Looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s full of flavor? This Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is a perfect answer! Picture tender slices of beef, colorful bell peppers, and savory soy sauce, all served over a warm bed of rice. It’s a bowl of comfort and heartiness, with just the right touch of umami and spice. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or preparing a meal for your friends and family, this dish will surely hit the spot!
Why You’ll Love Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl
If you’re craving something flavorful, filling, and easy to make, this Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl will become your go-to. Here’s why:
Quick and Simple
This dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for those days when you want a home-cooked meal but don’t have all night to spend in the kitchen. It’s the perfect balance of speed and flavor.
Flavor-Packed
From the savory soy sauce to the sweet bell peppers and tender beef, every bite is full of depth and satisfaction. It’s the kind of meal that leaves you craving more!
Versatile
You can easily switch things up by adding other vegetables or even substituting the beef with chicken, tofu, or shrimp. The recipe is super customizable based on what you have in your kitchen.
One-Pot Meal
Everything cooks in one pan, making clean-up a breeze. Plus, who doesn’t love a meal that’s both delicious and low-maintenance?
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl:
- Beef: Tender cuts like flank steak or sirloin work best for this dish, but you can use whatever beef you prefer.
- Bell Peppers: A mix of colorful bell peppers (red, yellow, green) for that sweet, slightly crunchy texture.
- Soy Sauce: Adds that deep, savory flavor that ties everything together.
- Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic create a fantastic aroma and boost the flavor profile.
- Rice: Steamed white or brown rice, the perfect base for this savory, juicy beef stir-fry.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a rich, nutty flavor that gives this dish its authentic touch.
- Green Onions: For garnish, bringing both freshness and a little crunch.
- Rice Vinegar: A splash of rice vinegar brightens the dish and adds a little acidity to balance the flavors.
- Honey or Brown Sugar: To add a touch of sweetness to the savory sauce.
- Cornstarch: To thicken the sauce slightly and make it cling to the beef and peppers.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Cook your rice according to package directions. If you prefer to make it ahead of time, you can use leftover rice. Just make sure it’s heated up before serving.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef to the pan, cooking for 3-4 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Veggies
In the same pan, add a little more sesame oil if needed, and sauté the garlic and ginger for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the bell peppers and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or brown sugar, and cornstarch. Pour the sauce into the pan with the peppers, stirring to coat. Bring it to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked beef to the pan, tossing it with the peppers and sauce until everything is coated evenly. Cook for another minute to reheat the beef. Serve the beef and pepper mixture over the cooked rice and garnish with fresh green onions. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 28g
(Note: The nutritional values will vary depending on portion size and any modifications you make to the recipe.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl
This hearty and flavorful dish pairs perfectly with a variety of sides or can stand alone for a complete meal. Here are a few ways to enjoy it:
With a Side of Vegetables
Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots make a perfect side to balance the richness of the beef.
Fried Egg
Top your rice bowl with a fried egg to add extra richness and a little more protein. The runny yolk will add creaminess that complements the savory flavors.
Pickled Vegetables
A side of quick-pickled cucumbers or radishes can add a refreshing crunch and tang, offering a great contrast to the warm, savory rice bowl.
Fresh Salad
Pair with a simple side salad of mixed greens, dressed in a light vinaigrette, for some freshness to balance the dish’s richness.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Beef Alternatives
If you prefer, you can use chicken breast, pork, or shrimp in place of beef. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly for different proteins.
Adjust the Spice
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Make It More Veggie-Heavy
You can easily add more vegetables to this dish! Try tossing in some zucchini, carrots, or baby corn to make it even more colorful and nutritious.
Leftover Tips
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors will deepen overnight!
Make Ahead
You can prep the beef and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just add the sauce and cook for an easy, quick meal.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of rice?
A1: Yes! You can use brown rice, jasmine rice, or even cauliflower rice if you want a lighter option.
Q2: Can I use frozen vegetables?
A2: Absolutely! Frozen bell peppers or other stir-fry vegetables work just fine. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the pan.
Q3: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A3: Yes! Just substitute the soy sauce with gluten-free tamari, and you’re good to go.
Q4: How can I make the sauce spicier?
A4: You can add some red pepper flakes, chili sauce, or sriracha to give the sauce a nice kick.
Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Q6: Can I use a different protein?
A6: Definitely! You can use chicken, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Just adjust the cooking times as needed.
Q7: Can I use a wok for cooking?
A7: Yes, a wok is perfect for this recipe because it allows the beef and vegetables to cook evenly and quickly. Just be sure to stir frequently.
Q8: Can I freeze this dish?
A8: Yes, you can freeze it! Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Q9: Can I add more vegetables?
A9: Absolutely! This dish is very customizable. Feel free to add more bell peppers, snap peas, or even mushrooms.
Q10: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A10: Yes, you can prep the beef, veggies, and sauce ahead of time. When you’re ready to serve, just cook everything and serve it fresh over rice.
Conclusion
Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that brings together tender beef, colorful peppers, and a savory sauce—all served over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s quick, customizable, and perfect for a weeknight dinner that the whole family will love. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this dish is sure to satisfy. Grab your ingredients and give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
PrintBeef and Pepper Rice Bowl
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is a quick and hearty meal featuring tender beef, colorful bell peppers, and a savory sauce, all served over a bed of fluffy rice. It’s an easy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (for serving)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add the onion and bell peppers. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables, tossing everything together until well coated and heated through, about 2 minutes.
- Serve the beef and pepper mixture over the cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
Notes
- You can swap out the beef for chicken, tofu, or shrimp if preferred.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha sauce.
- Brown rice or cauliflower rice can be used as a healthier alternative to white rice.
- If you like a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce mixture before adding it to the pan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg