Description
Enjoy this Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl with tender beef, crisp peppers, and savory sauce over rice. A delicious, easy meal for any night.
Ingredients
- Beef (Flank Steak or Sirloin): Flank steak or sirloin works best for stir-frying as they’re both tender and cook quickly. Look for cuts that are well-marbled for flavor.
- Bell Peppers: A mix of red, yellow, and green bell peppers adds a vibrant touch and a mix of sweetness and crunch.
- Rice: Long-grain white rice or brown rice works well as the base for this dish. Brown rice adds more fiber, making it a healthier option.
- Soy Sauce: Adds umami and saltiness, which enhances the flavor of the beef and peppers.
- Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger provide aromatic flavors that complement the savory beef and sweet peppers.
- Honey or Brown Sugar: A small amount of sweetness balances the savory sauce, creating a rich and well-rounded flavor.
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce, making it cling to the beef and vegetables without being too watery.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty flavor that enhances the stir-fry and helps prevent sticking.
- Green Onions: Used as a garnish, adding freshness and a mild onion flavor to the dish.
Instructions
- Prepare the Rice: Begin by cooking the rice according to package instructions. If using a rice cooker, simply add the rice and water, set it, and let it cook. If cooking on the stove, bring water to a boil, add the rice, reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked.
- Prep the Beef and Vegetables: While the rice is cooking, slice the beef into thin strips against the grain. Slice the bell peppers into thin strips as well. Mince the garlic and ginger.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, honey (or brown sugar), and cornstarch. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Set the sauce aside.
- Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add a bit of sesame oil and then add the beef strips. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
- Cook the Peppers: In the same pan, add a bit more sesame oil if needed. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the sliced bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the peppers are tender yet still crisp.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooked beef back into the pan along with the sauce. Stir everything together, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef and peppers. Continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Spoon the cooked rice into bowls and top with the beef and pepper mixture. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro for an extra touch of flavor.