Embark on a culinary adventure with Slow Cooker Pepper Steak, a dish that tantalizes the taste buds with its tender beef, vibrant peppers, and savory sauce. Perfect for busy days when you crave a hearty meal with minimal effort, this recipe combines the convenience of a slow cooker with the irresistible flavors of pepper steak. Let’s dive into the world of slow cooking and discover the magic of Pepper Steak together!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds top sirloin steak
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- 1 large green bell pepper, diced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth, divided
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the Steak: Cut the top sirloin steak into thin strips against the grain. Season the steak strips with garlic powder, ground ginger, and freshly ground black pepper, rubbing the seasonings evenly over the meat.
- Layer in the Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned steak strips in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the diced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion on top of the steak.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, and cornstarch until well combined. Pour the sauce mixture over the steak and vegetables in the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, or until the steak is tender and cooked through.
- Thicken the Sauce: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of beef broth with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch until smooth. Stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker, stirring gently to combine. Cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the steak is cooked and the sauce has thickened, serve the Pepper Steak hot over cooked rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Cook’s Notes and Variations:
- Tenderizing the Steak: For extra tender steak, you can marinate the steak strips in soy sauce and a splash of vinegar for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the vegetables used in this recipe based on your preferences. Mushrooms, carrots, or snap peas would make delicious additions to the dish.
- Spice it Up: Add a kick of heat to the Pepper Steak by incorporating red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños into the sauce mixture.
- Low-Sodium Option: If you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium soy sauce and beef broth to reduce the overall salt content of the dish.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe? A: Yes, you can use flank steak or skirt steak instead of top sirloin steak for this recipe. Keep in mind that these cuts may require longer cooking times to become tender.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, you can use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free. Ensure that the beef broth and other ingredients used are also gluten-free.
Q: Is there a keto-friendly version of this recipe? A: To make a keto-friendly version, substitute the brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Serve the Pepper Steak over cauliflower rice or shirataki noodles instead of traditional rice or noodles.
Q: How can I make this recipe lower in carbs? A: To reduce the carb content, omit the cornstarch or use a lower-carb thickener such as xanthan gum. Serve the Pepper Steak with sautéed vegetables or a side salad instead of rice or noodles.
In conclusion, Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is a delightful dish that brings together the convenience of slow cooking with the bold flavors of pepper steak. With tender beef, crisp peppers, and a savory sauce, it’s a satisfying meal that’s sure to please the whole family. Whether enjoyed for a weeknight dinner or served at a special gathering, this recipe offers a taste of comfort and warmth with every bite. So, fire up your slow cooker and let it work its magic as you savor the deliciousness of Pepper Steak. Bon appétit!
