Ingredients
Scale
For the Pepper Steak:
- 2 pounds beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced into strips
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 bell peppers (red, green, and yellow), sliced into strips
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For Thickening (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Optional Garnishes:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Beef
- Slice the beef sirloin or flank steak into thin strips against the grain for tenderness.
- Toss the beef strips with flour or cornstarch in a large bowl to coat evenly.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips in batches and sear until browned on all sides.
- Transfer the browned beef to the crock pot. (This step enhances flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.)
Step 3: Add Vegetables
- Layer the sliced onions and bell peppers over the beef in the crock pot.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, minced ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Pour the sauce evenly over the beef and vegetables in the crock pot.
Step 5: Cook
- Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking, allowing it to thicken.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Serve the pepper steak hot over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a finishing touch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g