### Pepper Steak: A Tasty Weeknight Treat
Pepper Steak is a scrumptious dish that fuses tender beef strips with vibrant bell peppers and onions, all coated in a sweet and savory sauce. This one-pan recipe is not only quick to make but also provides a fulfilling weeknight meal, particularly when paired with a bowl of steamed rice.
#### Holly’s Recipe Highlights: Pepper Steak
– **Flavor**: The dish showcases a perfect mix of savory and sweet tastes, attributed to a honey soy sauce marinade that enriches the beef, enhanced by the inherent sweetness of bell peppers and onions.
– **Technique**: Marinating the beef improves its tenderness while imbuing it with flavor. Searing the beef prior to simmering results in a deep, caramelized crust, ensuring a juicy center.
– **Serving Suggestions**: This pepper steak can be served atop various bases such as instant pot white rice, brown rice, fried rice, cauliflower rice, or egg noodles for a complete meal.
**Total Time**: 2 hrs 40 mins
**Servings**: 4
**Cooking Method**: Skillet
### Ingredient Notes
– **Beef**: Use thinly sliced top round beef against the grain for optimal tenderness. Alternatives include flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak.
– **Onion**: Yellow onion provides natural sweetness, while white onion delivers a sharper taste.
– **Peppers**: Green bell pepper contributes an earthy flavor, while red bell pepper adds sweetness and vibrancy. Other hues like orange or yellow can be used as substitutes.
– **Honey or Brown Sugar**: Honey gives a mild sweetness, while brown sugar offers a richer flavor, balancing the savory soy sauce.
– **Mirin or Dry Sherry**: This optional ingredient introduces subtle sweetness and enhanced flavor to the sauce.
### Tips for Ideal Pepper Steak
– **For Easier Slicing**: Slightly freeze the beef for cleaner, thinner cuts.
– **For Tender Beef**: Always slice against the grain.
– **Use a Hot Skillet**: Ensure the skillet is heated before adding beef for an effective sear.
– **For a Perfect Sear**: Cook the beef in batches if the skillet is overcrowded.
– **Do Not Overcook the Peppers**: Strive for tender-crisp peppers for improved texture.
### Save It For Later
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for as long as 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating on the stovetop or microwave.
### Simple Takeout-At-Home Dinners
Pepper Steak is an excellent choice for those aiming to recreate takeout favorites at home. With its bright colors and rich tastes, it’s guaranteed to satisfy the entire family.
### Recipe Instructions
1. **Marinade Preparation**: In a medium bowl, whisk together water, honey, soy sauce, mirin (if using), Worcestershire sauce, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
2. **Marinate Beef**: Add the beef strips to the marinade and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. **Cook Vegetables**: Take the beef out of the marinade, setting it aside. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add oil, then stir-fry onion and peppers for about 5 minutes until tender. Move to a plate.
4. **Sear Beef**: In the same skillet, add the beef and cook for 1 minute without stirring, then mix and cook until browned (about 2-3 minutes). Transfer to the plate with the vegetables.
5. **Prepare Sauce**: Whisk cornstarch into the reserved marinade, pour into the skillet, and bring to a boil. Allow to boil for 2 minutes.
6. **Combine Ingredients**: Lower the heat to medium, add back the onion, peppers, and beef, and stir to combine. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
7. **Serve**: Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onion and sesame seeds if desired, and serve with rice.
### Nutrition Information (per serving)
– **Calories**: 193
– **Carbohydrates**: 32g
– **Protein**: 3g
– **Fat**: 7g
– **Sodium**: 851mg
– **Potassium**: 261mg
– **Fiber**: 2g
– **Sugar**: 23g
This Pepper Steak recipe is not just a treat for the palate but also a colorful addition to your weeknight dinner lineup. Relish the delightful fusion of flavors and textures that this dish offers at your table!