Green Pepper Steak and Rice

Green Pepper Steak and Rice Recipe - USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Green Pepper Steak and Rice is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender strips of sirloin steak with crisp green peppers, juicy tomatoes, and savory onions. This dish is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal that the whole family will love.

History

Green Pepper Steak and Rice is a popular Chinese-American dish that has been enjoyed for decades. It is believed to have originated in the United States in the mid-20th century, when Chinese immigrants began adapting traditional Chinese recipes to suit American tastes. The combination of tender steak, fresh vegetables, and savory sauce quickly became a favorite among diners looking for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

1.5 lb (680 g) sirloin steak, cut into strips 0.25 inch thick
1 tbsp paprika
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tbsp butter or margarine
2 green peppers, cut into strips
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 cup sliced green onions
1 cup beef broth
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp soy sauce
3 cups hot cooked rice

How to prepare

Sprinkle the steak with paprika and let it stand while preparing the other ingredients.
Cook the steak and garlic in butter in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, stirring, until the meat is browned.
Add peppers, tomatoes, onions, and broth. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes.
Blend cornstarch with soy sauce and 0.25 cup of water. Stir it into the steak and cook until thickened. Serve over hot rice.

Variations

Substitute chicken or tofu for the steak for a lighter option.
Add additional vegetables such as mushrooms, broccoli, or snow peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier alternative.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cut the steak into thin strips to ensure that it cooks quickly and evenly.

- Marinating the steak in paprika adds a delicious depth of flavor to the dish.

- Cooking the steak in butter helps to brown the meat and create a rich, savory flavor.

- Simmering the vegetables in beef broth helps to infuse them with flavor and keep them tender.

- Thickening the sauce with a cornstarch and soy sauce mixture creates a glossy, flavorful sauce that coats the steak and vegetables perfectly.

Serving Suggestions

Green Pepper Steak and Rice is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the steak over high heat to ensure that it browns properly.

- Simmer the vegetables in the beef broth to infuse them with flavor.

- Thicken the sauce with a cornstarch and soy sauce mixture for a glossy, flavorful finish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken or tofu instead of steak for a lighter option.

- Substitute red or yellow peppers for green peppers for a different flavor profile.

- Use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

Green Pepper Steak and Rice can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply store the cooked dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Green Pepper Steak and Rice in a large serving bowl or on individual plates. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Green Pepper Steak and Rice pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light red wine such as Pinot Noir. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with green tea or sparkling water.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Green Pepper Steak and Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Green Pepper Steak and Rice contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Green Pepper Steak and Rice contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Green Pepper Steak and Rice contains approximately 12 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Green Pepper Steak and Rice contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Green Pepper Steak and Rice is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

Green Pepper Steak and Rice contains soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Green Pepper Steak and Rice is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a satisfying meal.

Summary

Green Pepper Steak and Rice is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal. With tender strips of steak, crisp green peppers, and a savory sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to visit my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, for our weekly afternoon tea. As I walked into her kitchen, the aroma of savory spices and cooking meat greeted me, and my stomach rumbled in anticipation.

Mrs. Jenkins was bustling around the stove, stirring a pot of simmering meat and peppers. She smiled warmly at me and gestured for me to take a seat at the kitchen table. As we sipped on our tea and chatted about the latest gossip in our small town, I couldn't help but be drawn to the delicious smells wafting from the stove.

Finally, unable to contain my curiosity any longer, I asked Mrs. Jenkins what she was cooking. With a twinkle in her eye, she revealed that she was making her famous Green Pepper Steak and Rice recipe. She explained that it was a family favorite, passed down from her grandmother, who had learned it from a Chinese friend many years ago.

Intrigued by the history and tradition behind the dish, I begged Mrs. Jenkins to teach me how to make it. With a laugh, she handed me an apron and set me to work chopping the green peppers and onions while she finished cooking the steak.

As we worked side by side in the kitchen, Mrs. Jenkins shared stories of her grandmother and the Chinese friend who had first introduced her to the recipe. She spoke of how food has the power to bring people together, to create memories and forge bonds that last a lifetime.

By the time the dish was ready, my stomach was growling with hunger. Mrs. Jenkins served up steaming bowls of Green Pepper Steak and Rice, and we sat down to enjoy the fruits of our labor. The flavors were bold and comforting, the tender steak melting in my mouth with each bite.

As I savored the dish, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen. I thanked Mrs. Jenkins profusely for sharing her family recipe with me and vowed to pass it down to my own grandchildren one day.

Over the years, I have made Green Pepper Steak and Rice countless times, each batch bringing back memories of that warm summer day in Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen. I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding my own touches and flavors to make it truly my own.

But no matter how many times I make it, the dish always reminds me of the power of food to connect us to our past and to the people we love. It is a reminder that a simple recipe can hold within it a world of stories and traditions, waiting to be shared with the ones we hold dear. And for that, I am forever grateful to Mrs. Jenkins and her delicious Green Pepper Steak and Rice.