BEST BEEF AND PEPPER RICE BOWL

Published:
Close-up of a delicious Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl, featuring tender beef, vibrant peppers, and fluffy rice.

Picture this: tender strips of savory beef, vibrant bell peppers with just the right bite, all nestled on a bed of fluffy rice, drizzled with a luscious sauce that ties it all together—a Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl that’s ready in a flash and bursting with flavor, promising a weeknight dinner win!

The Perfect Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl Ingredients

For the Beef and Pepper Stir-fry:

  • 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 large green bell pepper, seeded and sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, but adds great depth)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for cooking
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Rice:

  • 2 cups cooked rice (I prefer jasmine or brown rice)

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Sesame seeds
  • Chopped green onions

Let’s Talk Beef Cuts: Choosing the Right One

Close-up showing the delicious layers of a homemade Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl.

Alright, let’s dive into the heart of our Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl: the beef! I know navigating the meat aisle can be intimidating, but don’t worry, I’m here to help. For this recipe, I highly recommend using sirloin steak. It’s relatively lean, cooks quickly, and becomes incredibly tender when sliced thinly. Other great options include flank steak or even skirt steak. Just remember to slice against the grain to maximize tenderness. This breaks up the muscle fibers, making it easier to chew and preventing it from becoming tough. Trust me, this one step makes a world of difference! It’s all about the Better Me Recipes approach, prioritizing both flavor and ease.

Prepping is Key: Your Secret Weapon

Okay, now that we’ve got our beef sorted, let’s talk about the secret weapon for a quick and delicious meal: preparation! Before you even think about turning on the stove, make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready to go. Slice the beef, chop the peppers and onion, mince the garlic and ginger. Having everything at your fingertips will make the cooking process so much smoother and faster. It’s like having your own personal sous chef! This is especially important for stir-fries, as they cook quickly, and you don’t want to be scrambling to chop veggies while your beef is already sizzling in the pan.

Mastering the Stir-Fry: Tips for Success

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of stir-frying. The key to a perfect stir-fry is high heat and constant movement. Make sure your pan is screaming hot before adding the beef. This will help it sear quickly and develop a beautiful crust. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature and cause the beef to steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook the beef in batches. Once the beef is cooked through, remove it from the pan and set it aside. Next, add the vegetables and stir-fry until they are tender-crisp. We want them to still have a little bite to them, not be mushy. Finally, add the garlic and ginger and cook for just a minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

The Sauce That Ties It All Together

No stir-fry is complete without a delicious sauce, and this one is a winner! The combination of soy sauce, oyster sauce (optional but highly recommended), brown sugar, and sesame oil creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile that’s both savory and slightly sweet. The red pepper flakes add a touch of heat, but you can adjust the amount to your liking. Simply whisk all the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl until the brown sugar is dissolved. Then, pour the sauce over the vegetables and bring to a simmer. Cook for a minute or two until the sauce has thickened slightly. This sauce makes it one of the Easy Meat And Veggie Dinners you’ll be making again and again.

Assembling Your Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl

Alright, the moment we’ve all been waiting for: assembling our Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl! This is where you get to be creative and customize your bowl to your liking. Start with a generous portion of fluffy rice. Then, top with the beef and pepper stir-fry. Drizzle with any remaining sauce from the pan. For extra flavor and visual appeal, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Feel free to add other toppings as well, such as a fried egg, kimchi, or sriracha. The possibilities are endless!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

  1. Slice the beef sirloin thinly against the grain.
  2. In a bowl, marinate the beef with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and a pinch of black pepper for at least 15 minutes (or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator).

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

  1. Wash and slice the green, red, and yellow bell peppers into thin strips.
  2. Thinly slice the onion.
  3. Mince the garlic and ginger.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

  1. Cook rice according to package directions. Keep warm.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Beef and Vegetables

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
  2. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion and stir-fry until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), brown sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Step 6: Combine and Simmer

  1. Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables.
  2. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables and stir to combine.
  3. Bring to a simmer and cook for a minute or two until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

  1. Divide the cooked rice among bowls.
  2. Top with the beef and pepper stir-fry.
  3. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
  4. Serve immediately and enjoy your flavorful Meals With Green Peppers!

Variations to Make it Your Own

One of the best things about this Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is how versatile it is. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, sauces, and toppings to create your own signature version. For example, you could add broccoli, carrots, or snap peas to the stir-fry. Or, you could try using a different type of sauce, such as teriyaki sauce or hoisin sauce. If you’re looking for a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha. And don’t forget about the toppings! A fried egg, kimchi, or a sprinkle of peanuts can add extra flavor and texture to your bowl. Get creative and have fun with it!

Make Ahead Tips and Storage

This Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is also a great meal prep option. You can cook the beef and pepper stir-fry ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the stir-fry and serve it over freshly cooked rice. You can also pack individual portions in containers for easy lunches or dinners. If you’re storing the rice and stir-fry together, be sure to let the stir-fry cool completely before adding it to the container. This will help prevent the rice from becoming soggy. I love making a big batch on Sunday and having it for lunch throughout the week. It saves me so much time and effort!

Why This Recipe Works (And Why You’ll Love It)

Okay, let’s be real. Weeknight dinners can be a struggle. Between work, errands, and everything else life throws at you, it’s easy to fall into the trap of ordering takeout or grabbing something unhealthy. But this Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is here to save the day! It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables. The combination of tender beef, vibrant peppers, and fluffy rice is simply irresistible. And the best part? You can customize it to your liking with different vegetables, sauces, and toppings. So, ditch the takeout menu and give this recipe a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Enjoy Your Homemade Bowl!

So there you have it – the ultimate Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl recipe! I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do. Remember, cooking should be fun and enjoyable, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. And if you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Happy cooking!

What is the best cut of beef to use for this recipe?

Sirloin steak is highly recommended because it’s lean, cooks quickly, and becomes tender when sliced thinly. Flank steak or skirt steak are also good options.

Can I prepare the beef and pepper stir-fry ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the beef and pepper stir-fry ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving over rice.

What’s the key to a successful stir-fry?

High heat and constant movement are crucial for a perfect stir-fry. Make sure your pan is hot before adding the beef to ensure it sears quickly. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

Is oyster sauce necessary for the sauce?

Oyster sauce is optional, but highly recommended as it adds great depth to the sauce’s flavor.

Close-up of a delicious Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl, featuring tender beef, vibrant peppers, and fluffy rice.

BEST BEEF AND PEPPER RICE BOWL

Avatar photoAmelia Chen-Morrison
This Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl delivers tender beef and vibrant bell peppers nestled on fluffy rice, all drizzled with a luscious savory-sweet sauce. It’s a quick and easy weeknight dinner that’s packed with flavor and customizable to your liking.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian-inspired
Servings 4
Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Large Skillet or Wok
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Rice cooker or pot
  • Serving bowls

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 large green bell pepper, seeded and sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and sliced
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce optional
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups cooked rice jasmine or brown
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Slice the beef sirloin thinly against the grain.
  • In a bowl, marinate the beef with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and a pinch of black pepper for at least 15 minutes (or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator).
  • Wash and slice the green, red, and yellow bell peppers into thin strips.
  • Thinly slice the onion.
  • Mince the garlic and ginger.
  • Cook rice according to package directions. Keep warm.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
  • Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
  • Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion and stir-fry until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for another minute until fragrant.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), brown sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  • Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables.
  • Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables and stir to combine.
  • Bring to a simmer and cook for a minute or two until the sauce has thickened slightly.
  • Divide the cooked rice among bowls.
  • Top with the beef and pepper stir-fry.
  • Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Sirloin, flank, or skirt steak can be used. Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness. Prepare ingredients ahead of time for faster cooking. For a spicier dish, add more red pepper flakes or sriracha. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The beef and pepper stir-fry can be made ahead of time and reheated. Other vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or snap peas can be added. Try different sauces like teriyaki or hoisin. A fried egg, kimchi, or peanuts can be added as toppings.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amelia Chen-Morrison

the visionary behind BestHomeMadeRecipes. Along with my cousin Alice, we’ve created your ultimate destination for restaurant-quality recipes

Weekly Newsletter

Get the latest recipes and my top tips straight into your inbox!



    You Might Also Like...

    SALSA VERDE CHICKEN AND RICE EASY

    SALSA VERDE CHICKEN AND RICE EASY

    PERFECT HOT HONEY FETA CHICKEN

    PERFECT HOT HONEY FETA CHICKEN

    ULTIMATE SOUTHWEST CHICKEN SALAD

    ULTIMATE SOUTHWEST CHICKEN SALAD

    PERFECT HONEY GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN MAC AND CHEESE

    PERFECT HONEY GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN MAC AND CHEESE

    Leave a Comment

    Recipe Rating