Easy and Handy Pepper Steak Recipe for Take-Out Style Meals
# Classic Pepper Steak Recipe
This timeless pepper steak recipe brings a beloved takeout dish right to your home! Strips of juicy steak are soaked in a flavorful homemade sauce, then stir-fried alongside sautéed bell peppers and onions.
## Flavor Profile
– **Flavor**: Tender beef in a delicious garlic-soy sauce with a hint of peppery zest.
– **Skill Level**: This meal cooks in a single pan in under 30 minutes. So simple!
– **Budget Tip**: Opt for economical cuts of beef; they turn out tender and succulent.
– **Swaps**: Instead of rice, serve it over ramen noodles, egg noodles, or cauliflower rice.
– **Serving Suggestions**: Accompany it with side dishes like garlic bok choy, asparagus, or Szechuan green beans for extra appeal.
## Ingredient Tips for Pepper Steak
– **Beef**: My preferred cut for this pepper steak is top round, but cost-effective flank steak and top sirloin steak are also excellent choices. Slice the meat against the grain to break down the fibers and aid in tenderizing it.
– **Veggies**: Use green and red bell peppers for a splash of color, but any peppers will work well. Yellow, white, or red onion slices contribute some crunch and taste.
– **Sauce**: Fresh ginger and garlic yield the best flavor. Soy sauce, Worcestershire, and honey provide sweetness to complete the sauce. Mirin, a rice wine, is optional, but enhances the umami flavor beautifully.
## Variations
– Consider adding asparagus, baby corn, snap peas, or sliced carrots.
– Incorporate chili paste or Sriracha for greater heat. Even a dash of black pepper will elevate the flavor.
– Use low-sodium soy sauce or replace half the soy sauce with beef broth.
– Swap out honey for white or brown sugar.
## How to Make Pepper Steak
1. Combine sauce ingredients in a bowl and whisk together (full recipe below).
2. Sauté onion & peppers in a large skillet until soft. Move to a plate.
3. Sear the beef strips and cook until just browned.
4. Return onion & peppers to the skillet along with the sauce. Cook until the sauce thickens.
**PRO TIP**: Marinating the beef strips in the sauce (excluding the cornstarch) for up to 24 hours will tenderize the meat and enhance the flavor. After marinating, remove the beef and pour the marinade into a bowl. Then whisk in the cornstarch.
## Leftovers
Keep leftover pepper steak in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze in zippered bags or a sealed container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in 30-second intervals in the microwave until warmed through.
## Nutritional Information (per serving)
– **Calories**: 193
– **Carbohydrates**: 32g
– **Protein**: 3g
– **Fat**: 7g
– **Sodium**: 851mg
– **Potassium**: 261mg
– **Fiber**: 2g
– **Sugar**: 23g
This pepper steak recipe offers a scrumptious and quick option to enjoy a classic meal at home. Ideal for a busy weeknight dinner or a festive occasion!
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Chicken Corn Chowder Prepared Creamy Without Heavy Cream
**Title: Lightened-Up Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder Without Heavy Cream: A Tasty Alternative**
Chicken corn chowder is a cozy and filling dish ideal for any time of the year. Conventionally, this chowder gets its creaminess from heavy cream, but for those seeking a lighter option that still delivers on flavor, there are multiple substitutes to create that rich, creamy mouthfeel.
**Why Avoid Heavy Cream?**
While heavy cream is delectable, it is also rich in fat and calories. By swapping it out for healthier alternatives, you can relish a lighter chowder that’s gentler on the waistline without losing any flavor. This approach is especially advantageous for individuals with dietary restrictions or those looking to cut back on saturated fat.
**Ingredients for Lightened-Up Creamy Chicken Corn Chowder Without Heavy Cream:**
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 cups of fresh or frozen corn kernels
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
– 4 cups of chicken broth
– 1 cup of milk (or a non-dairy alternative like almond or oat milk)
– 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
– 1 cup of Greek yogurt or pureed cauliflower
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– Fresh parsley for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Sauté the Chicken:** In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and fry until browned on every side. Take the chicken out and set it aside.
2. **Cook the Vegetables:** In the same pot, toss in the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onion turns translucent. Mix in the corn and potatoes, cooking for another 5 minutes.
3. **Add Broth and Spices:** Pour in the chicken broth, and add the smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer until the potatoes are soft, around 15-20 minutes.
4. **Create the Creamy Base:** In a small bowl, combine the milk and flour, whisking until smooth. Gradually add this mixture into the pot, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. This will aid in thickening the chowder.
5. **Incorporate the Creamy Element:** To achieve the creamy consistency, mix in the Greek yogurt or pureed cauliflower. Both choices provide a luxurious, creamy texture without the inclusion of heavy cream. Greek yogurt contributes a hint of tang, whereas pureed cauliflower brings a more neutral taste.
6. **Combine and Serve:** Return the cooked chicken to the pot and allow it to heat up. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. Once everything is well mixed and warmed, your chowder is ready to be served.
7. **Garnish and Enjoy:** Serve the chowder in bowls, embellish with fresh parsley, and enjoy while hot.
**Tips for Success:**
– **Greek Yogurt:** Choose full-fat Greek yogurt for a more decadent texture. Make sure it’s at room temperature when adding it to avoid curdling.
– **Cauliflower:** Steam or boil the cauliflower until tender, then blend until creamy. This can be prepared ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator.
– **Non-Dairy Milk:** If opting for non-dairy milk, select unsweetened varieties to preserve the savory flavor of the chowder.
**Conclusion:**
This chicken corn chowder recipe provides a comforting and creamy experience without needing heavy cream. By utilizing ingredients such as Greek yogurt or pureed cauliflower, you can indulge in a lighter version that’s both healthy and delicious. Ideal for a cozy dinner or a filling lunch, this chowder is sure to become a staple in your cooking collection.
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Zucchini topped with Parmesan Cheese
Zucchini with Parmesan Cheese: A Tasty and Wholesome Pairing
Zucchini, a flexible summer squash, enjoys global favor in kitchens because of its subtle taste and versatility in numerous recipes. When combined with Parmesan cheese, zucchini evolves into a delightful dining experience that is both wholesome and pleasing. This article investigates the advantages of zucchini, the function of Parmesan cheese, and methods to prepare this tasty combination.
**Nutritional Advantages of Zucchini**
Zucchini is low in calories yet abundant in vital nutrients, making it a fantastic option for health-focused individuals. It serves as a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, along with potassium and dietary fiber. These nutrients enhance digestion, bolster the immune system, and promote heart health. Furthermore, zucchini has antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin, benefiting eye health.
**The Importance of Parmesan Cheese**
Parmesan cheese, celebrated for its deep and nutty flavor, enriches any dish. It is a firm, aged cheese that is high in protein and calcium, crucial for maintaining bone health. Parmesan also features phosphorus, which collaborates with calcium to ensure robust bones and teeth. While Parmesan contains higher sodium and fat levels, its strong flavor allows for minimal usage, letting you savor its taste without excess.
**Making Zucchini with Parmesan Cheese**
There are countless ways to relish zucchini with Parmesan cheese, from simple sides to intricate main dishes. Here are several favored techniques:
1. **Baked Zucchini Parmesan Chips**: Cut zucchini into thin slices, coat with olive oil, and dust with a blend of grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and your preferred herbs. Bake until golden and crunchy for a healthy snack or starter.
2. **Zucchini Parmesan Casserole**: Layer sliced zucchini with marinara sauce and shredded Parmesan cheese in a baking vessel. Top with mozzarella cheese and bake until bubbly and golden. This meal presents a delightful vegetarian substitute for lasagna.
3. **Grilled Zucchini with Parmesan**: Cut zucchini lengthwise, brush with olive oil, and grill until tender. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a splash of lemon juice for a refreshing side.
4. **Zucchini Noodles with Parmesan**: Employ a spiralizer to form zucchini noodles, or “zoodles,” and sauté them with garlic and olive oil. Top off with a hearty sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a low-carb pasta option.
**Conclusion**
Zucchini with Parmesan cheese is a tasty and wholesome pairing that can be relished in diverse forms. Whether baked, grilled, or sautéed, this combination provides a wonderful interplay of flavors and textures. By adding zucchini and Parmesan cheese into your meals, you can enjoy a flavorful dish that aligns with a healthy lifestyle.
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Easy Recipe for Applesauce Pancakes
These fluffy pancakes with applesauce are tender and infused with the warm flavors of cinnamon and allspice, creating the ultimate comforting breakfast! A handful of simple ingredients results in the most soft, delicious pancakes you’ll ever whip up.
“These are the finest pancakes you’ve made,” Alex remarked after sampling these comforting applesauce pancakes. What began as a culinary adventure with a jar of applesauce soon transformed into our new go-to pancake recipe – and that’s quite a statement, given that I’ve crafted numerous pancake recipes through the years, ranging from my well-loved cottage cheese pancakes to banana oatmeal pancakes!
The charm of these applesauce pancakes is found in their moisture and fruity essence that harmonizes beautifully with warm spices. The applesauce ensures a delicate crumb that remains soft even as the pancakes cool down!
Key ingredients for applesauce pancakes
These fluffy pancakes were inspired by a jar of applesauce I had in my refrigerator, originally purchased for these chilled applesauce cookies (which, by the way, are also incredibly tasty).
I pondered, what to do with extra applesauce? Why not make pancakes! This fruit puree offers the ideal soft and moist consistency for flapjacks. They’re perfect for a comforting breakfast and simple enough for anyone (especially kids!). Here’s what you’ll require:
– Applesauce: Any store-bought option works wonderfully: I prefer unsweetened. Homemade applesauce is also suitable.
– All-purpose flour: This recipe is optimized with all-purpose flour, but 1-to-1 gluten-free flour can be used as an alternative.
– Warm spices: The blend of cinnamon and allspice lends these pancakes their defining cozy taste.
– Light brown sugar: It enhances the apple flavor more effectively than granulated sugar. If necessary, you can use granulated sugar or maple syrup instead.
– Fresh Egg: Adds structure and richness. For vegan pancakes, I suggest a flax egg.
– Neutral Oil: I usually opt for either grapeseed oil or a “mild flavor” olive oil. Avoid using strongly flavored oils like extra virgin olive oil, which may overshadow the subtle apple taste.
My tried-and-true method for cooking applesauce pancakes
Making pancakes seems like an easy feat: anyone can handle that! But honestly: it’s an area where many home cooks stumble. If cooked at excessive heat, the applesauce pancakes will char on the outside and be undercooked on the inside. Here are several tips for achieving perfectly cooked pancakes:
– Low and slow is essential! Set the heat to low, or just medium-low. Cook them gently, and they’ll emerge perfectly done on the inside and beautifully golden on the outside. Don’t fret if it seems to take a while: that extra minute or two is worth it!
– Flip the pancakes when bubbles appear and burst. Wait until bubbles form on the surface and begin to pop. Believe me: this method is reliable every single time!
Imaginative serving suggestions
Once those beautifully golden pancakes are cooked: it’s time to adorn them! In my opinion, a drizzle of maple syrup is ideal. However, if you have a bit more time, here are some other ideas for topping applesauce pancakes:
Storage and reheating guidelines
One of the wonderful aspects of these applesauce pancakes is their excellent storage and reheating properties, making them ideal for meal prep or hectic mornings.
– Cooled pancakes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
– They can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet until completely frozen, then move them to freezer bags with the air expelled.
– To reheat, you can place them in the toaster, set on a baking sheet at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or microwave for 10 seconds.
Dietary information
This recipe for applesauce pancakes is vegetarian. For vegan, plant-based, and dairy-free options, use the substitutes mentioned in the recipe below. For gluten-free needs, check out Apple Cinnamon Pancakes, which use oatmeal.
Easy Applesauce Pancakes
This applesauce pancakes recipe yields moist and cozy-spiced results! The inclusion of fruit puree creates perfectly fluffy flapjacks.
Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 8 medium pancakes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Pancakes
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon allspice (optional)
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (or granulated sugar)
– ½ teaspoon kosher salt
– 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan)
– 1 tablespoon neutral oil
– ¾ cup applesauce
– 2/3 cup milk of choice (2% or non-dairy milk)
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all
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Alex & Sonja: The Culinary Pair Behind A Couple Cooks
Introducing Alex and Sonja Overhiser, the energetic husband-and-wife duo who have transformed their love for cooking into a flourishing online community. As the writers of two celebrated cookbooks and the creators of the well-known website A Couple Cooks, Alex and Sonja have been motivating home cooks since 2010 with their straightforward, seasonal recipes and contagious passion for culinary arts.
What started as a mutual interest has evolved into a comprehensive culinary enterprise. The Overhisers established A Couple Cooks with the intention of sharing their passion for cooking and the happiness it brings to their lives. Over the years, their website has expanded to include thousands of original recipes, each developed with care and meticulousness. Ranging from quick dinners during the week to grand weekend celebrations, Alex and Sonja present a wide selection of dishes suitable for all palates and proficiency levels.
A key characteristic of A Couple Cooks is the couple’s dedication to utilizing fresh, seasonal produce. Their recipes highlight the inherent flavors of ingredients, prompting readers to appreciate the richness of each season. This method not only leads to mouthwatering meals but also encourages a sustainable and thoughtful approach to eating.
Along with recipes, Alex and Sonja share an abundance of cooking tips and meal preparation concepts, streamlining the process for busy individuals and families to relish home-cooked meals. As parents themselves, they recognize the hurdles of juggling work, family, and mealtime, and they aim to provide solutions that ease the task without compromising quality or flavor.
All the content on A Couple Cooks is authored and photographed by Alex and Sonja, ensuring a personal touch that resonates with their followers. Their recipes undergo thorough testing, often with assistance from their children, to guarantee they are both family-friendly and reliable.
Through their cookbooks, website, and social media platforms, Alex and Sonja Overhiser have cultivated a community of culinary enthusiasts who share their zeal for cooking and enjoying quality food. Whether you’re an experienced chef or an amateur in the kitchen, A Couple Cooks has something for everyone, encouraging you to explore the delight of cooking alongside Alex and Sonja.
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Alex & Sonja Overhiser: The Culinary Partners Behind A Couple Cooks
Introducing Alex and Sonja Overhiser, the energetic pair who have transformed their love for cooking into a flourishing online community. As writers of two celebrated cookbooks and the creators of the well-loved website A Couple Cooks, they have been motivating home chefs globally since 2010. With an emphasis on straightforward, seasonal dishes, Alex and Sonja have developed a platform that honors the pleasure of cooking and the significance of enjoying meals with loved ones.
The journey of Alex and Sonja began with a common passion for food and a goal to make cooking approachable for all. Their website, A Couple Cooks, commenced as a means to chronicle their culinary experiences and has since evolved into a thorough guide for home cooks. The site showcases thousands of unique recipes, all crafted with care and precision. From hearty breakfasts to fulfilling dinners, each dish is created to be both tasty and feasible, regardless of your culinary skills.
Alongside their vast recipe archive, Alex and Sonja provide an abundance of cooking tips and meal planning suggestions. Their practical insights assist busy families in overcoming the hurdles of putting together healthy, home-cooked meals. As busy parents themselves, they recognize the necessity of efficiency in the kitchen and aim to offer solutions that render meal preparation simpler and more enjoyable.
Another vital aspect of A Couple Cooks is photography. Every recipe is paired with breathtaking visuals that encapsulate the essence of the dish. Both Alex and Sonja are accomplished photographers, and their photos not only highlight the allure of the food but also motivate readers to experiment with new recipes and techniques.
In addition to the website, Alex and Sonja have penned two cookbooks that delve deeper into their culinary philosophy. These works provide readers with an in-depth look at their cherished recipes and cooking approaches, offering inspiration for crafting unforgettable meals at home.
At the core of Alex and Sonja’s endeavors is a dedication to nurturing a passion for cooking and uniting people through food. Their recipes extend beyond merely nourishing the body; they aim to enrich the soul and forge connections around the dinner table. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice, A Couple Cooks serves as an invaluable resource for anyone eager to embrace the delight of cooking.
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