Pepper Steak with Rice

Pepper Steak with Rice Recipe - A Delicious American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Pepper Steak with Rice is a classic dish that combines tender strips of steak with colorful bell peppers and onions in a savory sauce. Served over hot cooked rice, this dish is a comforting and satisfying meal that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

History

Pepper Steak with Rice is a popular Chinese-American dish that has been enjoyed for decades. It is believed to have originated in Chinese restaurants in the United States, where it quickly became a favorite among diners looking for a flavorful and filling meal. Over the years, the recipe has evolved to include a variety of ingredients and cooking techniques, but the basic concept of tender steak and vegetables in a savory sauce remains the same.

Ingredients

3 cups of hot cooked rice
1 lb (454 g) of lean beef round steak, cut 0.5 inch thick
1 tbsp of paprika
2 tbsp of butter or margarine
2 cloves of garlic, crushed
1.5 cups of beef broth
1 cup of sliced green onions
2 green peppers, cut into strips
2 tbsp of cornstarch
0.25 cup of water
0.25 cup of soy sauce
2 large fresh tomatoes, cut into eighths

How to prepare

While the rice is cooking, pound the steak to a thickness of 0.25 inches. Cut it into strips that are 0.25 inches wide. Sprinkle the meat with paprika and let it stand while preparing the other ingredients.
Using a large skillet, brown the meat in butter. Add garlic and broth. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir in onions and green peppers. Cover and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
Blend cornstarch, water, and soy sauce together. Stir the mixture into the meat. Cook, stirring, until it becomes clear and thickened, which should take about 2 minutes. Add tomatoes and gently stir. Serve over fluffy rice.

Variations

For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Substitute chicken or tofu for the steak for a different twist on this classic dish.
Add your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, broccoli, or snow peas, to the skillet along with the peppers and onions.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to pound the steak to an even thickness before cutting it into strips. This will help the meat cook evenly and stay tender.

- Browning the meat before adding the other ingredients helps to develop flavor and create a rich sauce.

- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, and be sure to crush it well before adding it to the skillet.

- When thickening the sauce with cornstarch, be sure to blend it with water and soy sauce before adding it to the skillet. This will help prevent lumps from forming.

- Gently stir in the tomatoes at the end of cooking to preserve their shape and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Pepper Steak with 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

The key to making a delicious Pepper Steak with Rice is to cook the steak until it is tender and the vegetables are crisp-tender. Be sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully to ensure that the meat is cooked through and the sauce is thickened to the right consistency.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have round steak, you can use flank steak or sirloin steak instead. You can also use chicken or tofu in place of the steak for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the steak and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook. Simply reheat the mixture in a skillet and add the sauce before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Pepper Steak with Rice in a large serving bowl or on individual plates, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pepper Steak with Rice pairs well with a glass of red wine, such as a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. You can also serve it with a side of steamed jasmine rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Pepper Steak with Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Pepper Steak with Rice contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

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

Fats

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

Proteins

Each serving of Pepper Steak with Rice contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

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

Alergens

Pepper Steak with Rice contains soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Pepper Steak with 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 dinner.

Summary

Pepper Steak with Rice is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. With tender strips of steak, colorful bell peppers, and a savory sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy it with a side of rice or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for pepper steak with rice. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my aunt in the countryside. She was known for her delicious home-cooked meals, and I was always eager to learn new recipes from her.

That day, she was preparing a special dinner for the family, and I offered to help her in the kitchen. As we chopped vegetables and marinated the steak, she began to tell me the story behind the recipe.

She explained that the recipe had been passed down through generations in our family, originating from my great-grandmother who had learned it from a Chinese friend many years ago. It was a fusion of Chinese and American flavors, combining tender beef with a savory pepper sauce served over fluffy white rice.

As we cooked together, my aunt shared with me the secrets of making the perfect pepper steak. She taught me how to sear the meat to lock in the juices, how to sauté the peppers and onions until they were caramelized and fragrant, and how to create a rich sauce that would coat the steak and rice.

I watched intently as she worked her magic in the kitchen, her hands moving with confidence and precision. She had a way of seasoning and tasting, adjusting and tasting again until the flavors were just right. I could see the passion and love she poured into her cooking, and I knew that I wanted to learn to cook like her.

After hours of simmering and stirring, the pepper steak was finally ready. The aroma that filled the kitchen was intoxicating, and my mouth watered in anticipation. My aunt served the dish over a bed of steaming rice, the colors and textures of the dish beautiful and inviting.

As we sat down to eat, the flavors exploded in my mouth. The tender beef, the tangy peppers, the savory sauce – it was a symphony of tastes and textures that danced on my taste buds. I savored each bite, feeling grateful for the opportunity to learn this recipe from my aunt.

From that day on, pepper steak with rice became a staple in my cooking repertoire. I would make it for family gatherings, dinner parties, and special occasions, always thinking of my aunt and the lessons she had taught me in the kitchen.

Over the years, I have made some tweaks and adjustments to the recipe, adding my own personal touch to make it uniquely mine. But the essence of the dish – the tender beef, the peppery sauce, the fluffy rice – remains the same, a reminder of the special bond I share with my aunt and the generations of women who came before me.

Whenever I cook pepper steak with rice, I am transported back to that warm summer day in the countryside, watching my aunt work her magic in the kitchen. I am reminded of the love and tradition that is woven into every dish, and I am grateful for the gift of cooking that has been passed down through my family.

And so, as I prepare this beloved recipe for my own grandchildren, I will share with them the story behind it, the memories and traditions that make it so special. I hope that they will carry on the tradition, adding their own flavors and memories to create a dish that is uniquely theirs.

For me, pepper steak with rice is more than just a recipe – it is a connection to my past, a celebration of my family, and a legacy that I will cherish and pass on for generations to come.