A Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is a quick, hearty, and flavorful meal that combines tender beef, vibrant bell peppers, and fluffy rice in a savory sauce. Itโs perfect for busy weeknights or when youโre craving something comforting and delicious.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level and add your favorite vegetables.
- Family-friendly: Loved by adults and kids alike.
- Healthy and balanced: Combines protein, veggies, and carbs in one dish.
Ingredients
(Tip: Youโll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Beef strips or ground beef
- Bell peppers (any color)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Cornstarch (optional for thickening)
- Cooked rice
- Sesame oil
- Cooking oil
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, green onions
Directions
- Heat cooking oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef strips and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sautรฉ garlic and onion until fragrant.
- Add bell peppers and stir-fry until slightly tender.
- Return the beef to the pan and mix in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a splash of water. If desired, stir in cornstarch mixed with water for a thicker sauce.
- Drizzle sesame oil for added flavor and toss well.
- Serve the beef and peppers over cooked rice. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Protein options: Swap beef for chicken, tofu, or shrimp.
- Vegetables: Add broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Carb base: Use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or noodles instead of rice.
- Spicy kick: Add chili flakes, sriracha, or diced fresh chilies.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or soy sauce to restore moisture.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen bell peppers?
Yes, frozen bell peppers work well; just thaw and drain any excess water before cooking.
2. What type of beef is best for this recipe?
Thinly sliced sirloin, flank steak, or ground beef are excellent choices.
3. How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce substitutes.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and vegetables in advance and store them separately to maintain texture.
5. Whatโs a good vegetarian substitute for beef?
Firm tofu or seitan makes a great replacement for beef in this dish.
6. Can I add an egg to this recipe?
Yes, you can fry or scramble an egg and add it on top for extra protein.
7. How do I prevent the beef from becoming tough?
Cook the beef quickly over high heat and avoid overcooking.
8. Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds more fiber and nutrients to the meal.
9. What can I use instead of oyster sauce?
Hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a touch of sugar can be substituted.
10. Is this dish spicy?
Not inherently, but you can adjust the spice level by adding chili flakes or hot sauce.
Conclusion
The Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is a versatile, delicious, and satisfying meal thatโs perfect for any occasion. Whether youโre looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a comforting bowl of hearty goodness, this recipe is sure to please. Customize it to your taste, and enjoy a flavorful bowl thatโs ready in no time!
Print
Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is a quick, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy beef, vibrant bell peppers, and savory seasonings are served over fluffy rice, creating a meal thatโs as satisfying as it is easy to prepare. Customize it with your favorite vegetables for a wholesome, hearty dinner.
Ingredients
- For the rice:
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- For the beef and peppers:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or thinly sliced beef)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for spice)
- For garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the rice:
Prepare the rice according to package instructions and set aside. - Cook the beef:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Remove excess fat if necessary. - Sautรฉ the vegetables:
Add the onion, garlic, and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp. - Season the dish:
Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and red chili flakes. Mix well, ensuring everything is coated in the sauce. - Thicken the sauce (optional):
If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for an additional minute until the sauce thickens. - Assemble the bowls:
Divide the cooked rice into serving bowls. Top with the beef and pepper mixture. - Garnish and serve:
Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat for variation.
- Add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots for extra nutrients.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce if preferred.
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