Name: Chinese Pepper Steak – Easy Recipes with Ground Beef for Quick Dinners
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs beef sirloin, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced; 1 onion, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/2 cup beef broth; Salt to taste; Cooked white rice, for serving

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This Chinese Pepper Steak is a quick, savory dinner loaded with tender beef strips, crisp bell peppers, and a rich soy-garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe fits right into your collection of easy recipes with ground beef. It also ticks the boxes for quick and easy recipes, easy recipes for dinner, air fryer easy recipes, quick evening snacks easy recipes, homemade pretzels soft easy recipes, and even easy recipes ninja creami.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe
3) Ingredients for Chinese Pepper Steak
4) How to Make Chinese Pepper Steak
5) Tips for Making Chinese Pepper Steak
6) Making Chinese Pepper Steak Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Chinese Pepper Steak
8) Try these Dinners next!
9) Chinese Pepper Steak
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Learn how to cook a flavorful Chinese Pepper Steak using easy ingredients.
Perfect for weeknight dinners or quick meal preps.
Tips for marinating, stir-frying, and storing leftovers included.
This dish pairs beautifully with rice or noodles.

2) Easy Chinese Pepper Steak Recipe

This savory and delicious Chinese Pepper Steak is a go-to for anyone looking for easy recipes with ground beef—or in this case, beef sirloin—for a satisfying and flavorful meal. This dish is incredibly quick to make, ideal for those busy evenings when time is short and hunger is high. You only need a few pantry staples and a hot skillet to create this stir-fry wonder. By blending soy sauce, garlic, bell peppers, and tender slices of beef, you create a savory umami-packed meal that pairs perfectly with steamed white rice. This easy pepper steak recipe not only captures the rich, aromatic flavors of takeout favorites, but it also offers a healthier, homemade version that doesn’t skimp on taste. Whether you’re a stir-fry beginner or a home chef looking to whip up something quick, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s no wonder it ranks high among quick and easy recipes and is a weeknight dinner hero!

3) Ingredients for Chinese Pepper Steak

Beef Sirloin: Choose a tender cut of beef like sirloin and slice it thinly against the grain. This ensures the steak cooks quickly and remains juicy and tender in every bite, enhancing your overall experience with this easy dinner recipe.

Soy Sauce: This staple ingredient brings saltiness and umami, creating the base flavor profile of your marinade and stir-fry sauce. Use low-sodium if you’re watching salt intake.

Oyster Sauce: Thick, slightly sweet, and deeply savory, this is your secret weapon for that classic takeout taste right at home. It binds the flavors and adds depth to the dish.

Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent in the sauce while also helping the beef to get a nice sear and lock in juices when pan-fried.

Vegetable Oil: Neutral in flavor and perfect for high-heat cooking, it helps to quickly stir-fry the meat and vegetables without burning.

Bell Peppers: Use a mix of red, green, and yellow peppers to add sweetness, crunch, and vibrant color to your plate. They’re essential in giving the dish its signature stir-fry texture.

Onion: Adds a mellow sweetness and slight bite once sautéed. It rounds out the flavors and blends beautifully with the peppers and beef.

Garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the oil and meat with rich flavor, essential in Asian cooking. Don’t skip it!

Ground Black Pepper: Brings the heat and gives the dish its name. It contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the vegetables and sauces.

Beef Broth: Adds moisture and flavor depth to the stir-fry. It also helps the sauce cling better to the meat and vegetables.

Salt to Taste: Use cautiously, especially if your soy sauce is not low-sodium. Adjust based on preference after tasting the sauce.

Cooked White Rice: Serve your pepper steak hot over steamed white rice for a comforting and complete meal that soaks up all the delicious sauce.

4) How to Make Chinese Pepper Steak

Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef sirloin with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prep your vegetables. This helps infuse flavor and tenderize the beef.

Step 2: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef and cook for about 2–3 minutes until browned on both sides. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Remove the beef and set it aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet, add more oil if needed and sauté minced garlic, sliced onions, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are crisp-tender but still bright and colorful. This adds texture and freshness to your dish.

Step 4: Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth and ground black pepper. Stir everything together and simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat and vegetables.

Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Add a touch more soy sauce or black pepper based on your preference. Serve hot over freshly steamed rice, letting the sauce soak into every grain for the perfect bite.

5) Tips for Making Chinese Pepper Steak

To make the most out of this easy pepper steak recipe, start by prepping all your ingredients ahead of time. Stir-fry recipes come together quickly, so having everything sliced and measured will make the cooking process smoother. Cut your steak against the grain to ensure tenderness and avoid chewy meat. If your beef is partially frozen, it’s even easier to slice thinly. For a flavor boost, allow the meat to marinate longer, up to 30 minutes. When it comes to vegetables, don’t overcook them. The crunch from bell peppers adds contrast to the tender meat and enhances the dish. Be sure to cook your beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the meat to steam rather than sear. Finally, use a high-heat oil like vegetable or avocado oil, and cook in a hot pan to achieve that perfect stir-fry char. These tips make this one of the top quick and easy recipes to keep on hand.

6) Making Chinese Pepper Steak Ahead of Time

Planning meals ahead? This Chinese Pepper Steak holds up really well and can be made in advance without sacrificing taste or texture. Prepare all ingredients, including marinated beef and sliced vegetables, and store them in airtight containers in the fridge. This way, you can throw everything into a hot skillet and have dinner ready in 10 minutes. If cooking in advance, allow the dish to cool and refrigerate in sealed containers. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving. This easy dinner recipe is perfect for meal prep or busy weekdays, where a homemade dish beats takeout any day. You can also pack it in meal prep containers with rice for grab-and-go lunches that taste amazing. The sauce intensifies overnight, making leftovers just as good—if not better. Use this as part of your easy meal prep recipes rotation for stress-free weekly dinners that your whole family will love.

7) Storing Leftover Chinese Pepper Steak

Store any leftover Chinese Pepper Steak in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It’s a great addition to your list of easy recipes for dinner that are just as tasty the next day. When reheating, a quick warm-up in the microwave works fine, but using a skillet brings back the stir-fry texture. Add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid freezing, as the peppers can become mushy upon thawing. For the best flavor, pair leftovers with freshly made rice. If you’re into batch cooking, this dish fits seamlessly into your list of air fryer easy recipes or quick evening snacks easy recipes when paired with spring rolls or dumplings. The balance of savory meat, crisp veggies, and rich sauce stays consistent even after a day or two in the fridge, making it a smart meal prep choice as well.

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9) Chinese Pepper Steak