A quick steak dinner that comes together in less than 10 minutes, this Skillet Steak with Pepper Sauce is delicious, simple and will have your family singing your praises in between savoury mouthfuls of this delicious steak!

Steak with Pepper Sauce Recipe

Is there anything better than a juicy steak and a glass of red wine to finish off the day?

I’m really committed to eating well and feeling awesome about what I serve my family every day, but I also usually have less than half an hour to get supper sorted and on the table – but this flavorful steak recipe can be whipped up and on the table in 10-15 minutes with the side dishes, too!

The steak itself is seasoned simply with just salt and pepper, and given a gorgeous sear – the kind of “bark” you would expect from a steakhouse.

Then, as the steak is resting for a moment, toss four simple ingredients in the skillet to create a flavorful, lick-the-spoon-good garlic-pepper sauce.

And that caramelized garlic? It makes a great garnish!

You can also marinate your steak overnight – I rarely do anything more than placing the steaks in a sealable container and adding a few ounces of red wine overtop before refrigerating, but you could also add some olive oil and herbs for a true “marinade.” Not only does marinating your steak the night before (or even just a few hours before) improve flavor, it also helps tenderize tough cuts of meat.

(If you’re not comfortable serving the kids steak that has soaked in wine, rest assured you don’t need to marinate a good cut of meat – this steak was delicious and not marinated at all.)

Some simple tips to cook your steak perfectly:

add just a touch of oil to the pan to prevent sticking, but not so much that it stops the steak from searing
let the oil (or butter) get hot before adding the steak
don’t force the steak to flip over if it is sticking to the pan – that is the bark forming and you will tear it off. If you absolutely need to flip the steak then, add a dribble of oil and gently work it under the steak
know what temperature you like your steak at and use an internal thermometer to tell (don’t cut into a cooking steak:
- 140F for Medium Rare
- 150F for Medium
- 165F for Well Done
if possible, use a cast iron skillet – they are perfect for getting a good bark
let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking to prevent all those gorgeous juices from seeping out (this should be done with all meats)
don’t crowd the pan – crowding the pan will lead to too many juices and braised steak instead of seared steak
for tougher cuts of meat, marinate overnight to help break down the tough fibres of the meat

I hope your family loves their simple steak meal – and you enjoy all of the time it’s going to save you in the kitchen!

Ingredients for Pepper Steak

1-2 Tablespoons olive oil
4 small steaks
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 cloves garlic, sliced
1 Tablespoon butter
1/4 cup beef broth

Tip: I prefer fresh-ground peppercorns, not powdery “pepper” and highly recommend using it for this recipe.

Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful

Cast-iron skillet (these are great for cleaning your skillet)
Sharp kitchen knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Tongs
Spatula or Wooden Spoon

How to Make Steak with Pepper Sauce

Place your skillet over medium heat and add oil.

When the oil is hot, add steak and sear well on both sides. (Do not try to flip steak when it is sticking to the pan, it is forming a crispy bark.)

Cook on the second side until your preferred level of doneness – I prefer medium-rare at 145F.

Remove the steak to a plate and cover with a piece of tinfoil to rest and meanwhile prepare the pepper sauce in the skillet.

Add the butter to the pan juices and melt.

Add the garlic and at least 1/2 teaspoon peppercorns and cook until fragrant, about one minute, then add the beef broth. Whisk together until a cohesive sauce forms.

Plate the steaks and top with the peppercorn sauce and browned garlic.

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Skillet Steak with Pepper Sauce

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons olive oil
4 small steaks
Salt and pepper, to taste
4 cloves garlic, sliced
1 Tablespoon butter
1/4 cup beef broth

Instructions

Place your skillet over medium heat and add oil.
When the oil is hot, add steak and sear well on both sides. (Do not try to flip steak when it is sticking to the pan, it is forming a crispy bark.)
Cook on the second side until your preferred level of doneness - I prefer medium-rare at 145F.
Remove the steak to a plate and cover with a piece of tinfoil to rest and meanwhile prepare the pepper sauce in the skillet.
Add the butter to the pan juices and melt.
Add the garlic and at least 1/2 teaspoon peppercorns and cook until fragrant, about one minute, then add the beef broth. Whisk together until a cohesive sauce forms.
Plate the steaks and top with the peppercorn sauce and browned garlic.

This simple pepper steak recipe is a juicy, flavorful steak recipe ready in less than 15 minutes. It’s the perfect steak recipe for kids! (Just don’t let me catch you serving it with ketchup!)

For more delicious recipes you can make in a skillet, check out our Skillet Doubletree Birthday Cookie or our Santa Fe Steak Skillet.