Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 5 hours, 10 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
2 pounds top sirloin steak
1 red bell pepper, large dice
1 green bell pepper, large dice
1 onion, large dice
1 1/2 cups beef broth, divided
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Preparation
Coat the steak generously with black pepper, giving it a gentle massage. Dice the steak into cubes or slice into strips, whichever you fancy, and nestle it in a 6-quart slow cooker with the vibrant onions and bell peppers.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup beef broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic powder. Drizzle this concoction over the steak ensemble in the slow cooker.
Blend the remaining 1/2 cup beef broth with the cornstarch and introduce it to the slow cooker. Give everything a hearty mix to ensure a harmonious blend.
Secure the lid on the slow cooker and embark on a 5-hour culinary journey on low. As the final note, give it a taste test and adjust the seasonings, if you wish.
Here are Variations and Tips for making Slow Cooker Pepper Steak:
Variations
- Protein Options
- Swap beef with chicken, pork, or even tofu for a different protein.
- Use thinly sliced flank steak, sirloin, or stew beef for variety.
- Vegetable Additions
- Add sliced mushrooms, snap peas, broccoli, or carrots for extra nutrients and texture.
- Use multicolored bell peppers for a vibrant look and flavor.
- Spice it Up
- Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Sauce Alternatives
- Replace soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free version.
- Use teriyaki sauce for a sweeter flavor profile.
- Add hoisin sauce or oyster sauce for a deeper, more complex taste.
- Low-Carb Option
- Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice.
- Thickening the Sauce
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water) 20-30 minutes before serving.
- Herbal Enhancements
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, parsley, or green onions for added freshness.
Tips
- Slice the Beef Properly
- Cut the beef against the grain into thin strips for maximum tenderness.
- Prep in Advance
- Chop vegetables and marinate the beef overnight for enhanced flavor and time savings.
- Don’t Overcook
- Cooking on LOW for 6-8 hours ensures tender beef and perfectly cooked peppers. Avoid overcooking to keep peppers crisp-tender.
- Layer Ingredients
- Place beef on the bottom of the slow cooker and veggies on top to prevent them from becoming overly mushy.
- Adjust Seasoning
- Taste the sauce before serving and adjust soy sauce, sugar, or spices to your preference.
- Serve with Variety
- Serve with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles for different textures.
- Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
These variations and tips will help you customize and perfect your slow cooker pepper steak for any occasion!
Enjoy !