Healthy Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl (Printable)
Tender beef with crisp bell peppers over brown rice in savory garlic-ginger glaze
# What You'll Need:
→ Beef
01 - 14 oz lean beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
02 - 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
03 - 1 tsp cornstarch
04 - 1 tsp sesame oil
→ Vegetables
05 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
06 - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
07 - 1 green bell pepper, sliced
08 - 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
09 - 2 spring onions, sliced for garnish
→ Sauce
10 - 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
11 - 1 tbsp oyster sauce
12 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
13 - 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
14 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
15 - 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
16 - 1/2 tsp chili flakes
→ Rice
17 - 2 cups cooked brown rice
→ Garnishes
18 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
19 - Fresh cilantro leaves
# Directions:
01 - Combine sliced beef with 1 tbsp soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil in a bowl. Toss thoroughly to coat and let marinate for 10 minutes.
02 - Whisk together 2 tbsp soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes in a small bowl until well combined. Set aside.
03 - Heat a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, add a splash of water or oil. Stir-fry bell peppers and red onion for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
05 - Return beef to the skillet. Pour in prepared sauce and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
06 - Divide cooked brown rice among 4 bowls. Top each with beef and pepper mixture. Garnish with spring onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro if desired. Serve immediately.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- Everything cooks in one pan so cleanup is practically nonexistent
- The beef stays incredibly tender thanks to a quick velveting trick
- You can prep everything in about 15 minutes even on busy weeknights
02 -
- Slicing the beef against the grain makes a huge difference in tenderness
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing or the beef will steam instead of brown
- The sauce thickens quickly once it hits the hot pan so have everything ready before adding it
03 -
- Freeze the beef for 20 minutes before slicing to get thin, even strips
- Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2 minutes to bring out their nutty flavor