Chinese Pepper Steak is a dish that combines tender beef with a savory, slightly spicy sauce and crispy onions for a satisfying meal.
The recipe is simple, with minimal ingredients and clear steps that make it easy for any home cook to prepare.
It’s a great choice for a weeknight dinner or for meal prepping thanks to its straightforward method.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
1 pound (450g) sirloin steak, thinly sliced
Choose a tender cut of beef for best results. If sirloin is unavailable, use flank steak or thinly sliced tenderloin.
2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce
Use low-sodium soy sauce for better control over saltiness. Substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option.
1 tablespoon (15ml) oyster sauce
Adds a savory depth to the dish. If not available, use a mix of soy sauce and a bit of Worcestershire sauce.
1 tablespoon (15ml) rice vinegar
Adds brightness and tang. Substitute with lemon juice or white vinegar if needed.
1 teaspoon (5g) sugar
Balances the salt and acidity in the sauce. Use brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
2 tablespoons (30g) cornstarch
Thickens the sauce. Can be substituted with arrowroot or flour for a different texture.
1/4 cup (60ml) water
Helps create the sauce consistency. Use chicken broth for extra flavor if preferred.
2 cups (50g) green onions, sliced
Adds crunch and color. Substitute with scallions or yellow onions if green onions are not available.
2 tablespoons (30g) vegetable oil
Used for stir-frying. Can use olive oil or avocado oil for a different taste.
1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper
Adds a subtle heat. Increase to 1 teaspoon if you prefer it spicier.
1/4 teaspoon (1g) crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Adds a bit of heat. Skip if you want a milder flavor.
1 cup (150g) long-grain white rice, cooked
Serves as a side. Substitute with noodles, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for variety.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Set it aside until ready to use.
2. Cook the Steak
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C). Add the sliced steak and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned and nearly cooked through.
3. Add the Green Onions
Lower the heat slightly and add the sliced green onions. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain some crunch.
4. Combine and Simmer
Pour the prepared sauce into the wok or skillet. Stir well to coat the steak and onions. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and bubbles slightly.
5. Season and Finish
Add black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir until everything is well combined and the sauce is glossy.
6. Serve with Rice
Serve the steak and sauce over a bed of cooked rice. This provides a balanced meal and allows the flavors to settle.
Pro Tips
How to Store Steak Recipes
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken slightly when chilled.
Freezer
Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Delicious Variations
- Use beef tenderloin instead of sirloin for a more premium texture.
- Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra vegetables and flavor.
- Try using tamari and maple syrup in place of soy sauce and sugar for a gluten-free version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What cut of beef works best for this recipe?
Sirloin steak is ideal, but you can also use flank or tenderloin if available.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the steak and sauce earlier in the day and reheat it when ready to serve.
Q: How do I know when the steak is done?
The steak is done when it’s browned and nearly cooked through, which takes about 3-4 minutes of stir-frying.
Q: What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
Substitute with a mix of soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce for a similar savory depth.
This recipe will quickly become a favorite for its rich flavors and easy preparation. Feel free to experiment with sides or spices to suit your taste.
Steak Recipes
Chinese Pepper Steak with tender beef, crispy onions, and rich sauce is a flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with rice for a satisfying meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon (5g) sugar
- 2 tablespoons (30g) cornstarch
- 1/4 cup (60ml) water
- 2 cups (50g) green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons (30g) vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon (1g) crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup (150g) long-grain white rice, cooked
📋 Instructions
- 1Prepare the Sauce — In a bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, cornstarch, and water. Set it aside until ready to use.
- 2Cook the Steak — Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a wok or skillet over medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C). Add the sliced steak and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned and nearly cooked through.
- 3Add the Green Onions — Lower the heat slightly and add the sliced green onions. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften but still retain some crunch.
- 4Combine and Simmer — Pour the prepared sauce into the wok or skillet. Stir well to coat the steak and onions. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and bubbles slightly.
- 5Season and Finish — Add black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir until everything is well combined and the sauce is glossy.
- 6Serve with Rice — Serve the steak and sauce over a bed of cooked rice. This provides a balanced meal and allows the flavors to settle.


