Description
This Savory Pepper Steak recipe is a comforting slow-cooked dish perfect for cozy nights. Tender strips of beef sirloin or flank steak are cooked with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a flavorful sauce made from soy sauce, beef broth, garlic, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Finished with a thickened sauce, this hearty meal is easily prepared in a crock pot, delivering rich and satisfying flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Vegetables
- 2 pounds Beef Sirloin or Flank Steak (can substitute with stew meat)
- 2 cups Bell Peppers, chopped into 1-inch pieces (sweet, colorful; optional jalapeños for a kick)
- 1 large Onion, chopped into 1-inch pieces (yellow or white)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup Soy Sauce (use tamari for gluten-free option)
- 1 cup Beef Broth (can use vegetable broth as a lighter option)
- 4 cloves Minced Garlic (fresh or jarred)
- 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar (substitute with honey or maple syrup)
- 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (adjust for desired heat)
Thickening Agent
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (can use arrowroot powder as substitute)
- 2 tablespoons Cold Water (to mix with cornstarch for slurry)
Seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Slice the beef sirloin or flank steak into thin strips or bite-sized chunks. Season generously with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Chop vegetables: Cut the bell peppers and onion into 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking and good texture in the final dish.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, minced garlic, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes until well combined. This mixture will infuse the beef and vegetables with savory and slightly sweet flavors.
- Assemble in the slow cooker: Place the seasoned beef at the bottom of your slow cooker. Layer the chopped onions and bell peppers on top. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over all the ingredients evenly.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the beef is tender and infused with the flavors of the sauce and vegetables.
- Thicken the sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce, cooking for the remaining time to reach the desired consistency.
- Serve and enjoy: Once thickened, stir everything gently and serve the savory pepper steak hot, perfect over rice or noodles for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute stew meat if sirloin or flank steak is not available.
- Use tamari soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute beef with firm tofu and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- The dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup for alternative sweeteners.
- Make sure to mix the cornstarch with cold water before adding to avoid lumps.
