Pepper Steak with Onions and Bell Peppers – A Quick and Flavorful Dinner
- Author: therecipemingle
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Category: 531 (pepper steak only)
- 2 to 2 ½ pounds ribeye steaks, sliced into thin strips
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2–3 tablespoons avocado oil (or preferred cooking oil)
- 2 small onions, halved and thinly sliced into semi-circles
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- 3 medium-large bell peppers, cored and thinly sliced (about 3 cups)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup beef stock or broth
- Cooked rice (or your favorite side dish)
- Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish
1️⃣ Prep the Steak:
- Add the sliced steak to a large bowl. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
- Sprinkle the flour over the steak and toss to coat evenly.
2️⃣ Sear the Steak:
- Heat a large heavy-bottom skillet (or cast iron pan) over medium-high heat.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of oil. Once hot, sear the steak in batches for about 2 minutes per batch until browned on the outside (medium-rare or medium at most).
- Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
3️⃣ Cook the Onions and Peppers:
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed.
- Sauté the onions over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and golden-brown.
- Add a pinch of salt and black pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, smoked paprika, and white pepper. Stir to combine.
- Stir in the bell peppers and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they soften slightly but remain crisp. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4️⃣ Make the Sauce:
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 30 seconds to remove its raw flavor.
- Pour in the beef stock and stir to combine, creating a flavorful sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
5️⃣ Combine and Serve:
- Return the seared steak to the skillet and stir to coat in the sauce.
- Let simmer for 30 seconds to 1 minute to warm through.
- Serve the pepper steak over rice (or your preferred side) and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley.
Notes
- Best pan for the job: A cast-iron skillet works great for this recipe as it retains heat well, giving you a perfect sear on the steak.
- Steak options: Ribeye is tender and flavorful, but sirloin or flank steak works well too.
- Pepper variety: Green bell peppers add a savory note, while red, yellow, or orange bring sweetness and vibrant color. Mix and match to your preference.
- Side options: While white rice is a classic pairing, basmati rice, brown rice, quinoa, or couscous are excellent alternatives.