There’s something incredibly satisfying about a meal that comes together in minutes, especially after a long day. Imagine the vibrant colors of freshly sliced peppers and the tempting aroma of beef sizzling in a hot skillet. This 15-Minute Skillet Pepper Steak has quickly become my go-to recipe for weeknight dinners when I crave something flavorful yet uncomplicated.
The beauty of this dish lies not only in its speed but also in its versatility; you can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your personal taste. Whether you’re a lover of spice or someone who appreciates classic flavors, this recipe welcomes all adaptations. Plus, it’s a feast for the eyes and the palate, ensuring that no one will suspect just how little time you spent in the kitchen.
So, if you’re tired of the same old takeout or just want to whip up something delightful without the fuss, let’s dive into this quick and delicious stir-fry that will leave you—and your loved ones—asking for seconds!
Why is 15-Minute Skillet Pepper Steak a must-try?
Speedy Delight: This dish comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and vibrant bell peppers delivers a burst of flavor in every bite.
Customizable: Feeling adventurous? Toss in your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to create your own signature stir-fry!
Healthy Choice: With lean beef and a rainbow of peppers, this meal is not only delicious but also nutritious.
Impressive Presentation: Serve it up in a beautiful skillet and watch your family and friends marvel at your culinary skills.
If you’re looking for more quick meals to add to your weeknight rotation, be sure to check out our other easy skillet recipes!
15-Minute Skillet Pepper Steak Ingredients
Get ready to whip up something delicious!
For the Beef
- Top round beef – thinly sliced for quick cooking and tenderness.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper – essential for enhancing the beef’s natural flavors.
For the Sauce
- Peanut oil – a high-smoke-point oil perfect for stir-frying.
- Soy sauce – adds a savory umami depth, integral to this 15-Minute Skillet Pepper Steak.
- Rice wine vinegar – helps balance the flavors with a touch of acidity.
- Crushed red-pepper flakes – for those who love a bit of heat!
For the Vegetables
- Red bell pepper – sweet and vibrant, adds color and crunch.
- Yellow bell pepper – complements the red pepper and offers extra sweetness.
- Green bell pepper – provides a nice contrast and a slight bitterness.
- Orange bell pepper – brings additional sweetness and a lovely hue to the dish.
- Garlic cloves – minced for aromatic freshness.
- Scallions – sliced for a fresh, slightly sharp burst at the finish.
For Garnishing
- Sesame seeds – a delightful finishing touch for flavor and crunch.
Get ready to enjoy this quick and colorful stir-fry that’s bound to be a hit at your dinner table!
How to Make 15-Minute Skillet Pepper Steak
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Season the beef: Start by generously seasoning the thinly sliced top round beef with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This step enhances the natural flavors and is essential for a tasty stir-fry.
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Heat the oil: In a large skillet, warm 1 tablespoon of peanut oil over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add the beef in a single layer and stir-fry until browned on the edges but still pink inside, which takes about 2 minutes.
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Combine the sauce: Transfer the partially cooked beef to a medium bowl. Add in the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and crushed red-pepper flakes, tossing everything together until well-coated. This mixture packs a flavorful punch!
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Cook the peppers: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and pour in the remaining 1 tablespoon of peanut oil. Arrange the thinly sliced peppers in an even layer and cook them, tossing occasionally, for about 4 minutes, just until they are tender yet still crisp.
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Stir everything together: Push the peppers to one side of the skillet and return the seasoned beef to the open space. Allow it to cook for an additional 2 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic with the peppers and cook for 1 minute more, letting those delightful aromas fill your kitchen.
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Garnish and serve: Finish this vibrant dish by garnishing with a sprinkle of sliced scallions and sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately while hot for the best experience!
Optional: For extra crunch, add chopped peanuts as a topping before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
15-Minute Skillet Pepper Steak Variations
Feel free to play around with this recipe and let your creativity shine!
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Dairy-Free: Swap out any dairy-based sauces or ingredients; this recipe is naturally dairy-free! Enjoy all the flavors without the fuss.
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Spicy Kick: Add fresh sliced chili peppers or a drizzle of sriracha to bring the heat up a notch. Be bold and give it that fiery edge!
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Vegetable Boost: Toss in broccoli florets, snap peas, or carrots for added texture and nutrition. A vibrant mix of veggies makes every bite more exciting!
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Marinated Beef: Use marinated steak for a deeper flavor profile. A quick soak in teriyaki sauce takes your stir-fry to new heights of deliciousness.
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Gluten-Free: Substitute tamari for soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor. Everyone can enjoy this meal together!
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Citrus Zest: Squeeze some fresh lime or lemon juice over the finished dish for a zesty twist. The citrus will brighten the overall flavor beautifully.
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Noodle Base: Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice or noodles to turn this dish into a satisfying one-bowl meal. Comfort, all in one place!
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Herb Infusion: Add fresh basil or cilantro just before serving for a burst of fresh flavor. Herbs elevate the dish and make it feel gourmet!
Make Ahead Options
These 15-Minute Skillet Pepper Steaks are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the thinly sliced beef in the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and crushed red-pepper flakes up to 24 hours in advance to enhance the flavor. Additionally, slice the colorful bell peppers and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply heat the oil and stir-fry the beef and peppers together as instructed. This not only saves you time but ensures your dish is just as delicious, with vibrant textures and flavors intact—ideal for those busy weeknights!
What to Serve with 15-Minute Skillet Pepper Steak?
Elevate your dining experience with delightful pairings that complement the vibrant flavors of this colorful stir-fry.
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Steamed Jasmine Rice: The fluffy grains soak up the savory sauce beautifully, making every bite satisfying. A fragrant, warm base for your stir-fry that’s simple to prepare.
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Crispy Spring Rolls: These crunchy delights provide a contrast in texture, adding an exciting crunch to your meal. Filled with veggies and maybe a touch of shrimp, they’re a fun starter or side.
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Garlic Fried Rice: Infuse your rice with garlic and fry it up for an aromatic twist. This enhances every element of your meal, bringing extra layers of taste.
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Sautéed Bok Choy: This crisp, slightly sweet green balances the beef’s richness while adding more color to your plate. It’s quick to prepare and complements flavors effortlessly.
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Miso Soup: A warm and comforting option that serves as a light starter, helping to cleanse the palate with its umami depth before the bold stir-fry.
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Chilled Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and crunchy, this salad with a vinegar dressing cuts through the heat of the stir-fry beautifully. Perfect for some refreshing balance!
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Sesame Noodles: Combine with soy and sesame oil for a nutty flavor that matches the Asian flair of the dish, making each forkful a delightful pairing.
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Sparkling Green Tea: This refreshing beverage, served iced, helps cleanse the palate whilst supporting the vibrant flavors of the beef stir-fry.
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Chocolate Mousse: As a decadent finish, this light yet rich dessert balances the meal’s savory notes with a sweet touch that leaves everyone satisfied.
Expert Tips for 15-Minute Skillet Pepper Steak
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Slice Thinly: Make sure to slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness, ensuring it cooks quickly without becoming tough.
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High Heat: Use high heat when stir-frying to achieve a nice sear on the beef while keeping it juicy. Avoid overcooking, as it will lead to dryness.
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Prep Ingredients First: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking; this dish cooks fast and you don’t want to scramble!
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Customize Vegetables: Feel free to use any veggies you have on hand. Broccoli, snap peas, or carrots can add even more flavor and nutrition to your 15-Minute Skillet Pepper Steak.
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Control Spice: Adjust the amount of crushed red-pepper flakes based on your family’s taste preferences to find that perfect balance of heat.
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Serve Fresh: Enjoy the stir-fry right away for the best texture and flavor. Leftovers can lose their crunch, so serve hot from the skillet!
How to Store and Freeze 15-Minute Skillet Pepper Steak
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to retain texture.
Freezer: If you want to freeze, place in a freezer-safe container and it will last for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: For best results, reheat the stir-fry in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to revive the flavors and moisture.
Room Temperature: Don’t leave out for more than 2 hours; this dish is best enjoyed fresh and hot!
15-Minute Skillet Pepper Steak Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best beef for stir-frying?
Absolutely! When selecting beef, look for top round or flank steak, which are both lean and tender when sliced thinly against the grain. Ensuring that the beef is fresh with a bright red color is key, and avoid any cuts with dark spots or a strong odor.
How should I store leftover stir-fry?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat to help retain the texture of the vegetables while warming everything through.
Can I freeze the 15-Minute Skillet Pepper Steak?
Yes! You can freeze the stir-fry in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to your container. When ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water to revive its delightful flavors and textures!
What if my bell peppers are overcooked?
Very! If your peppers turn mushy, don’t worry. While overcooked peppers can lose their vibrant crunch, you can still enjoy your stir-fry! To prevent this, cook your peppers just until they’re tender but still crisp—about 4 minutes at medium heat.
Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
It can be! If you’re cooking for someone with allergies, you can easily modify this dish. For gluten-free options, swap regular soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative like tamari. If you’re preparing it for pets, be cautious with the soy sauce, as it’s best to avoid giving dogs or cats salty foods.
How can I make this dish spicier?
The more the merrier! If you want to amp up the heat, consider adding more crushed red-pepper flakes or even a drizzle of hot sauce before serving. You can also toss in some spicy bell peppers or add fresh jalapeños for an extra kick!
15-Minute Skillet Pepper Steak for a Flavor Explosion
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season the beef by generously seasoning the thinly sliced top round beef with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- In a large skillet, warm 1 tablespoon of peanut oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and stir-fry until browned on the edges but still pink inside, about 2 minutes.
- Transfer the partially cooked beef to a medium bowl. Add in the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and crushed red-pepper flakes, tossing until well-coated.
- In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and pour in the remaining 1 tablespoon of peanut oil. Arrange the sliced peppers in an even layer and cook for about 4 minutes until tender yet still crisp.
- Push the peppers to one side and return the seasoned beef to the open space. Allow it to cook for an additional 2 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Garnish with sliced scallions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot.