Skillet Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onions
This colorful skillet pepper steak features tender strips of beef sautéed with vibrant bell peppers and onions in a savory soy-ginger sauce. This chinese-inspired beef ready in about 35 minutes pairs sliced into 1/2-inch strips flank steak, soy sauce, beef broth for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, sliced into 1/2-inch strips flank steak
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips red bell pepper
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips green bell pepper
- 1 medium, sliced into thin strips yellow bell pepper
- 1 medium, sliced into thin half-moons yellow onion
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp, minced fresh ginger
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 stalks, thinly sliced for garnish green onions
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/3 cup beef broth, and 1 tbsp cornstarch until smooth; set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb sliced flank steak and 1/2 tsp black pepper, sauté for 3-4 minutes until browned but still tender, then transfer steak to a plate.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 1 sliced medium red bell pepper, 1 sliced medium green bell pepper, 1 sliced medium yellow bell pepper, and 1 sliced medium yellow onion; cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Step 5: Return the cooked steak to the skillet and pour in the prepared soy sauce mixture. Stir constantly and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the steak and vegetables.
- Step 6: Drizzle 1 tsp sesame oil over the dish and toss gently to combine. Garnish with 2 thinly sliced green onions before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Skillet Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onions take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Skillet Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onions?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep soy sauce from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Skillet Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onions?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Skillet Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onions for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Skillet Pepper Steak with Bell Peppers and Onions?
Chinese beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
