Name: Easy Pepper Steak Recipe Spanish Style
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs beef top round or sirloin tip, thinly sliced into strips; 2 tbsp oil; 1 tsp sugar; 4 garlic cloves, mashed; 3 tbsp sofrito; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 packet sazón (with annatto); 1 tsp adobo seasoning; 1 tsp oregano (dried); 1 cup water or beef broth; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 medium onion, sliced; 2 tbsp tomato paste; Salt and black pepper to taste

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Cooking steak with peppers has always been one of those meals that brings me back to family kitchens where food was hearty, full of flavor, and meant to be shared.

The Pepper Steak Recipe Spanish is exactly that kind of dish—tender beef pieces, sweet peppers, and onions simmered in a rich gravy flavored with spices that remind me of home

I’ve made this recipe countless times when I want something comforting yet simple, and it never disappoints.

The flavors of soy sauce, sofrito, garlic, and tomato paste create the perfect balance, and it’s one of those meals where the aroma alone gets everyone to the table quickly.

What Is Spanish Style Steak?

Beef pepper steak Spanish style means the beef is marinated, seared, and then simmered in a sauce with peppers and onions. The sauce becomes a light gravy that coats the steak, giving each bite a burst of flavor.

In contrast to steak that is grilled, the focus here is tender pieces cooked in liquid, making this an ideal accompaniment for rice, or bread to mop up that amazing sauce.

What Makes Spanish Pepper Steak Different?

Unlike the standard American beef pepper steak that leans heavily on soy sauce, the Spanish steak and peppers version layers flavors with sofrito, adobo, oregano, and sazón.

It’s not just about stir-frying the beef—it’s about letting the meat simmer in a gravy until it soaks in all the flavor. The result is a tender, hearty dish that feels like a complete meal on its own.

How To Make Pepper Steak Recipe Spanish Step By Step

This Pepper Steak Recipe Spanish mixes together beef, peppers, onions, and a delicious gravy made harnessing the delicious flavors of spices and tomato paste. It’s a flavorful steak recipe that’s perfect for dinner any night of the week.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Cuisine: Spanish / Latin-inspired
Course: Main Course
Difficulty: Easy

Yield: 4 servings
Calories Per Serving: ~350

What Are The Ingredients Of Pepper Steak?

Ingredients

1 ½ lbs beef top round or sirloin tip, thinly sliced into strips

2 tbsp oil
1 tsp sugar
4 garlic cloves, mashed

3 tbsp sofrito
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 packet sazón (with annatto)

1 tsp adobo seasoning
1 tsp oregano (dried)
1 cup water or beef broth

1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 medium onion, sliced

2 tbsp tomato paste
Salt and black pepper to taste

Ingredient Notes & Variations

Beef: I prefer top round or sirloin tip for tenderness, but flank steak works too.

Peppers: Use any color peppers you like—yellow peppers add sweetness.
Soy sauce: Balances the spices while adding depth.
Tomato paste: Thickens the gravy and adds richness.

Optional heat: Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes if you enjoy a little spice.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Marinate the beef – In a bowl, season beef strips with soy sauce, sazón, adobo, oregano, and garlic. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes (overnight is even better for flavor).
Sear the beef – Heat oil in a large skillet or pan. Add the sugar, let it caramelize slightly, then add the beef. Sear until browned on the edges. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.

Add sofrito & tomato paste – Stir in sofrito and tomato paste, coating the beef well. This creates the base of the gravy.
Simmer with liquid – Pour in water or beef broth, bring to a boil, then lower the heat. Let it simmer for 15 minutes until the meat is tender.
Add peppers & onions – Stir in red pepper, green pepper, and onion slices. Let them cook until just softened but still a little crisp, about 7–8 minutes.

Adjust flavors – Taste the gravy and adjust with salt, pepper, or extra soy sauce if needed.
Serve hot – Spoon the pepper steak and gravy over fluffy white rice, with fried plantains or bread on the side.

Best Ways To Enjoy

The beauty of this dish is that it can be easily paired with:

Steamed white rice or yellow rice
Garlic mashed potatoes
Crusty bread, ideal for mopping up the sauce

Fried plantains which provide a sweet and savory contrast
A light salad with a vinaigrette dressing

Personal Touch & Expert Tips

Cut against the grain – Always slice your beef against the grain so it stays tender.

Don’t overcook peppers – I like them slightly crisp; it keeps the dish colorful and fresh.
Balance the salt – Since soy sauce and adobo already have salt, taste before adding more.
Meal prep tip – This dish reheats well, so I often make extra for quick weekday meals.

How To Keep Leftovers?

If you have any leftovers, put them away in the fridge in an airtight container. That way, you can keep them for three days. Interestingly, the flavors intensify as the food sits, so the morsel the day after is even better.

Best Way To Reheat Without Drying Out Beef

To reheat, warm the beef with a small amount of water or broth to loosen the gravy. Reheating the beef in the microwave, especially for an extended period, should be avoided as it can cause the beef to become chewy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Pepper Steak Spanish Style Without Sofrito?

Yes, you can replace sofrito with sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers, but sofrito adds a depth of flavor that makes the dish authentic.

What Cut Of Beef Is Best For This Recipe?

Top round, sirloin tip, or flank steak works well since they’re lean but tender when cooked in gravy.

Can I Freeze Spanish Pepper Steak?

Yes, let it cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Is This Dish Spicy?

By default, it isn’t spicy. But you can add chili flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce to bring up the heat.

What’s The Best Side Dish For Pepper Steak Spanish?

Rice is the classic choice, but mashed potatoes, plantains, or even pasta can work.

This Pepper Steak Recipe Spanish is one of those meals that feels like home to me—comforting, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but still special enough for family gatherings.

I’d love to know if you try it—leave me a comment and let me know how it turned out in your kitchen.