If you’re looking for a dinner that’s both a showstopper and a comfort classic, Sizzling Pepper Steak with Onions is your ticket to weeknight glory. Imagine bite-sized strips of juicy steak, glossy peppers, and onions sizzling away in a savory sauce, sending irresistible aromas through your kitchen. This dish comes together in less than half an hour, but it delivers all the flavor and drama of your favorite Asian steakhouse meal—right at home. Whether you’re serving it over fluffy rice or twirling it with noodles, Sizzling Pepper Steak with Onions is sure to become a go-to in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Sizzling Pepper Steak with Onions is how each simple ingredient plays a major role in creating a dish that’s colorful, aromatic, and full of bold flavors. This is a perfect example of how a few well-chosen items can create something truly memorable.
- Flank steak or sirloin (1 pound, sliced thin against the grain): Choose a tender cut and slice it thinly for the juiciest, most flavorful bites.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds essential savory depth and a touch of saltiness to the marinade.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Gives a rich, almost caramel-like umami punch that elevates the sauce.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Helps tenderize the steak and thickens the sauce to glossy perfection.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Brings gentle heat and classic peppery flavor—don’t skip it!
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Perfect for high-heat stir-frying without overpowering the other flavors.
- Large onion (1, sliced): Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch to balance the richness of the steak.
- Green bell pepper (1, sliced): Offers a pop of color and a fresh, grassy bite.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Brings sweetness and eye-catching vibrancy to the skillet.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): A little goes a long way for bold, aromatic undertones.
- Fresh ginger (1 teaspoon, grated): Adds zingy brightness and warmth.
- Beef broth (1/2 cup): Creates a savory base for the sauce to tie all the flavors together.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): A finishing drizzle for nutty aroma and authentic flair.
- Optional sliced green onions for garnish: Scatter these on top for freshness and a hint of sharpness.
How to Make Sizzling Pepper Steak with Onions
Step 1: Marinate the Steak
Start by combining your thinly sliced steak with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Toss everything together until every piece of steak is evenly coated. Let it sit for about 10 minutes—this quick marinade infuses flavor and keeps the meat tender.
Step 2: Sear the Steak
Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak in a single layer and sear for two to three minutes per side. You’re aiming for a nice golden color, but don’t cook it all the way through just yet. Remove the steak and set it aside for now.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, pour in the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in your sliced onions, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for three to four minutes until the veggies start to soften but still have a little crunch. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the steak to the skillet, then pour in the beef broth. Stir-fry everything together for another two to three minutes, letting the sauce bubble and thicken slightly. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil for that signature aroma, and toss to coat everything evenly.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle sliced green onions over the top for a burst of color and a fresh bite. Your Sizzling Pepper Steak with Onions is now ready for the spotlight!
How to Serve Sizzling Pepper Steak with Onions
Garnishes
The finishing touch for Sizzling Pepper Steak with Onions is all about freshness and flair. A handful of sliced green onions adds a crisp bite, while a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or even a few thinly sliced chili peppers can bring extra zing and color to the plate.
Side Dishes
This dish loves to be paired with simple sides that soak up all that savory sauce. Steamed jasmine rice is a classic, but fluffy noodles or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option work beautifully. For a full meal, add a crisp cucumber salad or some steamed broccoli on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, try serving Sizzling Pepper Steak with Onions in a sizzling cast iron skillet, just like your favorite restaurant. Or pile everything onto a large platter family-style, letting everyone dig in. For a fun twist, spoon the steak and veggies into lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held version perfect for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Sizzling Pepper Steak with Onions, simply let it cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to two days, making for an easy lunch or quick dinner the next day.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked steak and veggies in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. To help preserve the texture of the peppers and onions, let everything cool completely before freezing and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the steak and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of beef broth or water to loosen up the sauce. Stir gently until everything is heated through. Avoid microwaving for too long, as this can make the steak tough.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for Sizzling Pepper Steak with Onions?
Absolutely! While flank steak and sirloin are favorites for their tenderness, you can use skirt steak or even ribeye if you prefer. Just make sure to slice the meat thin and against the grain for the best texture.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes! Simply use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce, and double-check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, snap peas, or thinly sliced carrots all make fantastic additions to Sizzling Pepper Steak with Onions. Feel free to use whatever’s in your fridge to keep things colorful and fresh.
How spicy is this dish?
Sizzling Pepper Steak with Onions is typically mild, but you can easily dial up the heat by adding crushed red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers to the stir-fry. Customize it to your own spice preference!
What’s the best way to slice the steak?
For the most tender result, always slice the steak thinly against the grain. This shortens the muscle fibers, making each bite extra tender and easy to chew.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s quick, colorful, and packed with flavor, Sizzling Pepper Steak with Onions is sure to hit the spot. It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but special enough to impress your family or friends. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat!
Print
Sizzling Pepper Steak with Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Sizzling Pepper Steak with Onions is a flavorful Asian-inspired stir-fry featuring tender slices of flank steak cooked with vibrant green and red bell peppers, sweet onions, garlic, and ginger in a savory sauce. This quick and easy dish combines the perfect balance of peppery heat and umami, ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner served over steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Beef Marinade
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, sliced thin against the grain
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 large green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Garnish (optional)
- Sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Steak: In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced steak with soy sauce, oyster sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper. Toss until the steak is evenly coated. Let it marinate for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Sear the Steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked. Remove the steak and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add sliced onion, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender yet still crisp.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant to enhance the dish’s aroma and flavor.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the seared steak to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth and stir-fry everything together for 2–3 minutes until the steak is cooked through and the sauce slightly thickens.
- Finish with Sesame Oil and Garnish: Drizzle in the sesame oil and stir to incorporate. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired and serve immediately, ideally with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers during the sautéing step.
- Leftover steak can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
