Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl

Bold, colorful, and deeply satisfying, this Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is the perfect weeknight dinner. Tender strips of beef are sautéed with vibrant bell peppers and onions, then served over fluffy rice and drizzled with a savory sauce. It’s a quick and easy dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort—comforting, nourishing, and ready in under 30 minutes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy – On the table in just 30 minutes.
Packed with Flavor – A savory, garlicky sauce complements the beef and peppers perfectly.
Nutritious & Filling – Balanced with protein, veggies, and grains.
Customizable – Adjust the spice, add more veggies, or swap proteins.
Meal Prep Friendly – Great for leftovers or make-ahead lunches.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef Stir-Fry:
1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 small yellow onion, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)

For the Sauce:
¼ cup soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce)
1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp brown sugar
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

For Serving:
3 cups cooked white or brown rice
2 green onions, chopped
Toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Lime wedges (optional)

Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet or wok
Mixing bowls
Knife and cutting board
Measuring spoons
Rice cooker or pot for rice
Tongs or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Beef
In a bowl, toss thinly sliced beef with 2 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tbsp cornstarch. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef
Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the beef and sear for 2–3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Veggies
In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed.
Add bell peppers and onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, until just tender.
Add garlic and ginger (if using) and sauté for 1 more minute.

Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the beef to the skillet.
Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables, stirring to coat everything evenly.
Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and beef is fully cooked.

Step 6: Serve
Scoop rice into bowls.
Top with the beef and pepper mixture.
Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges if desired.

Tips for the Best Rice Bowl
Slice Beef Thinly – For quick, even cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd – Cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming the beef.
Use High Heat – Helps achieve a good sear and locks in flavor.
Fresh Garlic & Ginger – Add a burst of aromatic depth.
Cook Rice in Advance – Makes assembly quick and easy.

Serving Suggestions
As a Bowl – Classic style with all ingredients layered.
In Lettuce Wraps – For a low-carb version.
With a Fried Egg – Adds richness and extra protein.
Add Veggies – Try broccoli, snap peas, or shredded carrots.
With Kimchi – For a bold, spicy side.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating:
Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
Stovetop: Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different meat?
   Yes! Chicken, shrimp, or tofu are great alternatives.
2. Is this dish spicy?
   Not inherently, but red pepper flakes add a mild heat. Adjust to taste.
3. Can I make it gluten-free?
   Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure all sauces are gluten-free.
4. What rice works best?
   White jasmine, basmati, or brown rice all pair well. Even cauliflower rice works for low-carb.
5. Can I freeze it?
   Yes, though freshly cooked veggies taste best. Freeze in portions and thaw overnight before reheating.

Final Thoughts
This Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is a savory, satisfying, and speedy dish that fits right into your busy lifestyle without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, it’s a balanced bowl of comfort that everyone will love.

Fire up your skillet and make dinner something to look forward to tonight!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 410 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 520mg

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