
Sizzling Pepper Steak and Rice: A Flavorful and Easy Weeknight Dinner
Pepper steak and rice is a classic comfort food dish that’s both satisfying and relatively easy to make. This recipe combines tender strips of steak with colorful bell peppers in a savory sauce, all served over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s sure to please the whole family.
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Quick and Easy:** This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of tender steak, crisp peppers, and a rich savory sauce is simply irresistible.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, adjusting the spice level, or using different types of steak.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Pepper steak and rice is a relatively inexpensive meal to make, especially if you use less expensive cuts of steak.
* **Complete Meal:** Served over rice, this dish provides a complete and balanced meal.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Steak:** 1 pound sirloin steak, flank steak, or skirt steak, thinly sliced against the grain
* **Bell Peppers:** 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced into strips
* **Onion:** 1 medium onion, sliced
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced
* **Soy Sauce:** 1/4 cup
* **Beef Broth:** 1/4 cup
* **Oyster Sauce:** 2 tablespoons (optional, but adds a great depth of flavor)
* **Cornstarch:** 1 tablespoon
* **Sugar:** 1 teaspoon
* **Ground Ginger:** 1/2 teaspoon
* **Black Pepper:** 1/2 teaspoon
* **Vegetable Oil:** 2 tablespoons
* **Cooked Rice:** For serving
* **Sesame Seeds:** For garnish (optional)
* **Green Onions:** For garnish (optional)
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a detailed guide on how to make delicious pepper steak and rice at home:
### 1. Prepare the Steak
* **Choose Your Cut:** Sirloin, flank, or skirt steak are all great choices for pepper steak. They’re relatively tender and cook quickly. If using a tougher cut, consider marinating it for at least 30 minutes to help tenderize it.
* **Slice the Steak:** This is the most crucial step for achieving tender pepper steak. Partially freezing the steak for about 30 minutes makes it easier to slice thinly. Slice *against the grain*. You’ll notice lines running along the steak; slice perpendicular to those lines. This shortens the muscle fibers, making the steak more tender when cooked. Aim for slices that are about 1/4 inch thick.
* **Marinate the Steak (Optional):** While not strictly necessary, marinating the steak enhances its flavor and tenderness. A simple marinade of soy sauce, a little sugar, and a touch of cornstarch works wonders. Marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to a few hours in the refrigerator. Do not marinate at room temperature.
### 2. Prepare the Vegetables
* **Slice the Bell Peppers:** Wash and deseed the bell peppers. Cut them into strips that are roughly the same size as your steak slices. A mix of colors (red, yellow, green, orange) adds visual appeal and a variety of nutrients.
* **Slice the Onion:** Peel and slice the onion into thin strips. Similar in size to the bell pepper strips ensures even cooking.
* **Mince the Garlic:** Mince the garlic cloves finely. Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor.
### 3. Make the Sauce
* **Combine the Sauce Ingredients:** In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, oyster sauce (if using), cornstarch, sugar, ground ginger, and black pepper. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved to prevent lumps in the sauce. The cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, creating a glossy and flavorful sauce.
### 4. Cook the Pepper Steak
* **Heat the Oil:** Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. The pan should be very hot before adding the steak. This helps to sear the steak quickly, creating a nice crust and preventing it from steaming.
* **Sear the Steak:** Add the sliced steak to the hot skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the temperature and cause the steak to steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the steak in batches. Sear the steak for 1-2 minutes per side, until browned but still slightly pink inside. Remove the steak from the skillet and set aside.
* **Cook the Vegetables:** Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Add the sliced onion and bell peppers. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Don’t overcook the vegetables; they should still have a slight bite.
* **Add the Garlic:** Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
* **Combine and Simmer:** Pour the sauce into the skillet with the vegetables. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly, about 1-2 minutes. The cornstarch in the sauce will activate as it heats, creating a thicker consistency.
* **Return the Steak:** Return the cooked steak to the skillet with the sauce and vegetables. Toss to coat the steak evenly with the sauce. Cook for another minute or two, until the steak is heated through.
### 5. Serve and Garnish
* **Serve Over Rice:** Serve the pepper steak and vegetables over a bed of fluffy cooked rice. White rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice all work well.
* **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and visual appeal. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a touch of heat.
## Tips for the Best Pepper Steak and Rice
* **Use High Heat:** Searing the steak at high heat is essential for achieving a good crust and preventing it from becoming tough.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and cause the steak to steam instead of sear. Cook the steak in batches if necessary.
* **Don’t Overcook the Steak:** Overcooked steak will be tough and dry. Cook the steak just until it’s browned on the outside and still slightly pink inside.
* **Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking:** Feel free to adjust the amount of soy sauce, sugar, or pepper to suit your taste preferences. You can also add a dash of chili garlic sauce for extra heat.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** Get creative and add other vegetables to your pepper steak, such as mushrooms, broccoli, or snow peas.
* **Use a Wok:** If you have a wok, it’s ideal for making pepper steak. The wok’s shape and high heat capacity allow for quick and even cooking.
* **Marinate the Steak:** Marinating the steak, even for just 15 minutes, can significantly improve its tenderness and flavor.
* **Fresh Garlic and Ginger:** Using freshly minced garlic and ginger will always give you the best and most vibrant flavor.
## Variations and Additions
* **Spicy Pepper Steak:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Mushroom Pepper Steak:** Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the bell peppers and onions.
* **Broccoli Pepper Steak:** Add broccoli florets to the skillet along with the bell peppers and onions.
* **Snow Pea Pepper Steak:** Add snow peas to the skillet along with the bell peppers and onions.
* **Teriyaki Pepper Steak:** Substitute the soy sauce and beef broth with teriyaki sauce for a sweeter and tangier flavor.
* **Mongolian Beef Style Pepper Steak:** Add a tablespoon of hoisin sauce to the sauce for a richer, sweeter, and slightly fermented flavor, similar to Mongolian Beef.
* **Different Protein:** While traditionally made with beef, you can substitute chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
## Serving Suggestions
* **Classic Rice:** White rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice are all great options.
* **Noodles:** Serve over egg noodles or rice noodles for a change of pace.
* **Quinoa:** For a healthier option, serve over quinoa.
* **Vegetable Sides:** Serve with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or bok choy.
* **Egg Roll or Spring Roll:** Add some crispy egg rolls or spring rolls for a complete Asian-inspired meal.
## Make Ahead Tips
* **Slice the Vegetables:** You can slice the bell peppers, onions, and garlic ahead of time and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
* **Prepare the Sauce:** You can whisk together the sauce ingredients ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
* **Marinate the Steak:** You can marinate the steak ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
## Storage and Reheating
* **Storage:** Store leftover pepper steak and rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of water or beef broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate)
* Calories: 450-550 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
## Pepper Steak Recipe Card
**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound sirloin steak, flank steak, or skirt steak, thinly sliced
* 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced into strips
* 1 medium onion, sliced
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 1/4 cup beef broth
* 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional)
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1 teaspoon sugar
* 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* Cooked rice, for serving
* Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
* Green onions, for garnish (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. If desired, marinate steak in soy sauce, sugar, and cornstarch for 15-30 minutes.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, beef broth, oyster sauce (if using), cornstarch, sugar, ginger, and pepper.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Sear steak in a single layer for 1-2 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. Add remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Add onion and bell peppers and cook until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
6. Pour sauce into the skillet and bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
7. Return steak to the skillet and toss to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until heated through.
8. Serve over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired.
## Enjoy Your Delicious Pepper Steak and Rice!
This pepper steak and rice recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its tender steak, flavorful vegetables, and savory sauce, it’s a dish that you’ll want to make again and again. Enjoy!
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