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Easy Pepper Steak made with tender beef, bell peppers, and onion simmered in a flavorful brown sauce, served in a blue skillet with white rice on the side.
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Classic Pepper Steak

This Classic Pepper Steak recipe combines tender strips of beef, colorful bell peppers, and onion in a rich, savory sauce with Asian-inspired flavor. Serve it over fluffy white rice for a comforting, nostalgic meal.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4
Calories: 322kcal

Ingredients

  • pounds round steak or top sirloin thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 tablespoon paprika (regular, not smoked)
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil divided
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger or ginger paste
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • cup low sodium beef broth
  • ¼ cup less sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 medium bell peppers thinly sliced (green + red is ideal)
  • 1 cup thinly sliced yellow onion
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • Cooked white rice for serving, optional

Instructions

  • Place the steak on a cutting board, cover with plastic wrap, and lightly pound with the textured side of a meat mallet to lightly tenderize it. Slice it thinly (about ¼-inch) against the grain into 2-inch strips. Place the beef in a bowl, sprinkle with the paprika, and toss to coat.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over MEDIUM-HIGH heat. Add half the beef in a single layer and cook until browned. Use kitchen tongs or a slotted spoon to transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining beef.
  • Reduce the heat to LOW and add the garlic, ginger, and tomato paste to the oil left behind in the empty skillet. Cook, stirring, for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the beef broth, soy sauce, sugar, and black pepper and stir to combine. Return the beef and any accumulated juices to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to LOW, cover, and cook for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
  • Add the bell peppers and onion. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until crisp-tender.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water. Add to the skillet and cook, stirring, until the sauce has thickened. Remove from the heat.
  • Serve over rice if desired.

Notes

Nutrition calculation does not include rice.
Storage
Refrigerate: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if needed to loosen the sauce. Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave in 30-second increments until warmed through.

Nutrition

Calories: 322kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 89mg | Sodium: 436mg | Potassium: 942mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 2788IU | Vitamin C: 81mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 4mg