Flavorful Pepper Steak
Flavorful Pepper Steak is a quick and easy weeknight dish featuring tender strips of beef sirloin or flank steak cooked in a savory, peppery sauce with vibrant bell peppers and onions. This recipe delivers bold, restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort, combining lean protein with fresh vegetables for a nutritious and satisfying meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy days, meal prep, or impressing guests with a delicious pepper-forward steak dish.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with appropriate substitutions)
Beef and Marinade
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 to 1.5 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Cooking and Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup beef broth or stock (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- water (to mix with cornstarch, if using)
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness. Thinly slice the red and green bell peppers, onion, and mince the garlic. Having all ingredients prepped makes the cooking process quick and smooth.
- Marinate the Steak: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss the steak strips in this mixture and let sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors while you prepare the vegetables.
- Sear the Beef: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak in batches to avoid overcrowding. Sear each side until a caramelized crust forms but the inside remains juicy. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the onions and bell peppers until softened but still slightly crisp. Add the minced garlic last and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the seared steak to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes to meld flavors and reduce slightly. If a thicker sauce is desired, mix cornstarch with cold water and stir in gradually until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
- Final Touches: Adjust seasoning with extra black pepper or a splash more soy sauce as needed. Serve hot to enjoy the full peppery punch and tender steak.
Notes
- Slice the steak against the grain to keep it tender and easy to chew.
- Use freshly cracked black pepper for a stronger and fresher pepper flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing to ensure a nice crust rather than steaming.
- Simmer the sauce to concentrate and blend all the flavors beautifully.
- Adjust the pepper gradually to control spice level according to your taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: pepper steak, quick dinner, spicy beef, weeknight recipe, gluten-free steak, stir-fry steak, beef and peppers