lighten the meal and balance the flavors. It’s a perfect palate cleanser!
So, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will take your pepper steak and onions Chinese to the next level. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers from your delicious pepper steak and onions Chinese? No worries! Here’s how to store them properly and reheat them so they taste just as good the next day.
To store, let your stir-fry cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. I usually recommend using glass containers because they’re sturdy and don’t retain odors. You can keep your leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to seal it tightly to keep the flavors fresh!
If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze your stir-fry! Simply portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little room for expansion. It should last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Now, for reheating, I prefer using a skillet over medium heat. Just add a splash of water or a bit of oil to the pan to help prevent sticking and keep things moist. Stir it occasionally until it’s heated through—this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You want to make sure it’s nice and hot, but be careful not to overcook it, so the veggies stay crisp!
If you’re in a rush, you can also use the microwave. Just pop it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot. Keep an eye on it to avoid any splatters!
With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your pepper steak and onions Chinese leftovers just as much as when they were fresh. Happy eating!
Print
Pepper Steak and Onions Chinese: 7 Easy Steps to Delight
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A simple and tasty pepper steak and onions dish with a Chinese twist.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef steak, sliced thin
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the beef with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add garlic and ginger, stir for 30 seconds.
- Add the marinated beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add bell pepper and onion, stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Cut the beef against the grain for tenderness.
- Use any color bell pepper for sweetness.
- Adjust cooking time based on your preference for doneness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pepper steak and onions, Chinese pepper steak, stir-fry beef
