Go Back
Pepper steak with tender sliced ribeye, sautéed peppers and onions in rich tomato beef sauce served over white basmati rice

Pepper Steak

Easy pepper steak with tender ribeye, sautéed bell peppers and onions in a rich tomato beef sauce. Ready in 35 minutes with simple ingredients.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired
Calories: 531

Ingredients
  

  • 2 to 2.5 lbs Ribeye steaks, sliced into thin strips Sirloin or flank steak work well too
  • To taste Salt and black pepper
  • 2 tbsp All-purpose flour
  • 3 tbsp Avocado oil For high-heat cooking
  • 2 small Onions, sliced into thin semi-circles
  • 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 tsp Paprika
  • 0.25 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 0.25 tsp White pepper
  • 3 medium-large Bell peppers, cored and thinly sliced Red, yellow, or green work well
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 5 tbsp Tomato paste
  • 0.5 cup Beef stock or broth
  • As needed Rice or favorite side dish, for serving White basmati rice recommended
  • For garnish Chopped green onions or fresh parsley

Equipment

  • Large Heavy-Bottom Skillet or Cast-Iron Pan (12 inches or wider)
  • Large bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula

Method
 

  1. Add the sliced steak to a large bowl. Sprinkle over a couple of good pinches of salt and black pepper, then sprinkle the flour over top. Toss everything together to coat the meat well, making sure each piece is evenly covered.
  2. Place a large heavy-bottom skillet or cast-iron pan (12 inches or wider) over medium-high heat and add 2 to 3 tablespoons of avocado oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the beef in batches and sear quickly for about 2 minutes until browned on the outside but still rare on the inside. Don't overcrowd the pan. Remove the seared beef to a clean plate and repeat with remaining batches.
  3. Add a touch more oil to the same pan, then add the sliced onions and sauté for about 10 minutes until softened and golden-brown. You'll notice them becoming caramelized at the edges. Add another pinch of salt and black pepper, plus the Italian seasoning, paprika, smoked paprika, and white pepper. Stir to combine and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the sliced bell peppers to the pan with the onions and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften yet still maintain a slight crispness. Add the minced garlic and stir just until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  5. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about 30 seconds to remove the raw flavor. Then stir in the beef stock or broth to create the sauce. Check the seasoning and add additional salt and pepper if needed. The sauce should taste well-balanced with savory depth.
  6. Add the seared steak back into the pan and stir to combine. Simmer for just 30 seconds to 1 minute to warm the steak through and allow the sauce to coat every piece.
  7. Serve the pepper steak over white rice or your favorite side dish. Garnish with chopped fresh green onions or parsley for brightness and freshness.

Notes

Pro tips: Use a large cast-iron skillet (12 inches or wider) for best sear and heat distribution. Sear steak quickly on high heat for medium-rare texture, do not overcook. Cook bell peppers just until crisp-tender to preserve color and texture. Add pressed garlic to cooking water for rice flavor enhancement. Store in airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently over low heat with splash of beef broth. Great for meal prep and freezes well for 2 to 3 months.