Family-Friendly Pepper Steak Dinner
Looking for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner that’s sure to please the whole family? This Pepper Steak with Gravy recipe is a perfect go-to! Made with juicy sirloin strips, colorful bell peppers, and onions, all tossed in a savory soy sauce gravy, this dish is rich in flavor yet super easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, you’ll find this pepper steak recipe simple, satisfying, and versatile. Let’s dive into the details!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick to Make: Ready in just about 30 minutes!
- Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- Full of Flavor: The combination of soy sauce and ginger brings a rich, savory punch.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce – Adds depth and umami.
- ½ tsp Ginger – Fresh or ground will do, giving a zingy warmth.
- 1 Tbsp Oil – Olive or vegetable oil to sear the meat and veggies.
- 1 lb Sirloin (strips) – Tender and juicy, perfect for a quick stir-fry.
- 1 Onion (julienned) – Adds sweetness and a bit of texture.
- 1 Bell Pepper (julienned) – Pick your favorite color, or use a mix for a vibrant dish.
- As Needed Gravy – Your choice! Homemade or store-bought works.
How to Make Pepper Steak with Gravy:
- Prep the Ingredients: Start by julienning the onion and pepper into thin strips. Slice the sirloin into thin strips as well.
- Sear the Sirloin: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sirloin strips and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned but still juicy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Veggies: In the same skillet, toss in your sliced onion and pepper. Cook for 3-5 minutes until they soften but still retain a bit of crunch.
- Add Flavor: Stir in the soy sauce and ginger, allowing the flavors to meld with the veggies.
- Bring It Together with Gravy: Add the seared sirloin back into the skillet, then pour in your prepared gravy. Let it simmer together for a few minutes to thicken up and meld all the delicious flavors.
- Serve: Plate your pepper steak with some rice or noodles and garnish with fresh herbs if you’d like. Enjoy!
FAQs about Pepper Steak with Gravy:
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! Sirloin is a great option because it’s tender and quick-cooking, but you can also use flank steak, ribeye, or even chuck steak if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking the meat.
What type of gravy works best?
You can use store-bought gravy to save time, or make your own if you prefer a homemade touch. A simple beef or brown gravy works wonderfully here, but you can also experiment with mushroom or onion gravy for more depth.
Is it necessary to use soy sauce?
Soy sauce adds that essential umami flavor to the dish, but if you’re looking for a lower-sodium option, try using low-sodium soy sauce or tamari. Coconut aminos can also be a great soy-free alternative!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Just ensure you’re using gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and a gluten-free gravy. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
How do I avoid tough beef strips?
The trick to tender beef is to cook it quickly over high heat. Overcooking the beef will cause it to toughen up, so once it’s browned, remove it from the skillet and return it only to heat through.
Pepper Steak Recipe Variations:
This pepper steak recipe is versatile, and you can switch things up to suit your preferences:
- Veggie-Packed Pepper Steak: Add other veggies like broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra crunch and flavor.
- Spicy Pepper Steak: Add a little heat by tossing in some red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers. You can also drizzle some sriracha on top for an extra kick.
- Teriyaki-Style: Swap the soy sauce for teriyaki sauce and omit the gravy for a sweeter, tangy version of the dish.
- Garlic Lovers’ Version: Toss in a few minced garlic cloves when sautéing the veggies for an extra burst of garlicky goodness.
- Pepper Steak Stir-Fry: Skip the gravy altogether and turn this into a classic stir-fry by doubling the soy sauce and ginger. Serve it over noodles for a fun twist.
Best Pairings for Pepper Steak:
While this dish is already packed with flavor, you can elevate your meal with these pairing suggestions:
- Rice: Jasmine or basmati rice is a perfect base to soak up all the delicious gravy.
- Noodles: Serve over egg noodles or stir-fried lo mein noodles for an Asian-inspired twist.
- Mashed Potatoes: For a more comforting, hearty side, mashed potatoes pair surprisingly well with the savory gravy.
- Roasted Veggies: Add a light side of roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts to balance the richness of the pepper steak.
- A Light Salad: A crisp cucumber or Asian-inspired slaw can refresh your palate while adding some extra crunch to the meal.
Drink Pairings:
- Beer: A light lager or pilsner pairs well with the rich flavors of the dish.
- Wine: A medium-bodied red wine, like a Merlot or Zinfandel, complements the savory beef without overpowering the soy sauce and gravy.
- Mocktail: For a non-alcoholic option, try an iced green tea or sparkling water with a splash of lime for something refreshing.
How to Store and Freeze Pepper Steak with Gravy:
This dish is perfect for leftovers, and you can easily store or freeze it for future meals!
Storing:
- Fridge: Store any leftover pepper steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The gravy may thicken as it sits, but you can loosen it with a splash of water or broth when reheating.
Freezing:
- Freeze It: You can freeze the pepper steak in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When freezing, it’s best to let the dish cool completely before sealing it up.
- Reheating: To reheat from frozen, let the pepper steak thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm it up in a skillet over medium heat. You may need to add a little extra gravy or water to prevent it from drying out.
Final Thoughts:
Pepper Steak with Gravy is a classic recipe that’s both flavorful and adaptable, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. With simple ingredients and a one-pan cooking method, you can have dinner on the table in no time. Plus, the versatility of this dish means it’s easy to switch up based on what you have on hand or who you’re feeding.
So, whether you’re cooking for your family or looking to impress friends with minimal effort, this pepper steak recipe has you covered!
Enjoy making this delicious dish and let me know what variations you tried or what you paired it with in the comments below! I’d love to hear how you made it your own.
Pepper Steak
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp ginger ground or fresh
- 1 Tbsp oil
- 1 lb sirloin cut into strips
- 1 yellow onion julienned
- 1 bell pepper julienned
- as needed gravy store-bought or homemade
Instructions
- Julienne the onion and pepper, and slice the sirloin into thin strips.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sirloin strips and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook the onion and pepper for 3-5 minutes, until softened.
- Add soy sauce and ginger to the skillet, then return the sirloin. Pour in the gravy and simmer for 2-3 minutes to thicken.
- Enjoy over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.