Pepper Steak Recipe

Ready to fall in love with a dinner that’s equal parts cozy, vibrant, and totally satisfying? This savory Pepper Steak is a quick stir-fry that brings together juicy steak, sweet bell peppers, caramelized onions, and an irresistible sauce. It’s the perfect answer for busy weeknights or when you’re just craving bold, classic flavors—all with minimal fuss and maximum comfort!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to an unforgettable pepper steak is in the classic, simple ingredients—each bringing its own unique charm to the final dish. From juicy steak to crisp bell peppers, every staple plays a starring role in taste, texture, and color.

• Ribeye Steak (2 to 2 ½ pounds): Opt for ribeye for ultimate tenderness and rich flavor, but sirloin or flank steak work beautifully too.
• Salt & Black Pepper: These essentials bring out all the beefy, savory notes in the steak.
• Flour (2 tablespoons): Lightly dusting the steak with flour helps achieve that golden, slightly crisp sear and adds body to your sauce.
• Avocado Oil: Perfect for high-heat cooking with a neutral taste, so the steak’s flavor shines.
• Onions (2 small, sliced): Sautéed until golden, onions add subtle sweetness and round out the stir-fry.
• Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Smoked Paprika, White Pepper: This spice blend is the magic touch that makes the sauce pop and gives it depth.
• Bell Peppers (3 medium-large): Go for a mix of red, yellow, and green for stunning color and a balance of sweetness and savory notes.
• Garlic (3 cloves): A must for savory aroma—just don’t let it burn!
• Tomato Paste (5 tablespoons): Gives the sauce a deep, concentrated flavor and lovely richness.
• Beef Stock/Broth (½ cup): Adds savory depth and creates a silky sauce to coat every bite.
• Rice or Preferred Side: The ultimate soak-up-the-sauce base—white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa are all fantastic.
• Chopped Green Onions: A fresh finishing touch that brightens every serving.

Variations

Pepper steak is all about adaptability! Whether you’re looking to accommodate dietary preferences, use up what’s in your fridge, or simply put your own creative spin on things, here are some fun ways to switch it up.

• Swap the Steak: Try it with thinly sliced chicken breast or pork for a lighter twist that’s just as flavorful.
• Add Extra Veggies: Mushrooms, snap peas, or even baby corn are wonderful additions for extra color and crunch.
• Turn Up the Heat: Toss in sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red chili flakes if you love a spicy kick.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve your pepper steak over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a bed of greens.

How to Make Pepper Steak

Step 1: Prep and Season the Steak

Start by slicing your ribeye steaks against the grain into thin strips. Season generously with salt and black pepper, then sprinkle with flour and toss until the strips are evenly coated. This not only flavors the beef but helps create a gorgeous sear and slightly thickens your sauce later on.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Heat a large heavy-bottom skillet (cast iron works wonders!) over medium-high with a generous drizzle of avocado oil. Sear the steak in batches for about 2 minutes, just enough to brown the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Swipe those irresistible pieces out of the pan as you go, setting them aside so they don’t overcook.

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions and Sauté Spices

Add a touch more oil to the pan and tumble in your sliced onions, stirring often. Let them soften and turn golden-brown—about 10 minutes—then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, paprika, smoked paprika, and white pepper. Give everything a good stir to distribute those aromatic spices.

Step 4: Cook the Bell Peppers and Garlic

Slide the bell pepper strips into the pan along with the onions and sauté for a couple of minutes. You’re aiming for peppers that are tender but still slightly crisp. Stir in the garlic last, just until fragrant—the aroma is unbeatable!

Step 5: Add Tomato Paste and Build the Sauce

Stir in your tomato paste, letting it cook for about 30 seconds to mellow out and deepen in flavor. Pour in the beef broth and stir everything together—this creates a glossy, richly flavored sauce that ties all the ingredients together.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Return the seared steak (and any juices) to the pan, stirring to coat everything in that fabulous sauce. Simmer just long enough to warm the beef through—about a minute—then serve hot over fluffy rice and showered with green onions or fresh parsley.

How to Serve Pepper Steak

Garnishes

Give your pepper steak a finishing flourish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh parsley. Both add a pop of color and a delicate freshness that brightens up those deep, savory flavors. For a little zing, a dash of cracked black pepper or even a squeeze of lemon is lovely too.

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong serving this dish over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up every drop of sauce. Basmati rice with a hint of garlic is a real treat, but quinoa, couscous, or even creamy mashed potatoes make fantastic partners on the plate. For a lighter meal, try pepper steak over cauliflower rice or a simple green salad.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful twist, serve your pepper steak in lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held option, or pile it over toasted baguette slices for a steak-inspired bruschetta. Want a fun family-style presentation? Serve it straight from your skillet to the table and let everyone dig in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover pepper steak cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and honestly—it’s just as delicious the next day!

Freezing

If you’re planning ahead or making a double batch, store cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and keep in mind that peppers might soften a bit after freezing (but the flavors will still pop!).

Reheating

Gently reheat your pepper steak in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of beef broth or water to keep things saucy, or simply microwave in short bursts until hot. Avoid overcooking so the steak stays tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a comforting classic with the power to impress, this pepper steak is it. With every colorful bite, you’ll get hearty steak, sweet-and-savory veggies, and a sauce you’ll want to mop up to the very last drop. I can’t wait for you to make this beloved favorite your own—so grab a skillet and treat yourself tonight!

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