Looking for a delicious and easy meal that practically cooks itself? Try this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot recipe that will leave your taste buds tingling!
## Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 lbs of beef sirloin, sliced into thin strips
– 1 cup of beef broth
– 1/4 cup of soy sauce
– 2 tbsp of brown sugar
– 1 tbsp of sesame oil
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 green bell pepper, sliced
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 tbsp of cornstarch
– Salt and pepper to taste
## Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix together beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and garlic
2. Place beef strips in the bottom of the crock pot and pour the sauce over them
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours
4. Add bell peppers and onions to the crock pot during the last hour of cooking
5. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth and add it to the crock pot to thicken the sauce
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste
## Popular questions:
1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
– Yes, you can use flank steak, skirt steak, or any other tender cut of beef.
2. Can I omit the brown sugar for a lower sugar option?
– You can omit the brown sugar or substitute with a sugar alternative.
3. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
– Feel free to add mushrooms, carrots, or snow peas for additional veggies.
4. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
– Yes, you can double the ingredients and cook in a larger crock pot.
5. Can I freeze leftovers for later?
– Yes, you can freeze leftover pepper steak for future meals.
6. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
– You can substitute beef with chicken for a different variation.
7. Can I add chili flakes for a spicier version?
– Yes, you can add chili flakes or hot sauce for more heat.
8. Can I use low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option?
– You can use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the sodium content.
9. Can I cook this on the stove instead of a crock pot?
– Yes, you can cook this on the stove in a large pot on low heat.
10. Can I make this ahead of time for meal prep?
– Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for later.
## Helpful tips:
1. Marinate the beef in the sauce overnight for maximum flavor.
2. Serve pepper steak over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
3. Garnish with sesame seeds or green onions for extra visual appeal.
4. Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a depth of flavor.
5. Use low-sodium beef broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
6. For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
7. Adjust the amount of garlic to suit your taste preferences.
8. Make a double batch of sauce for extra gravy to serve with the meal.
9. Experiment with different colored bell peppers for a vibrant dish.
10. Add a splash of vinegar for a tangy kick to the sauce.
## Expert Secrets:
1. Sear the beef strips in a hot pan before adding to the crock pot for a caramelized flavor.
2. Deglaze the pan with beef broth to capture all the flavorful bits and add to the crock pot.
3. Cut the vegetables in uniform sizes for even cooking.
4. Let the pepper steak rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Add a sprinkle of Chinese five-spice powder for a unique twist on the dish.
6. Use a combination of red, yellow, and orange bell peppers for a colorful presentation.
7. Adjust the amount of brown sugar for a sweeter or less sweet version.
8. Finish the dish with a drizzle of sesame oil for a nutty aroma.
9. Serve with a side of steamed broccoli or bok choy for a healthy addition.
10. Experiment with different spices like ginger or red pepper flakes for a personalized touch.
