15-Minute Skillet Pepper Steak

If you’re short on time but still crave a hearty and flavorful meal, this 15-Minute Skillet Pepper Steak recipe is your new go-to dinner. Enjoy a flavorful 15-Minute Skillet Pepper Steak recipe that’s fast, easy, and perfect for busy weeknight dinners. Packed with tender strips of steak, crunchy bell peppers, and a savory sauce, this dish comes together quickly without sacrificing any taste or satisfaction. It’s a dinner that feels like a treat but cooks like a convenience food, offering the best of both worlds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Lightning-fast cooking: Ready in just 15 minutes, it fits perfectly into any busy schedule without stress.
• Vibrant flavors: The combination of juicy steak and fresh bell peppers creates a mouthwatering harmony of tastes.
• Simple ingredients: Uses pantry basics and fresh produce that you probably already have on hand.
• Healthy and balanced: A great mix of protein and veggies to keep you energized and satisfied.
• Versatile and customizable: Easily adapted to suit various tastes, dietary needs, or ingredient availability.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up this 15-Minute Skillet Pepper Steak, you only need a handful of key ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture, ensuring that every bite is a delight.

• Flank steak or sirloin: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender texture.
• Bell peppers: Use a mix of colors like red, green, and yellow for sweetness and crunch.
• Garlic and onion: The aromatic foundation that adds depth and warmth to the sauce.
• Soy sauce: Brings a savory, umami boost that ties the whole dish together.
• Beef broth: Adds rich flavor and a bit of moisture to keep the steak juicy.
• Cornstarch: Used as a thickening agent to create that perfect glossy sauce.
• Olive oil or vegetable oil: For searing the steak and sautéing the veggies quickly.
• Black pepper and salt: Essential seasonings to enhance natural flavors and add some spice.

Variations for 15-Minute Skillet Pepper Steak

This recipe is like a blank canvas waiting for your personal touch. Feel free to mix and match ingredients according to your pantry, dietary preferences, or cravings. It’s super easy to tweak without losing the essence of the dish.

• Swap the steak: Use chicken breast or tofu slices for a different protein option.
• Add heat: Toss in some sliced jalapeños or chili flakes to give the dish a spicy kick.
• Vegetable upgrades: Stir in mushrooms, snap peas, or broccoli florets to boost nutrition and color.
• Gluten-free version: Replace soy sauce with tamari and verify all other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Flavor twists: Add fresh ginger or a splash of sesame oil for an Asian-inspired flair.

How to Make 15-Minute Skillet Pepper Steak

Step 1: Prep your ingredients

Thinly slice the steak against the grain to ensure tenderness. Cut bell peppers into uniform strips, finely chop garlic and onions, and measure out your liquids so everything is ready to go before you heat the pan.

Step 2: Sear the steak

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then quickly sear the steak strips just until browned but not fully cooked, about 2 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside to maintain the juicy texture.

Step 3: Sauté vegetables

In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed, then sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant and softened. Toss in the bell peppers and cook for another 3 minutes until they’re crisp-tender but still vibrant.

Step 4: Create the sauce and combine

Return the steak to the skillet. Mix soy sauce, beef broth, and cornstarch together, then pour over the steak and veggies. Stir constantly as the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Final seasoning and serve

Finish with freshly cracked black pepper, adjust salt if needed, and give it a final toss. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the perfect blend of flavors and textures.

Pro Tips for Making 15-Minute Skillet Pepper Steak

• Thin slices matter: Slicing steak thinly ensures it cooks quickly and remains tender.
• High heat is your friend: Use medium-high heat to sear without steaming the meat.
• Don’t overcrowd: Cook steak batches if needed to keep everything browning nicely instead of boiling.
• Pre-measure your sauce: Mixing the sauce ingredients in advance speeds up the cooking process.
• Fresh pepper finish: Adding cracked black pepper last keeps the flavor bright and sharp.

How to Serve 15-Minute Skillet Pepper Steak

Garnishes

Fresh chopped green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds bring color and a slight crunch, boosting both taste and presentation effortlessly.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up all the delicious sauce, plus a light side salad or steamed greens to add freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this pepper steak over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb option. You could also wrap it in lettuce cups for an easy hand-held meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover pepper steak in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it a great next-day lunch.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if stored in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. To keep texture intact, freeze in portions and use within 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave on medium power, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce’s consistency without drying out the steak.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! Sirloin, ribeye, or even skirt steak work well as long as you slice them thinly to match the quick cooking time.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be by swapping regular soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos and ensuring your beef broth is gluten-free.

How spicy is this dish?

By default, the pepper steak has a mild black pepper heat, but you can easily adjust the spice by adding chili flakes or fresh chilies.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

You can slice the ingredients and prepare the sauce in advance, but it’s best to cook just before serving for the freshest taste and texture.

What can I serve instead of rice?

Try quinoa, mashed potatoes, noodles, or even crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce as excellent alternatives.

Final Thoughts

When you need a meal that’s quick but still delivers big on taste, the 15-Minute Skillet Pepper Steak is unbeatable. It’s the perfect balance of tender steak, colorful veggies, and a savory glaze, all wrapped up in a speedy, straightforward cooking process. Give it a try and watch it become one of your favorite weeknight heroes in the kitchen!

Related Posts

• Cranberry and Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts
• Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Taquitos
• Spicy Chicken Meatballs

Print