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.
Print
Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 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
- 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
- Prepare the Beef:
- Mix sliced beef with 1 tbsp soy sauce and 1 tsp cornstarch. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
- 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.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- In the same pan, sauté onion, bell pepper, garlic, and ginger for 3-4 minutes.
- Make the Sauce:
- Whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, beef broth (or water), cornstarch, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- 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.
- 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!
O
