
Introduction to Easy Pepper Steak
Welcome to the world of Easy Pepper Steak, where flavor meets simplicity! I know how hectic life can be—especially for busy moms and professionals trying to balance work and family. You’re often seeking meals that are quick yet satisfying, right? This dish is just that! In under an hour, you can whip up a tender, flavorful meal that’s bound to impress your loved ones. Picture juicy slices of beef partnered with vibrant bell peppers, all swimming in a savory sauce. It’s comfort food that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum delight!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Pepper Steak
This Easy Pepper Steak is a dream come true for anyone short on time! With its quick prep and cook times, you can create a meal the whole family will love in just about an hour. The combination of tender beef and colorful peppers bathed in a delicious sauce makes it not just easy but incredibly tasty. It’s the perfect dinner choice for busy nights—you’ll wonder how you lived without it!
Ingredients for Easy Pepper Steak
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating a scrumptious Easy Pepper Steak! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Beef Steak: Choose a tender cut, like sirloin or flank steak, sliced into strips. This adds juicy flavor.
- All Purpose Seasoning: A blend of herbs and spices enhances taste. You can use your favorite brand or make your own.
- Garlic Powder: This adds a warm, savory touch. Fresh garlic can substitute, but it may require more prep.
- Onion Powder: A great flavor booster that complements the beef and peppers. It blends in well.
- Salt & Black Pepper: These basic seasonings elevate the dish. A dash of each goes a long way!
- Neutral Oil: For searing the steak, choose an oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil.
- Low Sodium Broth: Use chicken or beef broth for the base of the sauce. It keeps the dish savory without too much salt.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce: This adds depth to the marinade and sauce. You can opt for tamari if you’re gluten-free.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A blend of flavors that kick up the umami factor. A few drops make all the difference!
- Browning Seasoning: This burnt sugar sauce gives the dish a rich color and a hint of sweetness.
- Bell Peppers: Either red or green, these vibrant veggies brighten the meal. They add crunch and sweetness.
- Sliced Onion: Onions provide sweetness and a bit of crunch when cooked. Use yellow or white varieties.
- Adobo Seasoning: A flavorful spice mix that adds warmth. It can be replaced with taco seasoning if desired.
- Cornstarch: A key ingredient for thickening the sauce, giving it that perfect texture.
- Cold Water: Helps mix the cornstarch to create a smooth slurry. This is essential for achieving the right consistency.
For precise quantities, don’t hesitate to check the bottom of the article where you’ll find a handy printable recipe! Happy cooking!
How to Make Easy Pepper Steak
Are you ready to dive into the delicious world of Easy Pepper Steak? Let’s break it down into manageable steps. This is where the magic happens! Follow along, and soon you’ll be savoring a delightful meal that didn’t take all day to prepare.
Prepare the Steak
Start by prepping your beef steak! In a large bowl, toss the sliced steak strips with all-purpose seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Don’t be shy—get those hands in there and mix well! This coats every piece of meat in flavor. If you have time, marinating overnight will elevate the taste even more.
Sear the Steak
Next, heat up a tablespoon of neutral oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, it’s go time! Carefully add the seasoned steak strips to the skillet. Let them sizzle for 3 to 5 minutes. Remember, each flip helps achieve that perfect deep brown crust that brings out the flavor.
Whisk the Sauce
While the steak sears, let’s move on to the sauce! In a small bowl, whisk together your choice of low sodium chicken or beef broth, low sodium soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and browning seasoning. This flavor-packed mixture will boost the dish significantly. It’s all about depth and richness here!
Combine Ingredients
Once your steak is beautifully seared, pour that delightful sauce mixture right over it in the skillet. Toss in the sliced bell peppers and onions. Give everything a good stir! If things look a little dry, add a splash of water to make sure the steak is just covered. This will keep everything tender and juicy.
Simmer to Perfection
Now it’s time for the slow dance of flavors. Cover the skillet and let it simmer over low heat for 20 minutes. Peek in every so often to check the liquid level. If you see it getting low, don’t hesitate to add more water. We want all that steak submerged for maximum tenderness!
Thicken the Sauce
After the simmering time, stir in the adobo seasoning, additional garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. No one likes a bland dish! Cover and let it cook for another 15 minutes. Time to thicken up the sauce!
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until it’s a smooth slurry. Pour it into the skillet while stirring continuously to combine. In just 10 to 15 minutes, the sauce should thicken beautifully, and your Easy Pepper Steak will be fork-tender and ready for devouring!
Tips for Success
- Marinate your steak overnight for intense flavor.
- Slice steak against the grain for more tender bites.
- Use fresh bell peppers for added crunch and color.
- Adjust seasoning levels to suit your family’s taste buds.
- Have all your ingredients prepped before starting to cook.
Equipment Needed for Easy Pepper Steak
- Large Skillet: A heavy-bottomed skillet works best for even searing. A non-stick pan is a great alternative.
- Mixing Bowls: Use one for seasoning the steak and another for whisking the sauce.
- Whisk: Essential for blending your sauce ingredients together.
- Spatula or Tongs: Perfect for flipping and mixing the steak without causing a mess.
Variations on Easy Pepper Steak
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute beef with tempeh or tofu for a meatless version that’s equally satisfying.
- Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist that’ll wake up your taste buds.
- More Veggies: Toss in additional vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for added nutrition and color.
- Citrus Flair: Squeeze fresh lime or lemon juice over the finished dish for a bright, zesty flavor.
- Gluten-Free Sauce: Ensure that all sauces used, especially soy sauce, are labeled gluten-free, or replace it with coconut aminos.
Serving Suggestions for Easy Pepper Steak
- Serve over fluffy white or brown rice for a satisfying meal.
- Pair with steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans for a colorful plate.
- A crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette complements the savory steak.
- Enjoy with a chilled glass of green tea or lime-infused water.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or green onions for a pop of color.
FAQs about Easy Pepper Steak
Can I use different cuts of beef for Easy Pepper Steak?
Absolutely! While I love using sirloin or flank steak for their tenderness, you can also try ribeye or skirt steak. Each cut offers a unique flavor profile. Just ensure it’s sliced thinly for even cooking!
Can I make Easy Pepper Steak in advance?
You sure can! Prepare the dish ahead of time, and simply reheat it on the stove with a splash of broth. This allows the flavors to meld further, making it even more delicious the next day.
How do I store leftovers of Easy Pepper Steak?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a bit of water or broth to keep it juicy and tender.
What can I serve with Easy Pepper Steak?
Easy Pepper Steak pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or even mashed potatoes. For a healthier option, consider serving it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables!
Can I freeze Easy Pepper Steak?
Yes! This dish freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a meal prepared with love. Easy Pepper Steak not only brings flavors together but also creates moments around the dinner table that linger long after the plates are cleared.
Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend family gathering, this dish serves as a reminder that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated.
So, gather your loved ones, savor every bite, and embrace the joy that cooking at home brings! I promise, the smiles and satisfied bellies will be worth every moment spent in the kitchen.
Print
Easy Pepper Steak
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Easy Pepper Steak is a flavorful and tender dish made with sliced beef steak, bell peppers, and a savory sauce.
Ingredients
- 900 g beef steak, sliced into strips
- 1 tablespoon all purpose seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- 480 ml low sodium chicken or beef broth
- 60 ml low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon browning seasoning (burnt sugar)
- 1 cup sliced bell peppers (red or green)
- 80 g sliced onion
- Water as needed
- 1 teaspoon adobo seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 30 g cornstarch
- 60 ml cold water
Instructions
- In a large bowl, thoroughly coat steak strips with all-purpose seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned steak strips for 3–5 minutes, turning to achieve a deep brown color.
- In a small bowl, whisk together chicken or beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and browning seasoning until well blended.
- Pour the prepared liquid mixture into the skillet with steak. Stir in sliced bell peppers and onions. If necessary, add water to ensure the steak is just covered.
- Cover and simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, periodically checking liquid level and adding water if needed to keep steak submerged.
- Stir in adobo seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and additional salt and black pepper to taste. Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes over low heat.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to form a smooth slurry. Pour into the skillet, stirring constantly to combine and thicken the sauce.
- Simmer the covered skillet for 10–15 minutes or until the meat is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened to desired consistency. Total simmering time should be approximately 45 minutes.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can marinate the steak overnight.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- This dish pairs well with rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg