Sauteed Peppers and Onions (2024)

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Quick sauteed peppers and onions make a tasty addition to burgers and sandwiches, rice, chicken, and steak dishes, fajitas, quesadillas, and more! Learn How to Saute Peppers and Onions in less than 30 minutes using simple ingredients and a few easy steps.

Best Way to Saute Peppers and Onions

One of my favorite combinations to serve with all kinds of meals is sautéed peppers and onions. Sweet onions softened and browned together with bell peppers – it’s a perfect match!

Adding sauteed onions and peppers to a dish introduces so much flavor, and it’s as easy as it gets! My family loves it when I saute peppers and onions for quesadillas, sandwiches (especially Philly cheesesteaks!), burgers, or simply as a side dish for steak, chicken, or pork.

Sauteing peppers and onions is so simple, and the possibilities for what you can pair them with are endless. This is the best method to saute peppers; it’s quick, easy, and tasty. Let me know what you pair yours with in the comments below!

Sautéing Onions and Peppers Ingredients

• Olive Oil: You can use other cooking oils, but I love the flavor olive oil adds. It has a high smoke point perfect for sauteing peppers and onions.
• Bell Peppers: I’m using green and red peppers, sliced. You can use any color bell peppers.
• Onion: Use medium white or yellow onions, sliced. I recommend avoiding red onions.
• Garlic Powder: Fresh garlic will burn, so use garlic powder for a little garlicky flavor.
• Kosher Salt: Or sea salt flakes. Avoid table salt.
• Black pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper is best, but it doesn’t have to be!

How to Sauté Peppers and Onions

1. Heat a skillet on the stove over medium-high heat. Add in olive oil and wait for the pan to heat (the oil will begin to shimmer). When the pan is hot, add peppers, onions, and garlic powder. Stir for about 5 minutes.
   
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste and continue to sauté onions and peppers until golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.
   
3. Serve, and enjoy!
   

Tips for Sautéing Onions and Peppers

• Cook until nicely soft and golden brown – whatever your desired softness for the peppers and onions is. When they begin to caramelize, they are truly their most delicious.
• Let the peppers and onions cook a little bit in the pan before seasoning with salt and pepper. At this point, move everything around in the pan and taste one of the veggies to adjust the seasoning if necessary.
• You can use any variety of seasoning or fresh herbs you like! Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are my favorite simple seasoning for sauteed peppers and onions, but they are not the only option. Sometimes I like adding red pepper flakes.
• If you want to mix up flavors a bit, add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar. It really brings out the flavors of the onions.

Onions and Peppers FAQ

How to Store Peppers and Onions

Sauteed peppers and onions last about 5 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.

They can also be frozen in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 4 months. Make sure to label with the freezing date.

What to Serve with Sauteed Peppers and Onions

• Steak Quesadillas
• Philly Pork Sandwich
• Garlic Marinated Flank Steak
• Philly Cheesesteak Sliders
• Chicken Fajita Marinade for Chicken Fajitas

Easy Vegetable Side Dishes

• Sautéed Mushrooms and Onions
• Perfect Caramelized Onions
• Pickled Onions
• Air Fryer Mushrooms
• Blistered Shish*to Peppers

Try my low carb Stuffed Peppers Recipe next!

Recipe