How to Saute Peppers and Onions

Name: How to Saute Peppers and Onions
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons olive oil; 2 bell peppers (your choice of color - we used green and red peppers); 2 medium onions (sliced); ½ teaspoon garlic powder; Salt (to taste); Pepper (to taste)

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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.

close up of a black skillet with sauteed peppers and onions and a wooden spoon

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Best Way to Saute Peppers and Onions
Sautéing Onions and Peppers Ingredients
How to Sauté Peppers and Onions
Tips for Sautéing Onions and Peppers
Onions and Peppers FAQ
How to Store Peppers and Onions
What to Serve with Sauteed Peppers and Onions
Easy Vegetable Side Dishes
Easy Dinner Ideas
How to Saute Peppers and Onions
Reviews

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!

I like to vary which peppers I use depending on the recipe I'm making. If I'm preparing peppers and onions for a steak sandwich or quesadillas, I tend to only use green peppers. However, for fajitas, for example, I always do a mix of peppers!

ingredients to saute peppers and onions, with labels

How to Sauté Peppers and Onions

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.
Season with salt and pepper to taste and continue to sauté onions and peppers until golden brown, about 10-15 minutes.
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.

overhead photo of a skillet with peppers and onions

Onions and Peppers FAQ

Is it better to saute peppers in butter or oil?

It is generally better to saute peppers in oil rather than butter as there is a chance of butter burning more easily than oil when cooking over high heat or for a prolonged time. However, you can combine butter and oil to saute peppers. If you want to use butter for the flavor, don't omit the oil - add about 1 Tablespoon butter to the pan along with the oil.

Can sauteed peppers and onions be frozen?

Sauteed peppers and onions can be frozen. Follow instructions on how to saute peppers and onions in the recipe card. Allow the sauteed peppers and onions to cool to room temperature. Divide into portions if desired, or package in one large portion in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Label with the date and freeze. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat over low-medium heat on the stove.

How long does it take to saute peppers?

How long it takes to saute peppers and onions depends on how soft you want them to be. If you want them only a little soft, it will take about 10 minutes or so over medium heat. If you want them to be extra soft and for the flavors to develop more deeply, allow them to saute for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

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.

peppers and onions cooked in a skillet with a wooden spoon

What to Serve with Sauteed Peppers and Onions

Easy Vegetable Side Dishes

Try my low carb Stuffed Peppers Recipe next!

Easy Dinner Ideas