Pepper steak and onions with tomato sauce is a delightful dish that marries the robust flavors of steak with the sweet tanginess of tomato sauce, all enhanced by the aromatic addition of onions and peppers. This recipe isn’t just a feast for the taste buds, but also a visual delight, making it perfect for dinner parties or a family meal.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this pepper steak with onions and tomato sauce:
- Steak: 1 lb (450 grams) of flank or sirloin steak, sliced thinly against the grain
- Vegetables:
- 2 large bell peppers, different colors if possible, seeded and sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- Tomato Sauce: 1 cup of tomato puree or your favorite tomato-based pasta sauce
- Seasonings:
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Oil: 2 tbsp olive oil or any vegetable oil
- Garnish: Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Steps to Prepare Pepper Steak and Onions with Tomato Sauce
Marinate the Steak
- Mix steak slices with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
Cooking
- Heat the Oil: In a large pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
- Brown the Steak: Once hot, add the marinated steak slices. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until browned but not overcooked. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add a bit more oil if necessary, then sauté the onions, garlic, and bell peppers until the onions are translucent and the peppers are slightly tender. This should take around 5 minutes.
- Add Tomato Sauce: Pour in the tomato sauce, stir well to combine. Lower the heat to simmer, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly and flavors to meld.
- Combine Steak with Sauce: Return the steak to the pan. Stir to coat the steak with the sauce, and let it simmer together for another 5 minutes or until the steak is done to your liking.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or additional herbs as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro right before serving for a vibrant touch.
🍽 Note: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can either add a tablespoon of flour to the marinated steak before cooking or use a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water) towards the end of cooking to thicken the sauce.
Serving this pepper steak and onions dish with tomato sauce offers a delightful experience where each flavor complements the other:
- The tender, seasoned steak provides a savory base.
- The colorful bell peppers offer a sweet crunch.
- The onions soften in the sauce, adding depth and richness.
- The tomato sauce brings everything together with its tangy, slightly sweet taste, rounded by the hints of herbs and spices.
Suggestions for Accompaniments
To round out the meal, consider these side dish options:
- Rice: White, brown, or even wild rice can soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes: Their creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the robust sauce.
- Green Salad: A simple mix of greens dressed with vinaigrette to lighten the meal.
- Bread: Crusty bread to mop up the remaining sauce.
In summary, this recipe for pepper steak and onions with tomato sauce provides an easy yet delicious meal option. The combination of tender steak, colorful vegetables, and a rich tomato sauce creates a harmony of flavors that are both satisfying and gourmet-like in their simplicity. Cooking this dish not only fills your kitchen with wonderful aromas but also offers a nutritious meal that's appealing to both the eyes and the palate.
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
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Yes, you can! While flank or sirloin steak works well due to its tenderness, you can also use skirt steak, hanger steak, or even ribeye. Just ensure you slice it thinly against the grain to keep it tender.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
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Substitute the steak with thick slices of portobello mushrooms or tofu. Marinate similarly, and cook until they have a good color and texture. The tomato sauce will still provide the needed flavor profile.
Is there a way to add more vegetables to this recipe?
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Absolutely! Consider adding zucchini, carrots, or even spinach at the sauté stage. These will cook quickly and add more variety to your dish.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
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You can marinate the steak and chop the vegetables ahead of time. For best results, cook the dish fresh to ensure the steak isn’t overcooked. However, it reheats well if stored properly.
How can I store leftovers?
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last for 3-4 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the steak.
