The Easy Pepper Steak Recipe is a quick, satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners. When you crave something savory and colorful without spending too much time in the kitchen, this recipe really hits the spot. You’ll appreciate the tender slices of steak paired with crisp, vibrant bell peppers all coated in a glossy, flavorful sauce.
Jump to:
Why You’ll Love This
This recipe balances rich, tender beef with the fresh crunch of bell peppers, creating a dish that’s both hearty and bright. The simple soy-based marinade enhances natural flavors without overpowering, making it approachable for cooks of all skill levels.
- Reliable Texture, Great Flavor: The steak stays juicy and tender when sliced against the grain and quickly seared.
- Crisp–Golden Finish: Bell peppers and onions get just tender-crisp, offering a fresh contrast that keeps the dish lively.
- Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: Staples like soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic mean you can whip this up anytime without special trips.
- Weeknight Easy, Weekend Worthy: In about 30 minutes, you’ll have a satisfying meal that feels special yet effortless.
Ingredient Snapshot
The heart of this Easy Pepper Steak Recipe lies in choosing fresh, quality ingredients that bring out the best flavors while keeping prep simple. You’ll want tender steak, fresh crunchy peppers, and a balanced sauce that caramelizes just right.
- Flank Steak: Choose well-marbled and slice thinly against the grain for tenderness.
- Bell Peppers: Mix colors like red, green, and yellow for a visually appealing dish and varied sweetness.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Controls saltiness so you can balance with brown sugar without overpowering flavors.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness that caramelizes beautifully when cooked.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Make Easy Pepper Steak Recipe
Step 1 — Set Up & Season
First, slice your flank steak thinly, cutting directly against the grain. This step is crucial for tenderness, so take your time. Then, get your bell peppers and onion sliced into thin strips or rings. Next, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and cornstarch in a bowl to make the marinade. Toss the steak in this mixture and let it soak in those flavors for at least 15 minutes—you’ll notice the meat starts to glisten with the marinade, signaling it’s ready to cook.
Step 2 — Sear, Toast, or Mix
Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add the marinated steak in batches—crowding the pan will steam rather than sear, so work in portions. You want a nice, browned crust on the beef; this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Once the steak is browned, remove it and set aside. In the same pan, toss in your bell peppers and onions. Sauté them just until they’re tender-crisp, around 3 to 4 minutes—you’ll hear that satisfying sizzle and smell the sweet aroma of caramelizing peppers, which always makes me hungry! This step keeps those veggies bright and fresh, so don’t overcook.
Step 3 — Finish for Best Texture
Return the cooked steak to the skillet along with any remaining marinade. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2 minutes or so. You’ll want the sauce to thicken and coat the beef and veggies with a glossy finish. Watch for the beef to be cooked through but still tender—overcooking can make it tough. When the sauce clings beautifully and the aroma fills your kitchen, it’s time to plate your dish hot over rice or noodles.
Smart Little Tips
From my years of making this Easy Pepper Steak Recipe, I've learned the magic is really in timing and slicing—get those slices thin and never skip the marinade. You’ll save prep time and enjoy way better texture.
- Doneness Cue: The beef turns a rich brown and feels just springy to the touch when ready.
- Temperature Trick: Use medium-high heat for a quick sear that locks in juices without drying.
- Make-Ahead Move: Marinate the steak up to 2 hours ahead to deepen flavor and cut last-minute prep stress.
- Avoid This Pitfall: Don’t overcrowd the pan or the meat will steam instead of getting that lovely browned crust.
Serving Ideas
Finishing Touches
A sprinkle of freshly chopped scallions or a few toasted sesame seeds on top really take this Easy Pepper Steak Recipe to the next level—adding a subtle crunch and fresh zing. Serve it steaming hot to enjoy that glossy sauce at its best.
Pair It With
I love pairing this steak with fluffy jasmine rice or buttery noodles—the mild starch balances the bold sauce perfectly. A simple side of steamed broccoli or snap peas adds color and crisp texture to round out the plate.
Easy Plating Upgrades
For casual weeknights, serve family-style right from the pan with a colorful serving bowl of rice. When you want to impress, plate it neatly with pepper strips fanned out, scatter fresh herbs, or drizzle a light chili oil for a pop of heat and color.
Make-Ahead, Store & Reheat
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container to keep the flavors locked in. This Easy Pepper Steak Recipe stays great in the fridge for up to 3 days. You’ll find the steak softens a bit more overnight, and the veggies may lose some crunch, but it’s still tasty.
Freezing Tips
This dish freezes well if packed tightly in a freezer-safe container or bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture. The sauce might separate slightly, but a quick stir when reheating brings it back together nicely without losing any of the bold flavor.
Reheating Easy Pepper Steak Recipe Without Drying Out
Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce’s moisture. If using a microwave, cover and heat in short bursts, stirring between, to keep the beef tender and veggies crisp. The air fryer can crisp edges but watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Flank steak is great for its thin slices but sirloin or skirt steak work well too. Just slice thinly against the grain to keep it tender.
A minimum of 15 minutes does the trick, but marinating up to 2 hours deepens the flavor without changing the texture too much.
Yes, just substitute the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and double-check your other ingredients for hidden gluten.
It pairs beautifully with steamed rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Simple sides like stir-fried veggies or a fresh green salad are great for balance.
Final Thoughts
PrintPrint Recipe
Easy Pepper Steak Recipe
This Easy Pepper Steak recipe features tender strips of flank steak sautéed with colorful bell peppers and onions in a savory garlic soy sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner perfect served over rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Beef and Marinade
- 1 lb flank steak, sliced thinly against the grain
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced into rings or half-moons
Other
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Slice Steak: Slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips to ensure tenderness and prepare the bell peppers and onion by slicing them thinly.
- Make Marinade and Marinate: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and cornstarch. Add the sliced steak to this mixture and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Cook Steak: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated steak in batches for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove the cooked steak from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until they are tender-crisp but still vibrant.
- Combine and Finish Cooking: Return the cooked steak and any leftover marinade to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve: Serve the pepper steak hot over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce for regular soy sauce.
- You can use sirloin or ribeye steak as alternatives to flank steak.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the brown sugar to 1 teaspoon.
- Make sure to slice the steak against the grain to keep it tender.
- Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
Leave a Reply