I make this low carb pepper steak when I need a high protein low carb dinner that feels like takeout but fits my goals. It is quick, filling, and packed with bold flavor.
You will love how easy this keto steak stir fry is to make in one skillet. It is ready in about 30 minutes, loaded with tender beef and crisp veggies, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Things to Know Before Making Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry
- Slice steak thinly against the grain to keep it tender and juicy.
- Swap flank steak for sirloin or fast fry steak if needed.
- Use a large hot skillet or wok so the beef browns instead of steams.
- Do not overcrowd the pan. Cooking in batches helps keep the texture crisp.
We all crave a good stir fry every now and then. This homemade version of Chinese takeout is a delicious meal that's definitely a keeper and one of my favorites!
- Great for meal prep- Place in Tupperware containers and reheat as necessary for a quick and easy dinner or lunch solution.
- Super yummy- Melt-in-your-mouth steak combined with delicious Asian flavors is a great way to mix up your dinner routine.
- Quick and easy! Fry pepper steak and crunchy veggies in the same pan! Makes for easy clean up too.
- Healthy - This fun high-protein meal also has a group of great-tasting veggies that are sure to please even the pickiest eater.
If you enjoy this recipe, try my Dairy Free Beef Stroganoff, Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers, Instant Pot Mississippi Pot Roast, or Easy Crock Pot Italian Beef next.
Ingredients you'll need
- Flank or Sirloin tip steak - Slice it thin so it cooks fast and stays tender. Pre-cut stir fry beef or fast fry steaks make this even easier.
- Red and green cabbage - Red, green, or a bagged coleslaw mix all work. It adds crunch and keeps things low carb.
- Matchstick carrots - These add a little color and natural sweetness. Grab the pre-shredded kind to save time.
- Red or orange bell peppers - Red or orange are classic, but honestly any color works. Use what you have.
- Cloves garlic - Jarred or minced garlic works best. Garlic powder will do in a pinch.
- Sesame oil - This gives that signature stir fry flavor, don't skip this.
- Soy sauce - Tamari or coconut aminos work if you need gluten free. Low sodium is always a good option if you're watching your salt intake.
- Beef stock - Liquid beef stock from a can or box is great. A beef stock concentrate like Better Than Bouillon has a lot of wonderful beef flavor as well.
- Corn starch - Arrowroot powder can be used as a thickener as well.
- Salt & Ground black pepper
- Green onions - For that subtle onion flavor, you can use chives as well.
- Garnish: Toasted sesame seeds
Full ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.
Variations
- Over Rice: Serve pepper steak stir fry over white rice, wild steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or rice noodles.
- Optional Ingredients: In addition to the delicious stir-fry ingredients, you can add onions, ground ginger paste, baby corn, or other varieties of sliced peppers.
- Protein Options: Instead of using flank steak or sirloin steak, you can try other types of beef such as ribeye, tenderloin, or even ground beef. Alternatively, you can use chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu as your protein source.
How to Make Low Carb Pepper Steak
Step 1: Heat half of the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Add the thinly sliced steak and cook for about 5 minutes until browned. Remove the steak and set aside.
Step 2: Add cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers to the same skillet. Stir fry for about 2 minutes so they stay crisp. In a small bowl, whisk beef stock and cornstarch, then stir in soy sauce. Pour the sauce into the skillet and cook for 2 minutes until it begins to thicken.
Step 3: Return the steak to the skillet. Add salt and black pepper. Stir continuously for about 4 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly. Remove from heat and stir in green onions. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve.
Dietary Swaps
As written our stir fry recipe is dairy free.
- Keto: Skip the carrots for a low-carb veggie like zucchini or green onions, you can also increase the cabbage and bell peppers if you'd prefer. Use a soy sauce substitute and arrowroot powder to thicken instead of cornstarch.
- Gluten-free: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Whole30: Use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce to make this recipe whole30 compliant. Swap out store-bought beef stock for homemade beef broth or water. In place of cornstarch use arrowroot powder as a thickener.
Helpful tips
- To make this recipe even easier, replace the cabbage and carrots with a store-bought bag of coleslaw mix.
- Fast fry steaks are an inexpensive alternative and are available at most grocery stores.
Storing and Reheating
- Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooled leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. You can also freeze the uncooked prepped ingredients together before cooking.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through.
FAQ's
Is pepper steak low carb?
Yes. This recipe is naturally low carb when served without rice. It is high protein low carb and keto friendly when paired with vegetables like cabbage or cauliflower rice.
What cut of beef is best for pepper steak?
Flank steak and sirloin are ideal because they cook quickly and stay tender when sliced thin against the grain.
Can I make pepper steak keto?
Absolutely. Skip the carrots and use arrowroot instead of cornstarch. Serve over cauliflower rice to keep carbs low.
How do you keep stir fry beef tender?
Slice it thinly against the grain and cook quickly over high heat. Do not overcook or overcrowd the pan.
More Easy Low Carb Beef Recipes
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Recipe
Easy Pepper Steak Stir Fry (Low Carb | Keto)
Ingredients
- 1 pound Flank or Sirloin tip steak thinly sliced (buy pre-sliced meat like sti rfry meat or shaved beef as a time saver!)
- 2 cups Red and green cabbage thinly sliced
- 1 cup Matchstick carrots
- 1 cup red or orange bell pepper thinly sliced
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons Sesame oil divided
- ⅓ cup Soy sauce
- 1 cup Beef stock
- 2 tablespoons Corn starch
- 1 tablespoon Ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ⅓ cup Green onions thinly sliced
- Garnish: Toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat half of the sesame oil on medium to high heat. Add the garlic and saute until it softens slightly about 2 minutes.
- Add the steak and continue sauteing until the steak is browned. Remove the steak to a plate and set aside for now.
- Add the cabbage, carrots, and bell pepper to the skillet. Fry for 2 minutes, stirring continuously.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the beef stock and corn starch. Add the soy sauce, and beef stock mixture. Continue frying for 2 minutes, stirring continuously.
- Add the black pepper and salt then stir well. Add the steak back into the pan and continue frying, stirring continuously until the stock thickens, about 4 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the green onions.
- Top with sesame seeds and serve with rice or vermicelli noodles.
Notes
- To make this recipe even easier, replace the cabbage with a store-bought bag of coleslaw mix.
- Fast fry steaks are an inexpensive alternative and are available at most grocery stores.
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