Description
Pepper steak in a crock pot blends tender beef, bell peppers, and rich Asian-inspired sauce for a comforting meal. Slow cooking melds flavors, creating a simple yet satisfying dinner you can easily prepare for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs beef steak (cut into strips)
- 1 large onion (sliced)
- 2 green bell peppers (sliced)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tbsps cornstarch
- 2 tbsps brown sugar
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsps vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Slice beef into thin strips against the grain for tender, easy-to-eat pieces.
- Dice onions and bell peppers into uniform chunks to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Combine soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and black pepper in a mixing bowl to create a flavorful marinade.
- Place beef strips into the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated, then let rest for 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
- Lightly coat the crock pot with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Transfer marinated beef strips into the crock pot, arranging them in a single layer for optimal heat distribution.
- Sprinkle diced onions and bell peppers evenly over the beef, covering the meat completely.
- Pour remaining marinade over the meat and vegetables to enhance flavor and prevent drying.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until beef becomes fork-tender.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce and create a glossy finish.
- Once cooking is complete, gently stir to blend ingredients and ensure even sauce coating.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, garnishing with fresh chopped green onions for added freshness.
Notes
- Choose tender cuts like flank or sirloin steak for maximum softness and quick cooking in the slow cooker.
- Slice beef against the grain to ensure each bite remains tender and easily chewable, preventing tough meat texture.
- Reduce sauce thickness by removing lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking, allowing excess liquid to evaporate and concentrate flavors.
- For a gluten-free version, replace soy sauce with tamari and use cornstarch instead of traditional flour for thickening the sauce.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 355 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 1080 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg