FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• Why You’ll Love This Pepper Steak Recipe
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Pepper Steak
• Storage Instructions
• What To Serve With Pepper Steak
• More Asian Beef Recipes
• Tools For This Pepper Steak Recipe
• Pepper Steak Recipe card
• Recipe Reviews

No need to order take-out tonight! With this easy pepper steak recipe , you can recreate your favorite takeout right in your own kitchen. Tender flank steak, colorful bell peppers, and a sweet, savory sauce come together for totally mouthwatering results. Stir fry is one of the first things I learned to cook, and healthy dinners like this keep me coming back!

Similar to black pepper chicken , this recipe for pepper steak creates big flavors in minimal time — but with tender flank steak instead of poultry. Plus, it pairs with so many Asian sides!

Why You’ll Love This Pepper Steak Recipe

• Flavorful, tender flank steak
• Crisp, colorful veggies
• Sweet and savory sauce
• Natural ingredients
• On the table in 30 minutes
• Restaurant-quality meal that’s easy for weeknights

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for this easy pepper steak recipe with onions and peppers, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

Stir Fry:

• Olive Oil – For searing and stir frying. You can substitute avocado oil, melted ghee, or any heat-safe oil.
• Flank Steak – Slice it against the grain, as thinly as possible. You can also substitute skirt steak , sirloin steak , flat iron steak, or flap steak in this pepper steak recipe.

TIP: Flash freezing the steak can help with slicing thinly.

Simple place the steak in the freezer for about 30 minutes, then remove and slice. It will be firmer this way, which makes it easier to get super thin slices.

• Sea Salt & Black Pepper
• Vegetables – I used a green and red pepper, and a yellow onion. You can use peppers in other colors or other types of onions, or even caramelized onions . Slice them all into thin strips. Feel free to add other veggies, too! Mushrooms, carrots, asparagus, baby corn, broccoli, or snap peas would all work well.

Pepper Steak Sauce:

• Beef Broth – You can also use chicken broth if that’s what you have on hand, but the flavor matches better with beef broth. For extra nutrition, use bone broth instead.
• Arrowroot Powder – This is my favorite alternative for cornstarch , but you can use cornstarch to thicken the sauce if it fits your lifestyle.
• Coconut Aminos – Although you can use low sodium soy sauce, coconut aminos is my favorite soy sauce substitute . It also adds a hint of sweetness.
• Honey – I prefer sugar-free honey , but regular also works.
• Garlic – I think fresh minced garlic tastes best, but you could use 2 teaspoons of jarred garlic or 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder instead.
• Fresh Ginger – Adds a vibrant and aromatic burst of flavor. You can substitute a pinch of ground ginger if you need to.

VARIATION: Make a spicier pepper steak recipe!

Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce if you like a kick.

How To Make Pepper Steak

This section shows how to make this pepper steak recipe, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Season the steak. Place the sliced flank steak into a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and toss well to coat.
2. Sear the steak. Heat the oil in a large skillet (I highly recommend a cast iron skillet like this ) over medium-high heat. Add the steak to the pan in a single layer and sear on each side, until browned. Remove and cover to keep warm.

1. Stir fry the vegetables. Reduce heat. Add the bell peppers and onions, and cook until softened. Remove from heat.
2. Make the pepper steak sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together a portion of beef broth with arrowroot powder until the powder is dissolved and no clumps remain. Add the coconut aminos, more beef broth, honey, garlic, and ginger. Whisk to combine.

1. Combine and cook. Pour the sauce over the onion/pepper mixture, stir well, and bring to a simmer. Add the steak and continue to cook, until the sauce is thickened and coats the steak. I like to garnish this pepper steak recipe with green onions, but this is not required.

VARIATION: Make slow cooker pepper steak!

Simply place the steak and veggies into a Crock Pot, mix the sauce in a bowl, and pour it over everything. Cover and cook on Low for 4-5 hours, until the steak is very tender.

Storage Instructions

• Store: Pour the pepper steak stir fry into an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Meal prep: Make ahead and store in individual portion containers.
• Reheat: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals.
• Freeze: Cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip lock bag, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What To Serve With Pepper Steak

Pepper steak recipes are almost a one-pan meal! You just need a base to soak up the sauce, but other sides work well, too:

• Rice – Pepper steak and rice is the most classic combo. White rice, jasmine rice, or even fried rice would all work well. For a lighter alternative, try cauliflower rice (pictured above).
• Asian Sides – Pair this dish with classic Asian-inspired sides like a kani salad , blistered shishito peppers , or glazed hakurei turnips .
• Appetizer – Serving bacon wrapped water chestnuts as an appetizer adds a crispy, savory contrast to the bold flavors of this dish.
• Salad – For a quick and easy side, pair with a simple garden salad with ginger dressing or a classic smashed cucumber salad .

More Asian Beef Recipes

If you love the Asian flavors in this pepper steak recipe, try these other easy Asian-inspired recipes with beef next time:

Beef Stir Fry

Hunan Beef

Korean Beef Bowl

Tools For This Pepper Steak Recipe

• Cast Iron Skillet – The best one for even heating, and it has lasted me for years.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 2 tbsp Olive oil ▢
• 1.5 lb Flank steak (sliced against the grain into thin strips, ~1/4 inch thick) ▢
• 3/4 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper ▢
• 1 medium Red bell pepper (sliced into thin strips) ▢
• 1 medium Green bell pepper (sliced into thin strips) ▢
• 1 large Yellow onion (sliced thinly) ▢
• 1 1/2 cups Beef broth (divided) ▢
• 3 tbsp Arrowroot powder (or cornstarch) ▢
• 1/4 cup Coconut aminos (or low sodium soy sauce) ▢
• 3 tbsp Honey (or sugar-free honey ) ▢
• 4 cloves Garlic (minced) ▢
• 1 tsp Fresh ginger (grated) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Place the flank steak into a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and toss well to coat.
2. Heat the oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak to the pan in a single layer (you’ll need 2-3 batches) and sear for 1-2 minutes on each side, until browned. Remove the steak from the pan and cover to keep warm.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add the bell peppers and onions, and cook for 7-8 minutes , until softened. Remove from heat.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together about 3 tablespoons of the beef broth with the 3 tablespoons of arrowroot powder until the powder is dissolved and no clumps remain.
5. Add the coconut aminos, remaining beef broth, honey, garlic, and ginger. Whisk to combine.
6. Pour the sauce over the onion/pepper mixture in the skillet, stir well and bring to a simmer. Add the steak and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes , until the sauce is thickened and coats the steak.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 cup

Nutrition info is calculated using sugar-free honey .

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Winter Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Pepper Steak Recipe

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

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The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Pepper Steak

Try this pepper steak recipe with tender flank steak, colorful bell peppers, and a sweet, savory sauce. An easy dinner in just 30 minutes!

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/pepper-steak/

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1.5 lb Flank steak (sliced against the grain into thin strips, ~1/4 inch thick)
• 3/4 tsp Sea salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 1 medium Red bell pepper (sliced into thin strips)
• 1 medium Green bell pepper (sliced into thin strips)
• 1 large Yellow onion (sliced thinly)
• 1 1/2 cups Beef broth (divided)
• 3 tbsp Arrowroot powder (or cornstarch)
• 1/4 cup Coconut aminos (or low sodium soy sauce)
• 3 tbsp Honey (or sugar-free honey )
• 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp Fresh ginger (grated)

Instructions

1. Place the flank steak into a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper and toss well to coat.
2. Heat the oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak to the pan in a single layer (you’ll need 2-3 batches) and sear for 1-2 minutes on each side, until browned. Remove the steak from the pan and cover to keep warm.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add the bell peppers and onions, and cook for 7-8 minutes , until softened. Remove from heat.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together about 3 tablespoons of the beef broth with the 3 tablespoons of arrowroot powder until the powder is dissolved and no clumps remain.
5. Add the coconut aminos, remaining beef broth, honey, garlic, and ginger. Whisk to combine.
6. Pour the sauce over the onion/pepper mixture in the skillet, stir well and bring to a simmer. Add the steak and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes , until the sauce is thickened and coats the steak.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 cup

Nutrition info is calculated using sugar-free honey .

📖 Want more recipes like this? Find this one and many more in my Winter Ebook Bundle !

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)