Cast Iron Keto
menu icon
subscribe
search icon
×

Keto Pepper Steak 🥩

Published: · Updated: by · Leave a Comment

Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

In the mood for Chinese cuisine but mindful of your carb intake? We have the perfect solution! Our Keto Pepper Steak is a flavor-packed delight that will make you completely overlook takeout. This fuss-free and budget-friendly dish is ideal for those hectic weeknights.

Keto pepper steak recipe cooked with bell peppers and mushrooms.
Jump to:

Preparation and cooking overview

You can have this low-carb feast on your table in just about half an hour! All you got to do is sauté some colorful veggies, cook the meat to perfection, simmer some garlicky sauce, and add veggies. What's the outcome? A sizzling, mouthwatering platter of protein with awesome Asian flavors!

Chef's note

This recipe is a fantastic choice for a flavorful and filling main course. It's also a great recipe to prepare in larger quantities, allowing you to have ready-made meals for the entire week. Simply pack it for lunch, heat it up in the microwave, and enjoy a delicious and protein-packed meal even on busy work weeks.

  • Prep Time: 8 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 28 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings
Keto pepper steak topped with chopped green onions.

🥩 Ingredients for this keto pepper steak recipe

  • 1 lb flank steak thinly sliced
  • ½ green bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • ½ red bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • ¾ cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced without the stems
  • ¼ cup beef broth
  • ½ small yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons liquid aminos
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum

Ingredient substitutions

Don't worry if you don't have certain ingredients in your pantry or if you have a certain preference. Here are keto-friendly substitutes!

  • Flank steak: Substitute it with a skirt or sirloin steak, a lean cut of tender and flavorful meat.
  • Green and red peppers: You can use yellow or orange ones if you can't find green and red peppers.
  • Shiitake mushrooms: You can use cremini or button mushrooms, as they also have a similar earthy flavor and a softer texture.
  • Beef broth: You can use chicken or vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
  • Yellow onion: You can also use white or red onion.
  • Ginger and garlic: You can use ginger or garlic paste if you don't have fresh ones.
  • Olive oil: You can use avocado or coconut oil instead of olive oil.
  • Liquid aminos: Substitute them with coconut aminos, as coconut aminos have an umami profile. You can use gluten-free soy sauce as well.
Keto beef recipe.

Additional ingredients

Though this recipe doesn't need extra ingredients, you can still use the following for garnish or toppings:

  • Chopped green onions or cilantro: You can use them to garnish the dish.
  • Sesame seeds: Give them a gentle toasting and sprinkle them over the dish at the end for a satisfying crunch and an extra touch of visual appeal.
  • Add additional sauces: You can use sauces like hot sauce or Sriracha for extra spicy kick. Double-check if they are keto-friendly or not.

Cooking tools required

To make this Keto Pepper Steak recipe, you'll need the following tools:

  • Large skillet
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
Pepper steak served on a white plate.

Tool substitutes list

  • Large skillet: If you don't have a skillet, use a sauté pan, wok, or even a Dutch oven. You can also cook this dish in a slow cooker or electric pressure cooker. However, the cooking steps and time may differ, so you have to watch the time and check your steak often.
  • Cutting board: You can use a large plate or a clean countertop to cut your ingredients.
  • Whisk: You can always use a fork if you don't have a whisk.
  • Spatula: If you don't have a spatula, get one! But to make this recipe, use a wooden spoon or tongs.
Beef steak topped with peppers and green onions, served on kitchen table.

How to make Keto Pepper Steak: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Sautéing

Preparation steps

  1. Gather and measure all your ingredients.
  2. Prepare all the needed tools.

Cooking instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add half of the olive oil.
  2. Add the sliced peppers, mushrooms, onions, and sauté until tender, for about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. When slicing your flank steak, make sure to cut against the grain into long, thin pieces to ensure the best texture.
  4. After adding the remaining olive oil and the beef to the pan. Season with salt, pepper, and sauté until nearly cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. This will ensure that the steak is perfectly cooked and not overdone.
  5. To make the keto steak sauce, sauté the ginger in the pan for approximately one minute, then add the garlic and cook for an additional 20 seconds. It's important to avoid overcooking the garlic as it can turn bitter in taste and affect the overall flavor of the sauce.
  6. Gradually incorporate xanthan gum into a mixture of beef broth, liquid aminos, and toasted sesame oil while whisking continuously.
  7. Add back the sautéed vegetables (from step 2) and allow the broth mixture to simmer until it's heated through and the sauce thickens according to your liking.
  8. In less than 30 minutes, you'll be able to enjoy a nice tender steak with yummy Chinese sauce.
Green pepper, red bell pepper, and shiitake mushrooms being cooked in a cast iron skillet.
Beef steak pieces seasoned with salt and pepper bing seared in a cast iron pan.
Steaks being cooked with ginger in a cast iron dish.
Mixture of beef broth with xanthan gum, liquid aminos, and toasted sesame oil.
Veggies like peppers, onions and mushrooms being added in a cast iron pan with steaks.
Beef broth being added to the mixture of veggies and steak in a cast iron pan.
Topping the keto pepper steak on a plate with chopped green onions.
Green pepper, red bell pepper, and shiitake mushrooms being cooked in a cast iron skillet.
Beef steak pieces seasoned with salt and pepper bing seared in a cast iron pan.
Steaks being cooked with ginger in a cast iron dish.
Mixture of beef broth with xanthan gum, liquid aminos, and toasted sesame oil.
Veggies like peppers, onions and mushrooms being added in a cast iron pan with steaks.
Beef broth being added to the mixture of veggies and steak in a cast iron pan.
Topping the keto pepper steak on a plate with chopped green onions.

Chef's pro tip

Cut the meat against the grain, as this helps to tenderize it by shortening the muscle fibers. This makes the steak easier to chew and enhances the overall eating experience.

What to serve with Keto Pepper Steak?

At Cast Iron Keto, we come up with recipes that are easy to make and easy to pair with other dishes. Here are some tasty food pairings:

Beef dish.

How to make it healthier?

If you want to make further tweaks to the recipe, here are some healthy options:

  • Use a leaner cut of meat: Choose leaner cuts like sirloin or round steak.
  • Cut back on the oil quantity by using only 1 tablespoon or even less instead of the suggested 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This adjustment will help reduce the calorie and fat content of the dish.
  • Use low-sodium beef broth: If you're concerned about sodium intake, use a low-sodium beef broth instead of a regular one.

Time-saving tips

  • Pre-cut your vegetables before you start cooking. You can even do this the night before and store them in the fridge.
  • Instead of slicing the mushrooms yourself, buy them pre-sliced.
  • Buy pre-sliced flank steak at your local grocery store.
Steak with toppings on a plate.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.
  • If you want to use homemade beef broth, you can prepare it one or two days before.
  • You can toast some sesame seeds and use them when garnishing.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage

  • For storing any remaining keto pepper steak, let it cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days or in the freezer for approximately 2-3 months.
Low carb steak recipe.

Reheating tips

  • Microwave: Place your leftovers in a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat it on high for 1-2 minutes or until it is heated through, pausing to stir once in between.
  • Stovetop: To reheat the leftover steak and vegetables on the stovetop, heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil or butter. Place the steak and vegetables in the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are heated through. Be careful not to overcook, as this can result in tough meat.
  • Oven: For reheating the dish, preheat the oven to 165°F (75°C) and place the dish in the oven. Allow it to heat through until it reaches the desired temperature.
Steak recipe with toppings on a plate

Recipe wrap-up & conclusion

The Keto Pepper Steak recipe offers a fast and effortless way to enjoy a Chinese-inspired dish in under 30 minutes. It beautifully combines elements from both Chinese and American culinary traditions, adding a delightful twist to your diet plan. The convenience of sautéing vegetables, cooking the meat, and creating the sauce all in a single skillet makes this recipe a true one-pan wonder.

Share this yummy recipe with friends and family, and don't forget to tag us on social!

Keto pepper steak recipe served on a plate.

Frequently asked questions

It's called "pepper steak" due to its key ingredients and flavors. It typically involves cooking flank steak with bell peppers and black pepper, giving the dish its distinctive peppery taste.

The exact number of carbs in pepper steak can vary based on the recipe and portion size. See our recipe card to learn more about this recipe's nutrition information.

If it is chewy, it could be because of the wrong way of cutting or overcooking. So, be careful to cut in the proper way and monitor your cooking time closely.

It might be tough due to not cutting against the grain. To avoid this, you can slice the meat against the grain, which shortens the muscle fibers and makes it easier to chew.

Yes! But in our recipe, we season it after adding it to the pan, but you could also season it beforehand if you prefer.

You have two methods to rely on to determine if it is cooked to your liking. First, you can use a meat thermometer to check for the desired internal temperature. Another is the touch method, where you can touch the meat and see if it has a soft texture with a slight spring-back; it indicates a medium-rare to medium doneness. Additionally, ensuring that the steaks are evenly cut, neither too thick nor too thin, is crucial to achieving consistent cooking results.

If your steak is cooked, but your veggies are undercooked, it might be due to veggies being cut into thick pieces or your pan not being hot enough. To prevent this, slice your veggies thinly and preheat your pan correctly before adding the ingredients.

📖 Recipe

Keto Pepper Steak Recipe garnished with chopped green onions and served on a plate.

Keto Pepper Steak

The Keto Pepper Steak is a flavorful dish that combines thinly sliced flank steak, colorful bell peppers, and savory sauce.
No ratings yet
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese
Keyword: keto chinese food
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 345kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb flank steak thinly sliced
  • ½ green bell pepper sliced into strips
  • ½ red bell pepper sliced into strips
  • ¾ cup shiitake mushrooms sliced without the stems
  • ¼ cup beef broth
  • ½ small yellow onion thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons liquid aminos
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon fresh ginger minced
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum

Instructions

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add half of the olive oil.
  • Add the sliced peppers, mushrooms, onions, and sauté until tender, for about 5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  • When slicing your flank steak, make sure to cut against the grain into long, thin pieces to ensure the best texture.
  • After adding the remaining olive oil and the beef to the pan. Season with salt, pepper, and sauté until nearly cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. This will ensure that the steak is perfectly cooked and not overdone.
  • To make the keto steak sauce, sauté the ginger in the pan for approximately one minute, then add the garlic and cook for an additional 20 seconds. It's important to avoid overcooking the garlic as it can turn bitter in taste and affect the overall flavor of the sauce.
  • Gradually incorporate xanthan gum into a mixture of beef broth, liquid aminos, and toasted sesame oil while whisking continuously.
  • Add back the sautéed vegetables (from step 2) and allow the broth mixture to simmer until it's heated through and the sauce thickens according to your liking.
  • In less than 30 minutes, you'll be able to enjoy a nice tender steak with yummy Chinese sauce.

Video

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Pepper Steak
Amount Per Serving
Calories 345 Calories from Fat 216
% Daily Value*
Fat 24g37%
Saturated Fat 8g50%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
Monounsaturated Fat 13g
Cholesterol 69mg23%
Sodium 586mg25%
Potassium 528mg15%
Carbohydrates 8g3%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 3g3%
Protein 24g48%
Vitamin A 539IU11%
Vitamin C 32mg39%
Calcium 19mg2%
Iron 2mg11%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

# Hashtag with us!Don't forget to mention @castiron_keto or tag #castironketo on Instagram with your creations! We love seeing what you're making.
«
»

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating