Name: Chinese Pepper Steak
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: ⅓ cup soy sauce (low sodium); 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 tablespoons granulated white sugar (or brown sugar); ½ teaspoon ground ginger (more or less, to taste); 2 ½ tablespoons corn starch; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided); 1 medium green bell pepper (cored, seeded and sliced into ¼ inch strips); 1 medium red bell pepper (cored, seeded and sliced into ¼ inch strips); 1 medium yellow onion (sliced into ¼ inch slices); 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic; 1 to 1 ¼ pounds flank steak (sliced into ¼ inch strips across the grain); ¼ teaspoon sesame seeds (optional garnish)

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This hearty and flavorful Chinese Pepper Steak is one of my very favorite meals. Not only is it super-easy to prepare using simple ingredients, it comes together in under 30 minutes from start to finish!

Overhead view of Chinese pepper steak and onions in a skillet by a striped towel.

It’s also budget-friendly which is a total WIN when it comes to a delicious and comforting dinner the whole family will love. Serve it over cooked rice for a complete meal!

Ingredients Notes

Overhead view of ingredients needed to make pepper steak and onions.

Flank steak – sliced into ¼ inch strips across the grain. Flank steak can be substituted with sirloin, if desired.
Bell peppers – I use one green and one red bell pepper.
Garlic – minced fresh garlic. Feel free to use the jarred minced garlic if you’re in a hurry!
Granulated white sugar – brown sugar can also be used.
Yellow onion – you’ll need one medium onion.
Ground ginger – I use half of a teaspoon, but feel free to use more or less, depending upon your personal preference!
Soy sauce
Worcestershire sauce
Vegetable oil – sesame oil can also be used.
Corn starch
Sesame seeds – optional garnish.

Front closeup view of Chinese pepper steak and onions in a skillet.

Helpful Hint for Slicing the Beef:

Place your beef in the freezer for about 20 to 30 minutes before slicing so it will firm up a bit… this makes it so much easier to slice!

How to Make Pepper Steak and Onions

Following is a brief overview of how to prepare – please see the recipe card for full detailed instructions.

A collage of five images showing how to make Chinese pepper steak.

Prepare the sauce by whisking together the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, ginger and corn starch in a small bowl. Set aside.
Heat half of the oil in a skillet or wok and cook the peppers and onions for about four minutes, then add garlic and cook an additional 30 seconds. Transfer to a plate or a bowl.
Heat the remaining oil in the skillet and cook the beef for about five minutes, or until browned on both sides and fully cooked.
Return the peppers and onions to the skillet with the beef and stir to combine.
Pour in the sauce and stir to coat as evenly as possible. Cook for approximately one to two minutes (while stirring), or until sauce is thickened. Sprinkle with sesame seeds when serving, if desired.

Overhead closeup view of Chinese pepper steak in a skillet with a pair of tongs.

Enjoy!

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