There’s nothing quite like the simple joy of watching onions and bell peppers sizzle in a pan, their colors brightening as your kitchen fills with the comforting aroma of garlic. Preparing this dish feels like an easy victory; whether serving them over tacos, sandwiches, or enjoying them straight from the skillet, it’s a versatile staple that elevates any meal.
I love making uncomplicated but tasty meals like my Fried Peppers and Onions. Their rich flavor, thanks to abundant olive oil, the natural sweetness of bell peppers, and the almost sugary flavor of onions, is kicked up a notch with the presence of garlic and, for some, a sprinkling of red pepper flakes.
This is a side dish you could eat straight from the pan, it’s so tasty.
Fried Peppers Onions Recipe Ingredients
- Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats; rich in antioxidants; adds smoothness.
- Onion: Packed with vitamins C and B6; adds natural sweetness.
- Bell Peppers: High in vitamin C; vibrant color; sweet and tangy taste.
- Garlic: Contains allicin; boosts immunity; offers bold, pungent flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adds heat; contains capsaicin; optional for spice lovers.
Fried Peppers Onions Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
How to Make this Fried Peppers Onions Recipe
1. In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, sliced very thin, to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they start to soften.
3. Place the sliced bell peppers in the skillet and continue cooking them for another 10 minutes, occasionally stirring until they reach tenderness.
4. Mix in the minced garlic and continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes, or until the garlic gives off its wonderful aroma.
5. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; this is food. It requires tasting. It requires seasoning.
6. If you wish, add the red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, and stir to combine.
7. Allow the flavors to meld together by continuing to cook for another 2-3 minutes.
8. If necessary, taste and adjust the seasoning.
9. Once the peppers and onions are cooked to your desired tenderness, remove the skillet from the heat.
10. Fried peppers and onions can be served up in a few different ways. They are delicious all on their own, but they also make a great topping for many different kinds of food. Try them on: Sandwiches. Burgers. Tacos.
Fried Peppers Onions Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Large skillet
2. Cutting board
3. Chef’s knife
4. Measuring spoons
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Garlic press or knife for mincing
7. Stove or cooktop
FAQ
- What can I serve with fried peppers and onions?This dish is a good complement to the following foods:
– Grilled meats
– Pasta
– Sandwiches
– Pizza (as a topping) - How do I store leftovers?Keep uneaten portions in a sealed container in the fridge for 3 days maximum. If you haven’t devoured the digits off your pizza slices after 3 days, they’re not safe to eat. And definitely don’t microwave them.
- Can I use different types of peppers?Absolutely, you are free to utilize any mix of bell peppers or even throw in some of the spicy kinds for an added kick.
- How can I make the dish spicier?To increase the heat level, add more red pepper flakes or include slices of jalapeño peppers.
- Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?Certainly, this recipe is inherently vegan because it employs olive oil and incorporates no ingredients derived from animals.
- Can I use a different oil?Absolutely, you can replace olive oil with another type of cooking oil, such as avocado or canola oil. This may affect the flavor a little.
- Can I add other vegetables to the mix?Definitely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or tomatoes can be great answers.
Fried Peppers Onions Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Olive oil: Canola oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil can replace it.
Poblano or anaheim peppers can be used instead of sweet bell peppers for a different flavor.
Substitutes for Onion: Use shallots or red onion for a milder or sweeter taste.
If fresh garlic is unavailable, use 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
Cayenne pepper: Substitute with crushed red pepper for a similar kick.
Pro Tips
1. Caramelize the Onions For a deeper, sweeter flavor, caramelize the onions by cooking them on low heat for a longer time (15-20 minutes) before adding the bell peppers. This will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
2. Use Multi-Colored Bell Peppers Incorporate a variety of colored bell peppers (red, yellow, and green) to add visual appeal and subtle flavor variations to the dish.
3. Optimize Garlic Flavor Add the garlic towards the end of cooking to prevent it from burning and turning bitter, which preserves its sweet, aromatic quality.
4. Deglaze the Pan After adding the garlic, consider deglazing the skillet with a splash of white wine or broth to lift any caramelized bits from the bottom and infuse additional flavor into your vegetables.
5. Finish with Fresh Herbs Just before serving, add fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme to give a burst of freshness and elevate the dish further.
Fried Peppers Onions Recipe
My favorite Fried Peppers Onions Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large skillet
2. Cutting board
3. Chef’s knife
4. Measuring spoons
5. Wooden spoon or spatula
6. Garlic press or knife for mincing
7. Stove or cooktop
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, sliced very thin, to the skillet and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they start to soften.
3. Place the sliced bell peppers in the skillet and continue cooking them for another 10 minutes, occasionally stirring until they reach tenderness.
4. Mix in the minced garlic and continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes, or until the garlic gives off its wonderful aroma.
5. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; this is food. It requires tasting. It requires seasoning.
6. If you wish, add the red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, and stir to combine.
7. Allow the flavors to meld together by continuing to cook for another 2-3 minutes.
8. If necessary, taste and adjust the seasoning.
9. Once the peppers and onions are cooked to your desired tenderness, remove the skillet from the heat.
10. Fried peppers and onions can be served up in a few different ways. They are delicious all on their own, but they also make a great topping for many different kinds of food. Try them on: Sandwiches. Burgers. Tacos.