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:
1. Place the sliced steak, onion, bell peppers, and garlic in the crock pot.
2. 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.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
4. Serve the pepper steak over cooked rice.
### Nutrition Information:
– Calories: 320
– Protein: 25g
– Carbs: 22g
– Fat: 15g
– Saturated Fat: 6g
– Fiber: 2g
## Popular questions:
1. **Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?**
– Yes, you can use sirloin steak or ribeye as alternatives to flank steak.
2. **Can I add other vegetables to the dish?**
– Feel free to add mushrooms, broccoli, or snap peas for additional flavor and nutrition.
3. **Is it necessary to slice the beef thinly?**
– Slicing the beef thinly helps it cook faster and absorb more flavor, but you can leave it in larger chunks if preferred.
4. **Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?**
– Yes, you can use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the overall sodium content of the dish.
5. **Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a crock pot?**
– Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot by adjusting the cooking times accordingly.
6. **Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?**
– Yes, you can freeze any leftover pepper steak for future meals.
7. **Can I use a different type of pepper for this recipe?**
– You can use any color of bell pepper or add some heat with jalapenos or chili peppers.
8. **Can I omit the brown sugar for a lower-sugar version?**
– You can reduce or omit the brown sugar, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
9. **Can I use a gluten-free soy sauce for this dish?**
– Yes, you can use gluten-free soy sauce if needed.
10. **Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?**
– Yes, you can double or triple the ingredients for larger servings, just ensure your crock pot can accommodate the increased volume.
## Helpful tips:
1. Marinate the steak in the soy sauce mixture for extra flavor.
2. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a deeper umami taste.
3. Serve the pepper steak over noodles or alongside mashed potatoes for a different twist.
4. Garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
5. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
6. Make sure to slice the bell peppers evenly for even cooking.
7. Use a beef broth instead of water for a richer sauce.
8. Experiment with different herbs and spices like thyme or rosemary for unique flavors.
9. Add a touch of honey for a hint of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.
10. Let the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together before serving.
## Expert Secrets:
1. Searing the steak before adding it to the crock pot can enhance the depth of flavor.
2. For a thicker sauce, mix a bit more cornstarch with water before adding to the crock pot.
3. Try using a mix of different colored bell peppers for a more visually appealing dish.
4. If using a tougher cut of meat, increase the cooking time to ensure it becomes tender.
5. Save any leftover sauce to drizzle over leftover rice or noodles for a tasty lunch the next day.
6. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
7. Toss the sliced steak in a bit of flour before adding to the crock pot for a thicker sauce.
8. Add a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy flavor.
9. Use fresh ginger for a more intense and aromatic taste.
10. For a low-carb option, serve the pepper steak over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
By following these tips and expert secrets, you can elevate the flavors and presentation of your Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot dish for a memorable and delicious meal. Enjoy!