Healthy Beef and Pepper Bowl (Printable version)

Tender beef and crisp peppers in savory garlic-ginger sauce over brown rice

# Ingredient list:

→ Beef and Marinade

01 - 14 oz lean beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
02 - 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
03 - 1 tsp cornstarch
04 - 1 tsp sesame oil

→ Vegetables

05 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
06 - 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
07 - 1 green bell pepper, sliced
08 - 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
09 - 2 spring onions, sliced

→ Sauce

10 - 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
11 - 1 tbsp oyster sauce
12 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
13 - 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
14 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
15 - 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
16 - 1/2 tsp chili flakes

→ Rice and Garnishes

17 - 2 cups cooked brown rice
18 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
19 - Fresh cilantro leaves

# Directions:

01 - Combine sliced beef with 1 tbsp soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil in a bowl. Toss thoroughly to coat and let marinate for 10 minutes.
02 - Whisk together 2 tbsp soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and chili flakes in a small bowl until well combined.
03 - Heat a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
04 - In the same skillet, add a splash of water or oil. Stir-fry bell peppers and red onion for 3-4 minutes until crisp-tender.
05 - Return beef to the skillet. Pour in prepared sauce and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until evenly coated and heated through.
06 - Divide cooked brown rice among 4 bowls. Top each with beef and pepper mixture. Garnish with spring onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Everything cooks in one pan, leaving you with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor
  • The beef comes out impossibly tender thanks to a quick cornstarch trick I learned from a takeout chef
  • You get all those vibrant colors and textures that make healthy eating actually exciting
02 -
  • Cold beef slices way more cleanly, so pop your steak in the freezer for 15 minutes before cutting
  • Let your pan get properly hot before adding ingredients or you will end up steaming instead of stir-frying
  • The sauce looks thin at first but thickens beautifully as it bubbles
03 -
  • Cook your rice a day ahead and refrigerate it for fluffier, separate grains
  • Prep all ingredients before you start cooking once the heat is on everything moves fast
  • Taste your sauce before adding it and adjust the honey or chili flakes to suit your mood

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