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Easy Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl – Perfect for Busy Nights

Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl: A Savory and Spicy Delight

⚖️
Difficulty
Easy

⏲️
Prep Time
15 mins

🕒
Cook Time
20 mins

⏱️
Total Time
35 mins

🍽
Servings
4

If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful meal that satisfies your taste buds with a hint of spice, then this Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is the perfect dish for you. This one-bowl meal combines tender beef slices, vibrant bell peppers, and perfectly seasoned rice, creating a delightful balance of textures and flavors. Whether you’re in need of a quick weeknight dinner or an easy meal prep option, this dish delivers comfort and satisfaction in every bite.

Inspired by Asian stir-fry flavors, this beef and rice bowl blends umami-rich ingredients like soy sauce, garlic, and black pepper to create a bold yet harmonious taste. The sweet and smoky crunch of bell peppers perfectly complements the savory beef, while the steamed rice absorbs every bit of the flavorful sauce. Prepare yourself for a delicious homemade meal that rivals takeout but is healthier and more budget-friendly.

Quick Recipe Highlights

  • Flavor Profile: A perfect balance of savory, slightly spicy, and umami-rich flavors with a hint of sweetness.
  • Texture: Tender beef, crisp bell peppers, and soft, fluffy rice create a satisfying bite in every spoonful.
  • Aroma: The combination of garlic, soy sauce, and freshly ground black pepper gives this dish an irresistible fragrance.
  • Visual Appeal: Vibrant red, green, and yellow bell peppers add a colorful touch to this beautifully presented rice bowl.
  • Skill Level Needed: Perfect for beginners as it requires simple slicing, sautéing, and mixing.
  • Special Equipment: A wok or large skillet is recommended for the best stir-fry technique.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is a fantastic choice for those who love hearty meals packed with flavor. The stir-fried beef is juicy and well-seasoned, and the bell peppers contribute a beautiful mix of sweetness and crunch. With every bite, you’ll experience an explosion of taste that keeps you coming back for more.

This recipe stands out because of how easy and quick it is to prepare. In just 35 minutes, you have a wholesome, balanced meal ready to serve—an ideal choice for busy weeknights. Plus, it requires simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen.

Nutritionally, this recipe offers a good balance of protein from the beef, fiber and vitamins from the bell peppers, and complex carbs from the rice. With the right portion size and ingredient choices, it can be a well-rounded meal suited to various dietary preferences.

If you’re entertaining guests or hosting a casual dinner, this dish can be easily doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd. Its striking colors and tempting aroma make it a showstopper at the table. You can even serve it in stylish bowls with garnishes like sesame seeds or chopped scallions to elevate the presentation.

Besides being delicious, this beef and rice bowl is also cost-effective. You can use budget-friendly cuts of beef, such as flank steak or sirloin, and make the most of bell peppers when they are in season, resulting in a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcrowding the Pan: Stir-frying in small batches ensures even cooking and prevents steaming instead of searing.
  • Skipping the Marination: A quick marinade enhances the flavor and tenderness of the beef.
  • Not Prepping Ingredients First: Since stir-frying moves quickly, having everything ready before cooking is crucial.
  • Using the Wrong Cut of Beef: Avoid tough cuts; opt for tender steak varieties like sirloin or ribeye.
  • Cooking Bell Peppers Too Long: Overcooked bell peppers lose their crunch and vibrant color.
  • Forgetting to Taste and Adjust: Proper seasoning balance is key, so taste before serving.
  • Unevenly Sliced Beef: Thin, uniform slices cook faster and more evenly.
  • Not Letting the Rice Absorb Flavor: Tossing the rice in the pan at the end enables it to soak up the sauce.

The Recipe

Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 15 mins

Cook Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 35 mins

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Wok or large skillet
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Ingredients

  • 1 lb beef (sirloin or flank), thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 cups cooked white rice
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • Optional: sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish

Directions

  1. In a bowl, combine beef slices with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Mix well and let marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the beef and sear for 2-3 minutes until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, sauté the garlic for 30 seconds.
  5. Add the sliced bell peppers and stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
  6. Return the beef to the pan, sprinkle black pepper, and toss everything together.
  7. Add the cooked rice and drizzle with sesame oil. Stir well.
  8. Remove from heat, garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions, and serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

  • For extra spice, add red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce.
  • Brown rice can be used as a healthier alternative.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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