If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, mouthwatering dish that’s as simple as it is satisfying, this Steak with Peppers and Onions Recipe might just become your new weeknight superstar. Imagine tender, juicy slices of flank steak, perfectly seared and coated in a glossy, flavorful sauce, mingling with sweet, crisp bell peppers and gently caramelized onions. Every bite bursts with a harmonious blend of savory, sweet, and slightly tangy notes that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds). It’s a straightforward recipe that never compromises on taste, guaranteed to brighten up any dinner table with its colorful presentation and irresistible aroma.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is a breeze with this recipe, and each one plays a crucial role in creating its distinctive balance of flavors and textures. From the soy sauce’s savory depth to the fresh zing of ginger, every component is essential.
- Soy sauce: Provides the salty, umami backbone that ties the dish together beautifully.
- Low sodium beef broth (or water): Adds moisture and subtle richness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Brown sugar: Balances the savory elements with a gentle sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a luscious, clingy consistency that coats every tender steak strip.
- Garlic (minced): Injects aromatic warmth and a touch of pungency for depth.
- Fresh ginger (minced): Offers a bright, slightly spicy note that lifts the whole dish.
- Oil: For searing – it’s key to developing that gorgeous caramelization on both veggies and meat.
- White onion: Brings a subtle sweetness and texture contrast when cooked just right.
- Red bell pepper: Adds vibrant color and natural sweetness to the dish.
- Green bell pepper: Provides a slight bitterness and fresh crunch to balance the red peppers.
- Flank steak: The star protein, thinly sliced to ensure tenderness and quick cooking.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasoning essentials that elevate the steak’s natural flavor.
How to Make Steak with Peppers and Onions Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce
Start by mixing the soy sauce, beef broth (or water), brown sugar, cornstarch, minced garlic, and ginger in a small bowl. This sauce combines sweet, salty, and aromatic elements, creating the perfect glaze that will coat the steak and veggies later on. Setting it aside now means it’s ready to go once your pan heats up, making the cooking flow effortlessly smooth.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Heat one tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet, then toss in the onions and both red and green bell peppers. Cook them for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring often until they soften and develop golden, slightly charred edges. Cooking the peppers and onions separately first ensures they hold their texture and vibrant colors without getting mushy. Once done, slide them onto a plate and keep them close — you’ll bring them back to life in the final step.
Step 3: Sear the Steak
Season your thinly sliced flank steak generously with salt and pepper. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet and turn the heat up a notch. Add the steak slices in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, and let them sizzle for 2 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want beautiful browning on the outside while keeping the steak juicy on the inside — that’s where all the flavor lives.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Return the cooked peppers and onions to the pan with the steak. Give your sauce mixture a quick whisk to lift any settled cornstarch, then pour it over everything. Stir gently to coat the ingredients, and let the whole mixture simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. This step thickens the sauce so it clings to the steak and veggies, bringing their flavors together in a shiny, irresistible glaze.
Step 5: Serve it Up
Once the sauce has thickened and everything is beautifully combined, it’s time to dish up! Serve your Steak with Peppers and Onions Recipe piping hot over steamed rice or noodles, or even wrapped in a warm tortilla for a fun twist. Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or sliced green onions if you want to jazz it up even further. This dish is all about bold flavors and easy satisfaction.
How to Serve Steak with Peppers and Onions Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes is a simple way to elevate the look and flavor of your dish. Try tossing on some toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch or sliced green onions to add a fresh, mildly sharp contrast. A drizzle of sriracha or a squeeze of lime can introduce a tantalizing zest that wakes up the palate even more.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs perfectly with fluffy steamed rice or silky noodles to soak up all the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp mixed greens salad or roasted vegetables. If you want to embrace a fun hand-held concept, wrapping the steak with peppers and onions in warm tortillas also makes for a crowd-pleasing taco-style meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can turn dinner into an experience. Try serving the steak mixture family-style in a large skillet right at the table to invite sharing and conversation. You might also layer the steak and veggies on toasted baguette slices for quick crostini appetizers. For a richer option, pile it over creamy mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes to mix sweet and savory in every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover steak with peppers and onions tastes just as good the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce nice and thick helps keep the steak juicy and the veggies tender after reheating.
Freezing
If you want to save the dish for longer, freezing works well too. Place cooled portions in meal-sized airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Frozen, the dish will keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the flavors and textures as best as possible.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through to avoid drying out the steak. You can also microwave it, but care should be taken to heat in short bursts to keep the meat tender. Adding a splash of water or broth before reheating can help loosen the sauce and bring back that fresh-from-the-pan deliciousness.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for its tenderness and ability to soak up flavors, sirloin or skirt steak are great alternatives. Just be sure to slice against the grain thinly for the best texture.
How spicy is this Steak with Peppers and Onions Recipe?
This recipe is naturally mild and well balanced in flavor, but you can always amp up the heat with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce if you prefer a spicier kick.
Can I prepare this dish vegetarian or vegan?
To make a vegetarian or vegan version, swap the flank steak for thinly sliced tofu, tempeh, or seitan. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and make sure your soy sauce is vegan-friendly. The flavors will stay rich and satisfying!
Is it better to cook the steak quickly or slowly?
For this recipe, quickly searing the steak over medium-high heat is key to developing great flavor while keeping the meat juicy and tender. Slow cooking would make the thin slices tough and dry.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute and confirm the beef broth is gluten-free. Cornstarch is naturally gluten-free as well, so this dish can easily fit gluten-free dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
This Steak with Peppers and Onions Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug in every bite—comforting, vibrant, and packed with flavor. It’s straightforward to prepare but full of personality, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself coming back to it again and again because some recipes are just too good to forget.
Print
Steak with Peppers and Onions Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Asian Fusion
Description
This quick and flavorful steak with peppers and onions stir-fry combines tender flank steak with vibrant bell peppers and onions in a savory soy-ginger sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, it’s ready in just 30 minutes and can be served over rice, noodles, or wrapped in a tortilla for a versatile and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup low sodium beef broth (or water)
- 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- 3/4-inch piece ginger, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
Vegetables
- 1/2 medium white onion, peeled and cut into strips or diced
- 1 large red bell pepper, cored and cut into thin strips or chunks
- 1 large green bell pepper, cored and cut into thin strips or chunks
Steak
- 1 1/4 pounds flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other
- 2 tablespoons oil (divided)
Instructions
- Make the sauce: Whisk together the soy sauce, low sodium beef broth or water, brown sugar, cornstarch, minced garlic, and minced ginger in a small bowl. Set aside so the sauce is ready to use when the pan is hot.
- Cook the veggies: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and both bell peppers, stir-frying for 6 to 8 minutes until the vegetables are just tender and developing golden edges. Remove from the skillet and keep warm on a plate nearby.
- Sear the steak: Season the sliced flank steak with salt and pepper. Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet, increase the heat slightly if needed, and add the steak in a single layer without overcrowding. Stir-fry for 2 to 4 minutes until browned on the outside and cooked through but still juicy.
- Bring it together: Return the cooked peppers and onions to the skillet. Whisk the sauce again to reincorporate the cornstarch settled at the bottom, then pour it into the skillet. Stir everything well and allow it to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats all the ingredients with a glossy finish.
- Serve it up: Serve the steak with peppers and onions immediately over steamed rice, noodles, or wrapped in a tortilla for a fun twist. Optionally, garnish with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Thinly slice the flank steak against the grain for the most tender bites.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking the steak; cook in batches if necessary.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a bit more cornstarch dissolved in water.
- Feel free to swap out flank steak with sirloin or skirt steak for similar results.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor; leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated.
