Slow-Cooked Pepper Steak

$- 1.5 lbs flank steak, sliced into thin strips - 2 bell peppers (red and green), sliced - 1 large onion, sliced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup beef broth - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional) - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooked rice or noodles for serving Gathering the right ingredients is key to making great crockpot pepper steak. Start with flank steak, as it cooks well in a slow cooker. Slice it thinly for better texture. Fresh bell peppers, both red and green, add color and crunch. A large onion and minced garlic enhance the dish's flavor. For the sauce, beef broth is a must. It keeps the meat juicy and tender. Soy sauce offers a savory touch, while oyster sauce deepens the taste. A dash of Worcestershire sauce adds a rich layer, but it’s optional. Lastly, cornstarch thickens the sauce at the end. Olive oil helps in searing the steak, giving it a nice crust. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. Serve the pepper steak over fluffy rice or noodles for a hearty meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, slice the flank steak into thin strips. This cuts down cooking time and makes it tender. Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the steak strips with salt and pepper. Sear the steak in batches for about 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. Once done, transfer the steak to your crockpot. In the same skillet, add sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté them for 2-3 minutes until they soften a bit. This step boosts their flavor. After sautéing, add the vegetables to the crockpot with the seared steak. Now, it’s time to mix the sauces. In a bowl, combine beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, if you like. Pour this mixture over the steak and veggies in the crockpot. Make sure everything is coated well. Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat. Let it cook for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cornstarch mixed with water. This thickens the sauce nicely. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the sauce reaches your desired thickness. Taste it and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving. Searing the steak adds deep flavor. It helps lock in juices. Use a hot skillet to get a nice brown crust. This step makes your dish rich and tasty. Always cook the steak in batches. If you crowd the pan, it won't brown well. Each piece needs space to cook evenly. Before serving, taste your dish. This lets you know if it needs more salt or pepper. You can also add more soy sauce for a stronger flavor. If you want it spicy, sprinkle some red pepper flakes. Feel free to customize to your taste. Each cook can make this dish their own. Pepper steak pairs well with rice or noodles. They soak up the sauce nicely. For a pretty plate, garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds. This adds color and crunch. You can also serve it with a side of steamed veggies. They balance the meal and add freshness. Pro Tips Choose the Right Cut: Flank steak is ideal for slow cooking as it becomes tender and flavorful. However, you can also use skirt steak or sirloin if you prefer. Don't Skip the Searing: Searing the steak before adding it to the crockpot enhances the flavor through caramelization, giving your dish a rich depth. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or broccoli. Just make sure to cut them into uniform sizes for even cooking. Adjust the Seasoning: Always taste your dish before serving. You can add more soy sauce or a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors if needed. {{image_2}} You can switch the flank steak for boneless chicken breast. Just slice it thin. Chicken cooks well in the crockpot and absorbs the flavors nicely. Tofu is a great choice for a vegetarian option. Use firm tofu and cube it before adding it to the pot. This gives a nice texture and flavor. Feel free to get creative with vegetables. Adding mushrooms or broccoli can make the dish more colorful and nutritious. You can also use different bell pepper colors, like yellow or orange. This not only adds flavor but also makes the dish visually appealing. If you want a healthier version, try low-sodium alternatives for sauces. This keeps the taste without too much salt. You can also make this dish without oyster sauce. Just add a bit more soy sauce for flavor. This allows you to enjoy pepper steak while meeting your dietary needs. To keep your leftover pepper steak fresh, cool it first. Place it in the fridge within two hours. Use airtight containers to store it. This helps prevent spoilage. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. They keep the flavors well and are easy to clean. When reheating, always make sure the food is hot. The best method is using the microwave. Heat in short intervals to avoid overcooking. Stir the dish between intervals for even heating. If you're using the stove, warm it on low heat. This keeps the meat tender. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety. You can freeze pepper steak for up to three months. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, use the microwave on defrost setting. Avoid refreezing once it has thawed. This keeps the texture and taste just right. Yes, you can cook this on high heat! If you choose high heat, adjust the time to 3-4 hours. This will still give you tender steak and tasty veggies. Just remember, low heat is best for rich flavor. So, if you have the time, go for low! If you don't have flank steak, don't worry! You can use sirloin or skirt steak. Both options work well and stay juicy. For a different twist, try using boneless chicken breast or even tofu for a vegetarian meal. Pepper steak stays good in the fridge for 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just be sure to thaw it safely before enjoying it again! To make pepper steak, gather flank steak, bell peppers, and onion. Use flavor-packed sauces like soy and Worcestershire. Follow the steps for perfect cooking. Remember to sear the steak well for flavor and adjust spices to your taste. You can even switch proteins or veggies for a twist. Ultimately, this dish is versatile and easy to store. Enjoy your delicious meal!$

A delicious and tender pepper steak cooked slowly with bell peppers and onions.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 8

Total Time 8 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1.5 lbs flank steak, sliced into thin strips
2 pieces bell peppers (red and green), sliced
1 large onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
2 tablespoons olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
as needed cooked rice or noodles for serving

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the flank steak strips with salt and pepper. Sear the steak in batches until browned on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer the steak to the crockpot.
In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until just softened, then add them to the crockpot with the steak.
In a bowl, combine the beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Pour this mixture over the steak and vegetables in the crockpot.
Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat. Cook for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cornstarch mixture to thicken the sauce. Let it cook until the sauce is thickened.
Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve over cooked rice or noodles.

Notes

Serve over rice or noodles, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds.

Keyword beef, crockpot, pepper steak, slow-cooked