If you’re craving something hearty, full of bold flavors, and just downright comforting, I’ve got a treat for you. This Pepper Steak with Onion Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it brings together tender, juicy flank steak with a sweet and spicy gravy that’s perfect over creamy mashed potatoes. I remember the first time I made it – my whole family went crazy for the rich, peppery sauce and those vibrant bell peppers sizzling alongside the savory steak. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through everything to make sure your Pepper Steak with Onion turns out perfectly every time!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Blend of Sweet & Spicy: The honey and brown sugar balance the kick from freshly ground black pepper for a mouthwatering sauce.
Simple Ingredients, Stunning Flavor: You likely have most of these ingredients in your pantry, yet the result tastes like a special dinner.
Comfort Food Classic with a Twist: Served over creamy mashed potatoes, it’s a cozy meal that feels homemade and satisfying.
Great for Weeknights or Guests: Quick to prep but impressive enough to serve when company comes over.

A white bowl holds a dish with two main layers: the bottom layer is a smooth, creamy white mashed texture, slightly spread around the edges. On top, there is a colorful mix of thin strips of cooked green, red, and orange bell peppers, mixed with small pieces of brown cooked meat, all glistening with a light sauce. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, angled towards the back. The bowl sits on a black and white checkered cloth, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Pepper Steak with Onion, pepper steak recipe, savory steak with peppers, hearty beef stir-fry, easy beef and onion dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

To really nail this Pepper Steak with Onion Recipe, you want fresh, quality ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Picking a nice flank steak and crisp bell peppers will make a huge difference in flavor and texture.

Flat lay of a thick flank steak cut into a large piece, two colorful bell peppers sliced thinly, a halved onion with thin slices next to it, three small garlic cloves peeled, a small pile of fresh minced ginger, a small bowl of dark honey, a smaller bowl of packed brown sugar, a glass container of deep red wine vinegar, a small dish of dark soy sauce, a tiny cup of sesame oil, a small heap of freshly ground black pepper, a teaspoon of cornstarch powder on a white spoon, all placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Pepper Steak with Onion, pepper steak recipe, savory steak with peppers, hearty beef stir-fry, easy beef and onion dinner

Honey: Adds just the right natural sweetness to cut through the peppery heat.
Brown sugar: I prefer packed brown sugar for its richer molasses flavor that deepens the sauce.
Red wine vinegar: This gives the dish a pleasant tang that balances the richness.
Soy sauce: Look for low-sodium if you want to control salt, but it’s essential for that umami punch.
Sesame oil: Adds a toasted nutty aroma—don’t skip it even if just a tablespoon.
Freshly ground black pepper: This is where the pep comes in, so grind it fresh for best results.
Flank steak: Make sure to trim excess fat and cut thinly against the grain for tenderness.
Salt: To taste, but remember soy sauce already brings saltiness.
Vegetable oil: Divided use to sear steak and sauté veggies without overpowering flavors.
Bell peppers: Any color works but mixing red and yellow gives a beautiful pop of color and sweetness.
Onion: Thinly sliced to soften and caramelize just right alongside the peppers.
Garlic: Fresh and minced for that fragrant base flavor.
Fresh minced ginger: Gives a subtle zing and warmth that lifts the whole dish.
Cornstarch: Use this to thicken the sauce so it clings wonderfully to the steak and veggies.
Mashed potatoes: I love serving this atop a bed of creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of the sauce.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I really love about this Pepper Steak with Onion Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Don’t hesitate to tweak the heat or veggies based on what you love or have on hand.

Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to amp up the heat—my husband adores when it’s got an extra punch.
Veggie Swap: Bell peppers are great, but I’ve also tossed in mushrooms or snap peas for a fun twist.
Gluten-Free: Just swap regular soy sauce for tamari, and you’re good to go without missing a beat.
Low-Sodium: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce and cut back on added salt for a healthier version that still tastes delicious.

How to Make Pepper Steak with Onion Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by trimming the flank steak and slicing it thinly across the grain—this helps keep it tender when cooked. Next, thinly slice your bell peppers and onion. Fresh minced garlic and ginger will add so much aroma, so have those ready to go too. Measure out your honey, brown sugar, vinegar, soy sauce, and other sauce ingredients so you’re fully prepped before cooking.

Step 2: Make the Sauce Base

In a bowl, whisk together the honey, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and freshly ground black pepper. This combo creates that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. Set it aside while you get your pan ready.

Step 3: Sear the Steak

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Sear the steak strips in batches so they brown nicely without steaming. This step adds a beautiful caramelized flavor, and trust me, it makes all the difference. Once browned, transfer steak to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Veggies

In the same pan, add the remaining vegetable oil and toss in the sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes until they start to soften but still keep a bit of crunch. Then add in your minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Return the steak to the pan. Give your sauce mixture a quick stir and pour it over the meat and veggies. Mix the cornstarch with a little cold water and pour that in too—that’s what thickens the sauce. Let everything simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes so the sauce reduces slightly and thickens, coating every bite with luscious flavor.

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Serve your Pepper Steak with Onion piping hot over mashed potatoes. The sauce seeps beautifully into the potatoes, making every forkful a warm, peppery delight.

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Pro Tips for Making Pepper Steak with Onion Recipe

Slice Against the Grain: This little trick keeps your steak tender and easy to chew—trust me, it makes a huge difference.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing, work in batches for that perfect caramelization without steaming the meat.
Freshly Ground Pepper is Key: Using pre-ground pepper won’t give you the same vibrant spice—grind it fresh for maximum flavor impact.
Cornstarch Slurry for Perfect Sauce: Mix cornstarch with cold water before adding to avoid lumps and get that glossy finish.

How to Serve Pepper Steak with Onion Recipe

A white shallow bowl holds a layered dish with mashed potatoes at the bottom, creamy white and soft in texture. On top, there are strips of beef cooked dark brown, mixed with sautéed red and green bell pepper slices, and translucent cooked onions. The layers are covered with a glossy brown gravy that pools slightly at the base. A silver fork rests on the edge of the bowl. The bowl sits on a black and white checkered cloth, placed on a white marbled surface. To the top right, there is a small white dish with cracked black pepper scattered around it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Pepper Steak with Onion, pepper steak recipe, savory steak with peppers, hearty beef stir-fry, easy beef and onion dinner

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor. If you want a little extra heat, a few crushed red pepper flakes on top can be gorgeous and tasty.

Side Dishes

While mashed potatoes are my absolute favorite partner for this pepper steak recipe, steamed jasmine rice or garlic noodles work wonderfully as well. I’ve even served it alongside roasted veggies for a lighter option.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like to serve pepper steak family-style in a big skillet placed right on the table with bowls of mashed potatoes or rice on the side. It invites sharing and makes the meal feel warm and communal—just like good times in my own kitchen.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I’ve found that storing leftover pepper steak in an airtight container in the fridge keeps it tasty for about 3-4 days. Make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to preserve texture and flavor.

Freezing

If you want to batch-cook, this recipe freezes pretty well. Just pack it into freezer-safe containers and label them. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently over medium-low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of water or broth helps loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Microwave works in a pinch but can sometimes dry out the steak.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this Pepper Steak with Onion Recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal for tender slices and quick cooking, you can substitute sirloin or skirt steak. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain to keep the meat tender and adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid toughness.
How spicy is this pepper steak recipe?

The black pepper adds a notable but balanced spiciness that isn’t overwhelming. If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the freshly ground black pepper slightly. For heat lovers, adding a bit of crushed red pepper flakes enhances the spice even more.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the soy sauce with a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and ensure your other ingredients like vinegar and sesame oil are gluten-free. This will keep the same delicious flavors without gluten.
What sides go well with Pepper Steak with Onion?

Creamy mashed potatoes are my top pick, as the sauce soaks in beautifully. You can also try jasmine rice, garlic noodles, or even roasted veggies depending on your mood or dietary needs.
How long does this dish keep in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, leftover pepper steak stays fresh for about 3-4 days. I recommend reheating gently to keep the steak tender and the sauce glossy.

Final Thoughts

This Pepper Steak with Onion Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s like a warm hug on a plate — easy enough to whip up any night but packed with flavor that feels like you’ve put in hours. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a cozy weekend dinner, it always delivers that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. I hope you enjoy making and eating it just as much as my family and I do—it’s one of those recipes that truly makes you feel at home.