Deliciously caramelized sauteed peppers and onions are a crowd-pleasing side dish for just about any meal! Made with herbs, seasonings and a splash of red wine vinegar. (gluten free, paleo, vegetarian, vegan)
Sauteed peppers and onions are the perfect side dish to go with just about every meal. Made from sweet bell peppers, red and yellow onions, a touch of olive oil and flavorful herbs and spices, this quick and easy vegetable recipe will add beautiful colors to you dinner plate.
And don’t even get me started on how healthy and nutritious they are. Just one serving of these veggies is filled with healthy fats, fiber and an impressive amount of vitamin C!
Besides the typical salt and pepper seasoning in most peppers and onions recipes, I’ve added in some red pepper flakes and dried oregano for extra flavor.
The end result isn’t spicy at all, so don’t worry if you’re sensitive to spicy foods. If you prefer a little spice, I recommend doubling the amount of red pepper flakes.
How to make sauteed peppers and onions
Slice 4 bell peppers, 1 red onion and 1 yellow onion into strips. (photo 1)
Add them into a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat along with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. (photo 2)
Add in the salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes and dried oregano. (photo 3)
Stir everything together and cook for 15-17 minutes, until the veggies are softened and caramelized. Add in 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. (photo 4)
Remove from heat and serve.
Tips and Tricks for the best peppers and onions
If the peppers and onions are starting to burn, turn down the heat on your stovetop just a little and adjust from there. We want caramelized peppers and onions, not burned peppers and onions.
If you’re not using a non-stick skillet, you may need to add in a little more olive oil. The veggies shouldn’t really stick to the bottom of the skillet, so add in more olive oil if needed.
Make sure to add in the minced garlic at the end so it doesn’t burn. If you add it in the beginning with all the seasonings, it’ll burn and that’s no bueno!
Ways to use Sauteed Peppers and Onions
Looking for different ways to eat these veggies throughout the week? Here are some of my favorite ideas!
- in burrito bowls with chipotle chicken and cilantro lime rice
- on burgers like this sweet potato black bean burger
- in tacos like these easy chicken tacos
I hope you love this recipe as much as I do! To get more easy Mexican recipes delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for my weekly email newsletter. You can also follow Isabel Eats on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 medium bell peppers, sliced into long strips
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
Instructions
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add in olive oil, sliced bell peppers and sliced red and yellow onions.
- Add in the salt, red pepper flakes, black pepper and dried oregano.
- Stir to coat the vegetables with the olive oil and seasonings. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-17 minutes until the peppers and onions have softened and started to caramelize.
- Add in the red wine vinegar and minced garlic. Mix together and cook for 1 more minute. Taste and season with more salt if necessary.
- Remove the peppers and onions from the heat and serve.
Isabel’s Tips:
- If the peppers and onions are starting to burn, turn down the heat on your stovetop just a little and adjust from there. We want caramelized peppers and onions, not burned peppers and onions.
- If you’re not using a non-stick skillet, you may need to add in a little more olive oil. The veggies shouldn’t really stick to the bottom of the skillet, so add in more olive oil if needed.
- Make sure to add in the minced garlic at the end so it doesn’t burn. If you add it in the beginning with all the seasonings, it’ll burn and that’s no bueno!
Nutrition Information
Simple just the right amount of seasoning. Excellent side dish!
Delicious. I roasted some sweet peppers I bought at the farmers market in the oven at 350 for 15 mins and 380 for 15 minutes and it was delicious using this recipe. Put everything on the peppers from the outset before roasting. Must make again!
I make this dish except that I add anchovies & chop them up as they are sautéed with the garlic. Sometimes I add black olives as well. Serve with Penne or any type of pasta
Ok, I thought the reviewers were crazy when they said “kid approved” but I’ll be, my kids loved these! I’m flabbergasted. Thank you.
Great way to spice up peppers and onions. Used these with a hot Italian sausage link from a local store and it’s was great. My wife is vegan and she roasted some tomatoes and added it to the onion and pepper mix for her dinner and loved it. Said the vinegar gave it a nice burst of flavor also.
Delicious!! I’ve made this recipe multiple times now because it is a hit. This time I had extra bell peppers that I didn’t want to go bad so I made this and as usual, it was very tasty. I love how soft the peppers get and the flavor is very nice! Easy to pair with anything! Thank you for the delicious recipe! ❤️
Delicious!!! Thank you. I always wondered how they made these without burning them!!
You got it wrong in the first sentence. Never heat Olive oil to Medium-High heat. Use Peanut, Avocado or some other high-smoke point oil,,, and add a splash of Olive oil at the end if you want to add that taste. You know,,, Strip Mall Cooking School day 1 stuff.
Can I make these the day before my event and just warm them in the microwave.
Hi Marsha! Yes you definitely can!
How come I don’t see my questions posted anywhere?
I’ve already used this form twice already, I don’t have an answer to my questions, and I don’t see them posted anywhere. How come?
Hi Joe. When you submit a comment, we have to approve it first and that is how we are able to respond to them. We receive many many comments daily and ask for your patience when responding to them. In regards to your question, we haven’t tried that method at room temperature so I’m not sure we can give an answer on that. We recommend storing them in the fridge for optimal freshness, but you are certainly welcome to give it a try!
In my previous email to you, I mean peppers, onions, garlic, olive oil. I know people who store them at room temperature, and swear by it. Just wondering if that a good way or not?
After I cook my onions, peppers, garlic, in olive oil, can you store them at room temperature in a plastic burping Tupperware container? I know, people who swear by that method. I was wondering if that was a good way to do that? If so how long can you store them that way?
After I cook my peppers in olive oil can I store them at room temperature in a burping container? If so how long are they good for?
Outstanding! Would’ve never thought of adding red wine vinegar!
Absolutely delicious! I made the recipe exactly as written and could have eaten the peppers as a main course. The peppers were so tender and the flavor was great! The recipe is super easy too. I will definitely be making these again! Thank you!
it was so nummy! Kid approved, but I switched by herb from dried oregano to satay with fresh garden basil for a summer twist.
Love your recipes! I’m mexican and love to cook, grandma never wrote down the amount of her ingredients….so your recipes help me with my favorite meals! Thank you
Really yumolicious with the baked salmon I made!!
These were delicious and easy to prepare. Definitely making these often. Had them with grilled Italian sausage!