Easy Pepper Steak

This pepper steak recipe has gone VIRAL all over the internet and so many people LOVED it, and I definitely know why! The savory sauce and tender beef combine with vibrant peppers and onions to create a recipe that is perfect for date nights, week nights or even a dinner party.

This comforting dish is rich, cozy, and delicious. It’s also easy to make this restaurant quality meal at home. Sear the steak with simple seasonings, then toss in the peppers and onions to simmer on the stove. The simmer time is important because it allows the pepper steak to stay tender and flavorful.

The end result is a beautiful dish with vibrant colors that is also packed with so much flavor. Try this easy recipe at home and I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Pepper steak is a nostalgic recipe that reminds me of my childhood. It pairs perfectly with my Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes!

If you’re looking for more comforting meals, try Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes, Curry Chicken or Creamy Tuscan Salmon.

Why Everyone Loves This Pepper Steak

• Great for families: This classic recipe is tender and delicious, so even the pickiest eaters will love it.
• It’s Super Easy: This is a recipe I can make with my eye closed. Seriously, anyone can make this recipe!
• The flavor is amazing: This dish is nostalgic, cozy and super decadent. Simple ingredients create flavor that is irresistible.

Here’s what people have to say about this recipe:

“The best sauce for pepper steak I’ve ever made! Loved the appearance of velvety sauce without a whole lot of fat.” – Kelley

“This recipe did not disappoint. I used butter steak, also called shoulder steak, which is already super tender. I followed the recipe as written, except the cook time. Because the cut of meat I used was already super tender, it didn’t need to be cooked 45 minutes. It’s definitely going in our rotation. Appreciate you.”

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses common ingredients that you can easily find at your grocery store (if you don’t already have them in your kitchen.)

NOTE: The full list of ingredients with measurements is provided in the recipe card below.

Steak (Flank, Sirloin, or Flat Iron):

Choose your preferred cut for a delicious pepper steak. Flank offers a leaner option, sirloin brings tenderness, and flat iron provides a balance of both. Slicing the steak thinly ensures quick and even cooking, absorbing the rich flavors of the dish.

Peppers and Onions:

You will need a mixture of sliced bell peppers. I like to use a mix of red bell peppers and green bell peppers. You can use any color, but red, yellow and orange bell peppers are slightly sweeter so a mix is usually good. I use a yellow onion, but you can use white or red onion, if desired.

Seasonings:

You will need all purpose seasoning, adobo seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. The spice blend adds depth and warmth to the pepper steak. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences.

Neutral Oil:

You will need a neutral oil for searing the steak. Vegetable oil or grapeseed oil are good choices.

Sauce Ingredients

Soy Sauce:

Soy sauce brings a savory, umami-rich flavor to the marinade, enhancing the taste of the steak. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer to control the saltiness of the dish.

Chicken Broth (or Beef Broth):

Chicken or beef broth forms the savory base of the sauce, imparting richness and depth. Choose a high-quality broth to elevate the overall flavor profile of the pepper steak.

Worcestershire Sauce:

Worcestershire sauce adds a layer of complexity with its tangy and savory notes. It enhances the umami flavor of the dish and contributes to the well-balanced taste.

Browning Sauce (Optional):

Browning sauce, if chosen, provides a deep, caramelized color to the sauce, enhancing the visual appeal of the pepper steak. It’s optional but can add a rich depth to the overall presentation.

Cornstarch:

Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent for the sauce, creating a glossy and velvety texture. It ensures the sauce adheres well to the steak, coating each piece for a luscious mouthfeel.

These carefully chosen ingredients work in harmony, from the choice of steak to the flavorful spices and thickening agents, resulting in a mouthwatering pepper steak that delights the senses.

Steps to Make Pepper Steak

This delicious pepper steak recipe comes together relatively easily with just a few steps.

1. Season the Steak: In a large bowl, toss together the steak, all purpose seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper until well combined.
2. Sear the Steak: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the steak and sear on all sides for 3 to 5 minutes, until browned. This helps lock in the fat and juicy flavor.
3. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and browning seasoning. Pour the mixture into the skillet.

4. Add the Peppers and Onions: Stir in the peppers and onions and add water, if needed to ensure that the steak is covered completely.
5. Cook the Pepper Steak: Cover the skillet and simmer on low for 20 minutes. Check the liquid level and add more water, if needed, to ensure that the steak is covered. Stir in the adobo, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Cook covered for 15 minutes, then whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Pour the slurry into the pan and mix until combined. Simmer covered for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the meat is tender. (For a total simmer time of 45 minutes.)

Serve the pepper steak with mashed potatoes, a bed of rice (white or brown rice), or noodles.

Recipe Tips

1. Slice your steak into thin strips: If you want your steak to be tender, you’ll want to make sure you slice your meat into thin slices so it cooks evenly.
2. Nail your cornstarch slurry: A cornstarch slurry is a thickening agent used to make a gravy! Mix your cornstarch with cold water and whisk quickly, and pour your slurry into your gravy slowly.
3. Simmer low and slow: This is dish that takes time to ensure the flavors combine, but the steps are easy! After just 45 minutes to an hour on the stove, you will have tender juicy steak and delicious bell pepper strips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage: Store leftover pepper steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dish tastes even better the next day when the flavors have a chance to meld.

Reheat: For optimal flavor and texture, reheat on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture and prevent sticking.

Prep Ahead: You can prepare the beef and chopped vegetables in advance. Simply marinate the beef in the fridge for 2-3 days, then cook everything together when you’re ready to serve.

Freezing: While the texture of vegetables might change slightly upon thawing, you can freeze leftover pepper steak in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Did you make this? Please leave a review below and tag me on Instagram, Tiktok, or Pinterest!