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Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl

Looking for a quick, flavorful dinner that doesn’t skimp on comfort or nourishment? This Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl brings tender beef, vibrant bell peppers, and savory Asian-inspired sauce together over fluffy rice in just 25 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you’re craving bold flavors without a lot of effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
  • Packed with Flavor – A rich, savory sauce balances perfectly with crisp bell peppers and tender beef.
  • Customizable – Swap the protein, mix in extra veggies, or turn up the heat.
  • Great for Meal Prep – Stays tasty in the fridge for days and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

For the Rice:

  • 2 cups (400 g) cooked white or brown rice

For the Beef & Peppers:

  • 1 lb (450 g) beef (sirloin, flank steak, or ground beef)
  • 2 bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (optional)

For the Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) beef or chicken broth

Optional Garnishes:

  • Sesame seeds
  • Sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Cook the Rice:
    Prepare rice according to package directions and set aside.
  2. Make the Sauce:
    In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar or honey, red pepper flakes (if using), and broth. Set aside.
  3. Cook the Beef:
    In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat.
  • For steak: Slice thinly against the grain and cook 3–4 minutes until browned.
  • For ground beef: Cook 5–6 minutes until fully browned.
    Remove from skillet and set aside.
  1. Sauté Vegetables:
    Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Sauté garlic and ginger (if using) for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook for 3–4 minutes, just until tender-crisp.
  2. Combine and Simmer:
    Return the beef to the skillet. Pour in the sauce and toss to coat. Let everything simmer for 2–3 minutes, until heated through and the sauce slightly thickens. For a thicker sauce, stir in a slurry of 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water.
  3. Assemble Bowls:
    Spoon rice into serving bowls. Top with the beef and pepper mixture, then garnish with sesame seeds and green onions if desired.

Recipe Variations

  • Make it Vegetarian: Use tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
  • Add More Veggies: Broccoli, snap peas, mushrooms, or zucchini work beautifully.
  • Spice It Up: Add sriracha, chili garlic paste, or fresh diced chilies.
  • Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
  • Teriyaki Twist: Substitute the sauce with teriyaki for a sweeter flavor profile.

Storage & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Microwave or heat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use another protein?
Yes! Chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu all work great.

2. What rice works best?
White jasmine rice or brown rice are ideal, but quinoa or cauliflower rice are good alternatives.

3. Can I make this in advance?
Definitely. Cook the components ahead and assemble when ready to serve.

4. How do I keep the vegetables crisp?
Sauté them quickly over high heat to retain crunch and color.

5. Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen bell peppers or stir-fry blends can save time. Just thaw and drain before cooking.

6. No sesame oil on hand?
Use another neutral oil and add toasted sesame seeds for flavor.

7. Is it gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.

8. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just scale the ingredients and use a large skillet or cook in batches.

9. Best garnishes?
Green onions, sesame seeds, lime wedges, or a drizzle of spicy sauce.

10. How can I make it spicier?
Add chili flakes, sriracha, or spicy sesame oil for heat.

Conclusion

The Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is everything you want in a weeknight meal—fast, flexible, and full of flavor. Whether you’re feeding your family or prepping meals ahead, it’s a go-to dish that’s sure to please. Try it once and it might just earn a spot in your regular rotation!