Healthy Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl (Printable Version)
Tender beef, crisp peppers, and brown rice in a savory garlic-ginger sauce for a protein-packed Asian-inspired meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Beef
01 - 14 oz lean beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
02 - 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
03 - 1 tsp cornstarch
04 - 1 tsp sesame oil
→ Vegetables
05 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
06 - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
07 - 1 green bell pepper, sliced
08 - 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
09 - 2 spring onions, sliced
→ Sauce
10 - 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
11 - 1 tbsp oyster sauce
12 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
13 - 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
14 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
15 - 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
16 - 1/2 tsp chili flakes
→ Rice
17 - 2 cups cooked brown rice
→ Garnishes
18 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
19 - Fresh cilantro leaves
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine sliced beef with 1 tbsp soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil in a bowl. Toss thoroughly to coat and let marinate for 10 minutes.
02 - Whisk together 2 tbsp soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes in a small bowl until well combined.
03 - Heat a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until just browned. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, add a splash of water or oil. Stir-fry the bell peppers and red onion for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
05 - Return the beef to the skillet. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
06 - Divide the cooked brown rice among 4 bowls. Top each with the beef and pepper mixture.
07 - Sprinkle with spring onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
# Expert Insights:
01 -
- The cornstarch velvetting technique creates impossibly tender beef that practically melts in your mouth
- Everything cooks in one pan which means less cleanup and more time to actually enjoy your meal
- The sauce balances sweet, savory, and just enough heat to keep you coming back for another bite
02 -
- Dont skip the cornstarch in the beef marinade because it creates that velvety texture you usually only get in restaurants
- Have all your ingredients prepped and the sauce mixed before you turn on the heat since stir-frying moves fast
- The beef will continue cooking slightly when you return it to the pan with the sauce so dont overcook it in the first step
03 -
- Freeze your beef for 20 minutes before slicing to get those impossibly thin, even strips
- Crank your exhaust fan to high before you start cooking because the garlic and ginger will be pungent and amazing