Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl

A Hearty and Flavorful One-Bowl Meal

The Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is a quick, satisfying dish that combines tender beef, crisp bell peppers, and a savory sauce served over a bed of steaming rice. This easy-to-make meal is packed with umami, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting homemade dinner. With minimal prep and cook time, this dish delivers bold flavors in under 30 minutes.

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inesboulila A beef and pepper rice bowl featuring tender strips 86c6dc0d ea38 4f28 9161 33fe33fb1673

Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl


  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 23 servings 1x

Description

A quick and satisfying Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl featuring tender beef, crisp bell peppers, and a savory sauce over steaming rice. This umami-packed dish is perfect for busy weeknights, ready in under 30 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb beef (sirloin, flank steak, or ribeye), thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 bell pepper (red, green, or yellow), sliced
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, minced
  • 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup beef broth or water
  • 1/2 tsp cornstarch (for sauce thickening)
  • Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef:
    • Mix sliced beef with 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp cornstarch. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Cook the Beef:
    • Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Cook beef for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
  3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
    • In the same pan, sauté onion, bell pepper, garlic, and ginger for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Make the Sauce:
    • Whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth (or water), cornstarch, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  5. Combine Everything:
    • Return beef to the pan, add sauce, and toss to coat.
    • Cook for 1-2 minutes until sauce thickens.
    • Drizzle with 1 tsp sesame oil.
  6. Assemble the Rice Bowl:
    • Serve beef and peppers over cooked rice.
    • Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

  • Protein Variations: Swap beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu.
  • Vegetable Additions: Broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms work well.
  • Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
  • Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze beef mixture for 2 months.
  • Reheating: Microwave in 30-second intervals or warm in a pan with a splash of water.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-Fry
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Keywords: beef rice bowl, stir-fry beef, quick dinner, easy Asian recipe, beef and peppers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
  • Balanced & Nutritious: Features protein-rich beef, fiber-filled vegetables, and wholesome rice.
  • Customizable: Adjust the spice level, swap vegetables, or use different cuts of beef to suit your preferences.
  • Great for Meal Prep: Make ahead and store for an effortless lunch or dinner option.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb beef (sirloin, flank steak, or ribeye), thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 bell pepper (red, green, or yellow), sliced
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup beef broth or water
  • 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch (for sauce thickening)
  • Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Beef

  • In a bowl, mix the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon cornstarch. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes to enhance tenderness.

2. Cook the Beef

  • Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  • Add the marinated beef and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.

3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables

  • In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, then sauté the onion, bell pepper, garlic, and ginger for about 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

4. Make the Sauce

  • In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth (or water), cornstarch, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

5. Combine Everything

  • Return the cooked beef to the pan, pour in the sauce, and toss to coat evenly.
  • Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Drizzle 1 teaspoon sesame oil for extra flavor.

6. Assemble the Rice Bowl

  • Divide cooked rice into bowls and top with the beef and pepper mixture.
  • Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Different Protein: Swap beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for variety.
  • Vegetable Options: Add broccoli, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms for extra texture.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
  • Spice Level: Increase heat by adding sriracha, chili oil, or extra red pepper flakes.

Serving Size & Timing

  • Servings: 2-3
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: The beef and pepper mixture can be frozen for up to 2 months (store rice separately for best texture).
  • Reheating: Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or reheat in a pan over low heat with a splash of water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground beef instead of sliced beef?

Yes! Ground beef is a great alternative and cooks even faster. Simply brown it first and drain excess fat before adding vegetables and sauce.

What’s the best rice for this dish?

Jasmine or medium-grain white rice is ideal for a fluffy texture, but brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice can be used.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili oil to the sauce for a spicier kick.

How do I make the beef tender?

Thinly slicing the beef against the grain and marinating it with soy sauce and cornstarch helps keep it tender and juicy.

What’s a good substitute for oyster sauce?

If you don’t have oyster sauce, use a mix of soy sauce and hoisin sauce or a splash of Worcestershire sauce for a similar umami flavor.

Can I meal prep this dish?

Yes! Store the beef and peppers separately from the rice to maintain the best texture when reheating.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, but if serving to kids, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes and other spicy ingredients.

Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the sauté function for the beef and vegetables, then pressure cook on high for 5 minutes with the sauce ingredients before serving over rice.

What cut of beef is best?

Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye work well for stir-frying because they are tender and cook quickly.

Can I add eggs to this dish?

Definitely! A fried or soft-boiled egg on top adds extra protein and richness.

Conclusion

The Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is a simple yet satisfying meal that delivers bold flavors in every bite. Whether you’re making a quick dinner or prepping meals ahead, this dish is an excellent choice. Customize it to your taste, and enjoy a hearty, homemade meal in under 30 minutes!

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