PEPPER STEAK IN A CROCK POT

My family couldn’t get enough of this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot! My husband couldn’t stop raving about how tender and flavorful the steak was, and my kids were asking for seconds. It was the perfect dish for our cozy family dinner, and it brought smiles to everyone’s faces.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs flank steak, sliced into thin strips
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions:

• Place the sliced steak, onion, bell peppers, and garlic in the crock pot.
• In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, cornstarch, ginger, and black pepper. Pour over the steak and vegetables in the crock pot.
• Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
• Serve the pepper steak over cooked rice.

Popular questions:

• Q: Can I use a different cut of meat instead of flank steak?

A: Yes, you can use sirloin or round steak as alternatives to flank steak for this recipe.

• Q: Can I add additional vegetables to this dish?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to add mushrooms, carrots, or broccoli to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish.

• Q: Is there a substitute for soy sauce?

A: You can use tamari or coconut aminos as gluten-free alternatives to soy sauce.

• Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

A: You can prepare the ingredients and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook in the crock pot.

• Q: How can I make this dish spicier?

A: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicier version of pepper steak.

• Q: Is it necessary to slice the steak before cooking?

A: Slicing the steak into thin strips helps to ensure that it cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the sauce.

• Q: Can I make this dish in a pressure cooker instead of a crock pot?

A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a pressure cooker by adjusting the cooking times accordingly.

• Q: How long can leftovers be stored?

A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Q: Can I freeze leftover pepper steak?

A: Yes, you can freeze leftover pepper steak in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Q: What side dishes pair well with pepper steak?

A: Steamed vegetables, fried rice, or garlic noodles are excellent side dish options to serve with pepper steak.

Helpful tips:

• Add a splash of sesame oil for extra flavor.
• Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a beautiful presentation.
• Marinate the steak in the sauce mixture overnight for even more flavorful results.
• For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste preferences.
• Use a mix of different colored bell peppers for a visually appealing dish.
• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Ensure the steak is fully submerged in the sauce to keep it tender and juicy.
• Serve with a side of steamed broccoli for a balanced meal.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile of the dish.

Expert Secrets:

• Cook the steak on low for a longer time for the most tender results.
• Allow the flavors to meld by letting the dish sit for a few minutes before serving.
• Adjust the amount of soy sauce to control the saltiness of the dish.
• Add a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy twist.
• Use fresh ginger for a stronger ginger flavor.
• Serve the pepper steak with a side of steamed jasmine rice for an authentic experience.
• For a low-carb option, serve the pepper steak over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
• Add a touch of honey to balance out the savory flavors.
• For a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch to the mixture before pouring over the ingredients.
• Experiment with different types of peppers, such as poblano or jalapeño, for a unique flavor profile.