Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a one-bowl wonder that combines simple ingredients to create a meal bursting with flavor and texture. The tender beef pairs perfectly with crisp, vibrant bell peppers, while the savory sauce ties everything together. It’s quick to prepare, customizable with your favorite vegetables, and ideal for meal prep or family dinners.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Thinly sliced beef (such as flank steak or sirloin)
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Bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced
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Onion, sliced
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Garlic, minced
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Soy sauce
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Oyster sauce
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Brown sugar
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Rice vinegar or lime juice
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Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
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Vegetable oil
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Cooked white or brown rice
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Green onions or sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Directions
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Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add sliced onions and garlic, sauté until fragrant and translucent.
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Add the sliced beef and cook until browned but still tender. Remove beef from the pan and set aside.
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In the same pan, add bell peppers and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
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Return the beef to the pan. Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. Mix well to coat the beef and peppers.
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If desired, dissolve cornstarch in a small amount of water and add to the pan to thicken the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens.
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Serve the beef and pepper mixture over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Servings and Timing
Serves 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Beef Bowls: Add chili flakes, sriracha, or fresh sliced chilies to the sauce for heat.
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Vegetable Medley: Add snap peas, mushrooms, or broccoli for more veggies.
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Gluten-Free: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and check oyster sauce ingredients.
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Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If sauce thickens too much after storage, add a splash of water to loosen it during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of sliced beef?
Yes, ground beef works well and cooks faster; adjust cooking time accordingly.
What cut of beef is best for this recipe?
Flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak sliced thinly across the grain are ideal for tenderness.
Can I prepare the beef and vegetables ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate and slice beef in advance and chop vegetables to save time.
Is oyster sauce necessary?
Oyster sauce adds depth and umami, but you can substitute with hoisin sauce or mushroom sauce for a vegetarian-friendly option.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Replace beef with tofu or tempeh and use vegetarian oyster sauce or soy sauce instead.
How do I keep the bell peppers crisp?
Cook peppers quickly over high heat to retain their crunch and vibrant color.
Can I use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice, quinoa, or any grain of your choice works well.
What can I use instead of cornstarch?
Arrowroot powder or potato starch can be used as a thickener.
How spicy is this dish by default?
The base recipe is mild, but you can easily add spice to your preference.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, but note that bell peppers may lose some texture when frozen and reheated.
Conclusion
Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls are a flavorful, quick, and versatile meal that combines tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce all served over rice. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings with minimal effort. Customize with your favorite veggies and spice levels to make it your own.
Beef and Pepper Rice Bowls
Enjoy a flavorful and easy Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl packed with tender beef strips, colorful bell peppers, and a savory soy-based sauce. This quick one-bowl meal is perfect for busy weeknights and pairs perfectly with steamed rice for a satisfying dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian, Fusion
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds (optional), for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Add the sliced beef and marinate for 15-20 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef with marinade and stir-fry until the beef starts to brown, about 3-4 minutes. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Return the beef to the skillet, toss with the peppers, and cook for another 2 minutes to combine flavors. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve the beef and peppers over warm cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Use sirloin or flank steak for tender beef strips.
- Substitute bell peppers with any favorite vegetables like snap peas or broccoli.
- For a spicy kick, add chili flakes or Sriracha sauce.
