Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is a flavorful and tender dish that combines strips of flank steak with colorful bell peppers and onions in a rich and savory sauce. This meal is perfect for those busy days when you want to come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat dinner. Cooking in a slow cooker ensures that the steak is wonderfully tender and the flavors are fully developed.
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds of flank steak, cut into strips
- 4 bell peppers, sliced (choose a combination of colors for variety)
- 2 onions, sliced
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 1 ½ cups of soy sauce
- 1 ½ cups of water
- ½ cup of corn starch
- 1 cup of brown sugar
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Steak
Cut the flank steak into thin strips. If you find it difficult to slice, you can partially freeze the steak beforehand to make slicing easier.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, sautéing them until they are just tender. Then, transfer them to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Brown the Steak
In the same skillet, add another 2 tablespoons of olive oil and minced garlic.
Add the flank steak strips and sauté just until they start to brown. You do not need to cook them through, as they will continue cooking in the slow cooker. Transfer the steak to the slow cooker on top of the vegetables.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, water, corn starch, and brown sugar. Stir until the corn starch and sugar are completely dissolved.
Pour this mixture over the steak and vegetables in the slow cooker.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the steak is tender.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the pepper steak hot, ideally over a bed of rice or noodles.
Serving Suggestions:
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is best served over a bed of white or brown rice, or even noodles, to soak up the delicious sauce. It can also be accompanied by a green salad or steamed vegetables.
Tips:
- Meat Selection: Flank steak is ideal for this recipe, but you can also use sirloin or another tender cut of beef.
- Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, you can remove a cup of the sauce, mix it with an additional tablespoon of corn starch, and then stir it back into the slow cooker to thicken.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or snap peas for more variety.
Prep Time:
- Preparation Time: Approximately 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: About 6 hours and 20 minutes to 7 hours and 20 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving (varies based on the serving size and specific ingredients used)
- Protein: 25-30g per serving
- Sodium: Varies based on the amount of soy sauce used
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is a delightful dish that's both easy to prepare and delicious to eat. It's a great way to enjoy a flavorful and hearty meal with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you simply want a comforting meal waiting for you at home. Enjoy the tender steak, vibrant peppers, and onions in a savory and sweet sauce for a satisfying dining experience!
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