Name: Pepper Steak with Onion Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup honey; 2 tablespoons brown sugar (packed); 1/2 cup red wine vinegar; 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper; 2 teaspoons cornstarch; 1 ½ pounds flank steak (trimmed); Salt (to taste); 3 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided); 2 bell peppers (any color, stemmed, seeded, and thinly sliced); 1 onion (peeled, halved, and thinly sliced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon fresh minced ginger; Mashed potatoes (hot, for serving)

If you’ve ever found yourself craving a hearty, flavorful dinner that hits all the right notes, then you’re in for a treat with this Pepper Steak with Onion Recipe. It’s that perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory—influenced by a little Midwestern comfort food love. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how tender the steak turns out paired with caramelized onions and peppers, all drizzled with a luscious, peppery gravy. Trust me, once you make this, your family will go crazy for it just like mine does!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, soy sauce, and freshly ground black pepper creates a sweet and spicy glaze that’s irresistible.
Tender Steak Every Time: Using flank steak and the right cooking technique ensures it’s juicy and tender, not tough.
Versatile & Comforting: Served over creamy mashed potatoes, it’s the ultimate weeknight comfort meal that satisfies everyone.
Simple Yet Impressive: This dish looks restaurant-worthy but comes together with straightforward ingredients you probably already have.

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 with Onion recipe, Easy Pepper Steak with Onion, Tender Pepper Steak with Onion, Beef and Onion Stir Fry

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Pepper Steak with Onion Recipe rides on a handful of fresh and pantry staples that come together to build layers of flavor. I always recommend picking the freshest bell peppers and a good quality flank steak for the best results.

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 with Onion recipe, Easy Pepper Steak with Onion, Tender Pepper Steak with Onion, Beef and Onion Stir Fry

Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that balances the peppery heat perfectly.
Brown sugar: Gives depth and a bit of molasses flavor that enhances the glaze.
Red wine vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness to cut through the richness.
Soy sauce: Brings in that savory umami punch.
Sesame oil: A small amount for a subtle nutty aroma that makes the dish pop.
Freshly ground black pepper: The star of the show—freshly ground is always best for pungency and flavor.
Flank steak: I like it trimmed to remove excess fat, which helps it cook evenly and stay tender.
Salt: To season perfectly.
Vegetable oil: For searing the steak and cooking veggies without overpowering flavors.
Bell peppers: Any color works—mixing colors makes for a beautiful plate.
Onion: Thinly sliced to caramelize nicely while adding sweetness and texture.
Garlic: Minced for that punchy aromatic base.
Fresh ginger: Adds a warm, zesty kick that complements the pepper.
Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce up into a glossy gravy you’ll want to soak up with mashed potatoes.

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 love about this Pepper Steak with Onion Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Over time, I’ve found a few tweaks that really suit different tastes or dietary needs.

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for extra heat—I did this once for a game day dinner and wow, it elevated the dish!
Vegetarian Twist: Swap flank steak for thick slices of portobello mushrooms or tofu for a plant-based version that still captures the rich flavors.
Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce added salt to accommodate diets without sacrificing taste.
Different Veggies: Experiment with adding sliced carrots, snap peas, or even baby corn to change up the veggies and colors.

How to Make Pepper Steak with Onion Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Marinade Magic

Start by mixing the honey, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and freshly ground black pepper to create your marinade and sauce base. I like to whisk it until the sugar dissolves, so every bite is beautifully balanced. Then, season the trimmed flank steak with salt and let it soak up some of that mixture while you prep your veggies. Marinading even 15 minutes helps tenderize the meat and infuse flavor—trust me, it makes a big difference.

Step 2: Sear the Steak Until Perfect

Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, lay your steak down and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side. The goal here is a rich, golden crust—not to cook the steak through yet. Remove it from the pan and let it rest—this is key so the juices redistribute. Slice it thinly against the grain after it cools slightly for maximum tenderness.

Step 3: Cook the Peppers and Onions

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in your thinly sliced onions and bell peppers, stirring frequently until they soften and get a little caramelized—about 8-10 minutes. Add minced garlic and fresh ginger in the last couple of minutes to bloom their aromatics without burning. This veggie base adds so much savory sweetness and texture to the dish.

Step 4: Bring It All Together with a Perfect Gravy

Here’s the final step where everything gets gorgeous. Stir your marinade mixture again, then whisk in the cornstarch until smooth—this will thicken the gravy. Pour it into the skillet with your peppers and onions. Bring to a simmer, then return the sliced steak to the pan, tossing gently to coat everything in that glossy sauce. Let it cook together for a few minutes so the flavors meld and your steak warms through without overcooking.

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Pro Tips for Making Pepper Steak with Onion Recipe

Slice Against the Grain: Always slice the flank steak thinly across the grain to prevent chewiness and keep every bite tender.
Don’t Skip the Rest: Letting the steak rest after searing locks in juices and keeps the meat beautifully moist.
Use Fresh Pepper: Grinding your own black pepper right before cooking ensures a bolder, fresher flavor that really shines.
Avoid Overcooking Peppers: Cook the bell peppers just until tender-crisp for that perfect texture contrast with the steak.

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 with Onion recipe, Easy Pepper Steak with Onion, Tender Pepper Steak with Onion, Beef and Onion Stir Fry

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little freshly chopped green onion or even some toasted sesame seeds on top for a subtle crunch and a pop of color. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, a wedge of lime on the side brightens everything up with a quick squeeze.

Side Dishes

Mashed potatoes are the classic pairing here—they soak up every bit of that sweet and peppery gravy. But if you want options, steamed jasmine rice or buttered egg noodles work beautifully as well. For veggies, a side of roasted asparagus or green beans rounds out the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re making this for a special occasion, try serving the pepper steak on individual warmed plates with a neat mound of mashed potatoes beside it. Garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley or cilantro. For a family-style dinner, a big rustic platter piled high with steak, peppers, onions, and a drizzle of gravy makes an impressive centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find that the flavors actually deepen after sitting overnight. Just make sure to keep any mashed potatoes separate to maintain their texture.

Freezing

Freezing this Pepper Steak with Onion Recipe works pretty well. I freeze the steak and veggies in portion-sized containers without the mashed potatoes, then thaw in the fridge overnight when I’m ready to eat. It reheats beautifully, though the texture of fresh-cooked mashed potatoes is tough to beat after freezing.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. This helps maintain moisture and keeps the steak tender without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this Pepper Steak with Onion Recipe?

Yes, you can, but flank steak is ideal because it’s lean and cooks quickly while staying tender. If you choose other cuts, like sirloin or skirt steak, expect slight differences in texture and cooking time. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos, and double-check that your other ingredients like vinegar and cornstarch are gluten-free. The flavor remains fantastic.
How do I prevent the steak from getting tough?

The key is to cook the steak just enough to get a nice sear and then slice it thinly across the grain after resting. Avoid overcooking it in the pan once you add it back with the sauce to maintain tenderness.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can mix the marinade/sauce base ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This can save you some prep time on cooking day. Just whisk again before using to recombine any settled ingredients.
What should I serve this Pepper Steak with Onion Recipe besides mashed potatoes?

Besides mashed potatoes, try steamed rice, buttered noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli, green beans, or snap peas complement it nicely.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Pepper Steak with Onion Recipe comes together—tender, flavorful steak wrapped in a sweet, peppery sauce with caramelized veggies. It’s that kind of meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a busy day. If you’re looking to impress your family or just want comforting food that’s easy to whip up, give this recipe a try. I promise it will become a go-to in your cooking rotation, just like it did for mine.