Pepper steak is the ultimate comfort food that’s bold in flavor yet simple to prepare. This deliciously rich dish is a perfect blend of tender beef, sautéed bell peppers, and onions, all simmered in a flavorful sauce that’s perfect when served over fluffy white rice.
Growing up, one of my go-to meals was a microwaveable pepper steak over rice. The boxed “Budget Gourmet Pepper Steak” would come in handy for quick meals, and surprisingly, it was pretty tasty for a frozen dinner. Despite not being the biggest fan of bell peppers back then, I could always count on the savory sauce to make the dish irresistible.
These days, I prefer making my pepper steak from scratch, and I love it even more! The homemade version has so much more flavor and depth, and nothing beats the aroma of fresh ingredients cooking in your own kitchen.
How to Make Pepper Steak from Scratch
For my homemade pepper steak, I use high-quality ingredients to keep it simple yet flavorful. I opt for grass-fed ribeye steak because it’s incredibly tender and has a rich, beefy flavor. The vibrant bell peppers and onions add that perfect balance of sweetness and savory spice.
The sauce is rich with tomato paste, beef stock, and a mix of spices like smoked paprika, sweet paprika, and freshly ground black pepper. The result is a juicy, saucy dish that pairs perfectly with white rice.
Here’s how to prep this mouthwatering meal:
- Sear the Steak: Start by searing thinly sliced ribeye steak in a hot cast-iron skillet. This step locks in the flavors and gives the meat a beautiful brown crust, while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
- Sauté the Vegetables: After removing the steak, sauté onions until golden brown, then add in bell peppers and cook until tender-crisp. The spices and garlic bring out all the best flavors in these vegetables.
- Create the Sauce: Whisk in tomato paste and beef stock to create a savory sauce. Once thickened, add the steak back into the pan and simmer for a minute to heat everything through and let the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Spoon this delicious mixture over a bed of white rice or your favorite side dish, and garnish with fresh green onions or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Recipe Highlights:
- Tender Beef: Using ribeye steak ensures a melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor.
- Bold Veggies: Bell peppers and onions bring a burst of color and sweetness that complement the savory beef.
- Flavorful Sauce: Tomato paste, beef stock, and aromatic spices create a deep, savory sauce.
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 35 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
Pepper Steak Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 to 2 ½ pounds ribeye steak, thinly sliced into strips
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2-3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 2 small onions, sliced
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
- 3 bell peppers (green, red, or yellow), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 tablespoons tomato paste
- ½ cup beef stock or broth
- Rice or preferred side dish, for serving
- Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Steak: Season the thinly sliced steak with salt, pepper, and flour. Toss to coat.
- Sear the Beef: Heat avocado oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the steak in batches for about 2 minutes per side, just until browned. Remove the steak from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the Onions and Peppers: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the onions for about 10 minutes until golden brown, then add the spices and sliced bell peppers. Cook for a couple more minutes until the peppers are tender-crisp. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in the tomato paste and beef stock. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
- Combine and Serve: Add the steak back into the skillet and stir to combine. Simmer for 30 seconds to 1 minute to warm through. Serve over rice, and garnish with green onions or parsley.
Tips for Perfect Pepper Steak:
- Pan Choice: A large, heavy-bottomed pan works best, especially cast iron, to quickly sear the beef without overcooking it.
- Steak Choices: Ribeye gives the dish a rich, tender texture, but you can also use sirloin or flank steak for a leaner option.
- Pepper Variations: Green bell peppers add a savory flavor, but you can use a mix of red and yellow peppers for sweetness and added color.
- Rice Alternatives: While white rice is a classic, you can opt for basmati, brown rice, quinoa, or couscous for variety.
This pepper steak is packed with flavor and sure to become a family favorite. The tender beef and savory sauce combined with vibrant peppers make for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is delicious!
Enjoy your homemade pepper steak and savor every bite!