Description
A flavorful, tender beef steak simmered in a crockpot with colorful bell peppers and onions in a savory sauce. Perfect for a busy day, this dish is easy to make and bursting with bold, delicious flavors.
Ingredients
For the Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot:
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak or sirloin steak, cut into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (for a spicy kick)
Instructions
Start by cutting the flank or sirloin steak into thin strips against the grain. This will ensure the steak remains tender and easy to eat after slow cooking.
Optional: For added flavor and a better sear, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak strips and sear them in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are browned. This step is not necessary but enhances the flavor by creating a rich caramelized crust. Once seared, transfer the steak to the Crock Pot.
Slice the onion and bell peppers into thin strips. These will cook down in the Crock Pot and add sweetness and crunch to the dish. Add the sliced vegetables directly to the Crock Pot on top of the steak.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, oyster sauce, and sesame oil (if using). Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, ground black pepper, and salt to the sauce mixture. Pour this mixture over the steak and vegetables in the Crock Pot. Stir everything together gently to ensure the sauce coats all the ingredients.
Cover the Crock Pot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. During the cooking time, the steak will become tender, and the vegetables will soften, absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, create a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the Crock Pot and mix well. This will help thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Once the Pepper Steak is done cooking, give it a final stir to ensure the sauce has coated everything evenly. Serve the dish over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. You can also sprinkle fresh chopped herbs or a few sesame seeds on top for an extra touch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high
Nutrition
- Calories: 300-350 kcal
- Fat: 14-18g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Protein: 35-40g