Sizzling Pepper Steak with Onions: A Flavorful Stir-Fry You’ll Love

If you’re craving a quick, savory, and satisfying meal, this Sizzling Pepper Steak with Onions is about to become your new favorite dinner. Tender strips of beef, crisp bell peppers, and sweet onions come together in a rich, flavorful sauce that’s packed with umami goodness. And the best part? You can whip it up in under 30 minutes—faster than ordering takeout!

This dish is a classic stir-fry favorite, bringing together the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The beef is juicy and tender, the vegetables are slightly crisp, and the sauce is thick and savory with just the right amount of black pepper heat. Whether you’re making this for a busy weeknight dinner or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.

Let’s get cooking!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

• Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight meals.
• Better Than Takeout – Fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and no artificial additives.
• Versatile – Serve over rice, noodles, or enjoy on its own for a low-carb option.
• Customizable – Adjust the spice level, add more veggies, or swap out the protein.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Before we start, let’s gather all the ingredients. This recipe keeps it simple but delivers big on flavor.

For the Marinade:

• 1 lb beef steak, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup beef broth

Now that we have everything ready, let’s start cooking!

STEP 1: MARINATE THE BEEF

Marinating the beef is the key to getting that rich, savory flavor and ensuring the meat stays tender when cooked.

1. In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper.
2. Add the thinly sliced beef and toss everything together until the meat is fully coated in the marinade.
3. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes (or longer if you have time). This allows the flavors to absorb into the beef, making it juicy and flavorful.

TIPS FOR THE BEST BEEF STIR-FRY:

• Choose the right cut of beef: Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye are great options because they cook quickly and remain tender.
• Slice against the grain: Cutting the beef this way helps break down the muscle fibers, making each bite tender and easy to chew.
• Don’t skip the cornstarch: This ingredient helps lock in moisture, keeping the beef tender while also slightly thickening the sauce later.

STEP 2: STIR-FRY THE BEEF

Now, let’s get that pan sizzling!

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it starts to brown.
3. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

At this point, the beef doesn’t need to be fully cooked since we’ll be adding it back later to finish cooking in the sauce.

TIPS FOR THE PERFECT SEAR:

• Use high heat – This helps lock in the juices and gives the beef that delicious caramelized crust.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan – If needed, cook in batches to ensure each piece gets a proper sear instead of steaming.

STEP 3: STIR-FRY THE VEGETABLES

Now that the beef is browned and set aside, it’s time to cook the vegetables. The bell peppers and onions add the perfect crunch and sweetness, balancing out the savory, peppery sauce.

1. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and ginger, stirring quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Toss in the sliced green and red bell peppers and onion. Stir-fry for about 2 to 3 minutes until they start to soften but still have a slight crunch.

TIPS FOR PERFECTLY COOKED VEGETABLES

• Don’t overcook them – The goal is to keep the veggies slightly crisp for a fresh, vibrant texture.
• Stir constantly – This helps cook everything evenly and prevents burning.
• Use high heat – A hot pan keeps the vegetables from becoming soggy and helps retain their natural sweetness.

STEP 4: BRING IT ALL TOGETHER

Now comes the fun part—combining the beef, vegetables, and sauce to create that irresistible thick and flavorful stir-fry.

1. Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables.
2. Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and beef broth. Stir everything together to combine.
3. In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry.
4. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the pan and stir well. This helps thicken the sauce, giving it that rich, glossy texture.
5. Let the stir-fry cook for 1 to 2 more minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce is thickened and coats the beef and vegetables.

At this point, your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing—the garlic, ginger, and savory sauce coming together to create that perfect balance of flavors.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

This sizzling pepper steak is best served hot and fresh, straight from the pan. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:

• Over Steamed Rice: The thick, flavorful sauce pairs perfectly with fluffy white or brown rice.
• With Noodles: Serve it over stir-fried noodles or ramen for a delicious variation.
• Low-Carb Option: For a lighter meal, try it with cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.
• Topped with Sesame Seeds or Green Onions: A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions adds a pop of flavor and texture.

TIPS & VARIATIONS

Want to make this dish your own? Here are some easy ways to customize it:

• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat.
• Use Different Proteins: Swap beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different twist.
• Add More Vegetables: Mushrooms, snap peas, or baby corn make great additions.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Got questions about making the perfect Sizzling Pepper Steak with Onions? Here are some common ones to help you get the best results every time.

1. WHAT CUT OF BEEF IS BEST FOR PEPPER STEAK?

Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye are the best choices for this stir-fry. These cuts are tender and cook quickly, making them perfect for high-heat stir-frying. Always slice the beef against the grain to ensure a tender bite.

2. CAN I MAKE THIS RECIPE AHEAD OF TIME?

Yes! You can prep the ingredients ahead by slicing the beef, marinating it, and chopping the vegetables. The stir-fry itself is best eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in a pan over medium heat.

3. HOW DO I PREVENT THE BEEF FROM GETTING TOUGH?

The key to tender beef is marinating it properly and cooking it quickly over high heat. Avoid overcooking, as this can make the meat tough. Also, using a bit of cornstarch in the marinade helps seal in moisture.

4. CAN I MAKE THIS DISH SPICY?

Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes, sliced chili peppers, or a drizzle of sriracha to give the dish some heat. You can also add a little black pepper or white pepper for an extra kick.

5. WHAT OTHER VEGETABLES CAN I ADD?

This recipe is very versatile! Try adding mushrooms, broccoli, snap peas, baby corn, or carrots for extra crunch and flavor. Just make sure not to overcook them so they stay crisp.

6. CAN I MAKE THIS GLUTEN-FREE?

Yes! Simply swap the soy sauce for tamari and use a gluten-free oyster sauce. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

CONCLUSION: WHY YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS SIZZLING PEPPER STEAK

This Sizzling Pepper Steak with Onions is a must-try recipe that brings together bold flavors, tender beef, and crisp veggies in a deliciously savory sauce. It’s a quick, easy, and satisfying meal that beats takeout every time!

With just a few simple ingredients and a hot skillet, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Whether you’re serving it over rice, noodles, or enjoying it on its own, this stir-fry is guaranteed to impress.

Give this recipe a try, and let us know how it turned out! Did you add any fun variations? Leave a comment and share your experience—we’d love to hear from you!

Print