The Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is the sort of meal that wins every popularity contest at my dinner table – saucy, stir-fried steak mingling with sweet bell peppers and glossy onions, all heaped generously over steamy rice. What I love about this dish is how beautifully it brings together everyday ingredients into something that feels special and deeply comforting. With that perfect balance of savory, slightly sweet flavors and a satisfying array of textures, this is a quick and colorful weeknight dinner you’ll want to keep on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is its simplicity; each ingredient plays a special role in ramping up flavor, contrasting textures, or adding a pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need – don’t skip the sauces, they’re the flavor backbone!
- Flank steak or sirloin (1 pound, thinly sliced): Choose a tender cut and slice it thinly for the juiciest, most flavorful bites.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds deep umami and saltiness, forming the main base of the marinade.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Imparts richness and a subtle sweetness that really rounds out the sauce.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings complexity with its bold, slightly sweet, and tangy notes.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Creates a velvety coating on the beef and helps the sauce cling to every slice.
- Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Essential for stir-frying at high heat without imparting any extra flavor.
- Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Adds vibrant color and a sweet crunch that balances the savory steak.
- Green bell pepper (1, sliced): Slightly more bitter than red, it brings freshness and color diversity.
- Small onion (1, sliced): Delivers a gentle sweetness and rounds out the vegetable mix.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds that irresistible aroma and a big, bold punch to the stir-fry.
- Cooked white or brown rice (3 cups): The perfect fluffy base to catch all the sizzling sauce and juices.
- Green onions (2, sliced): For a burst of color and a fresh, zippy finish.
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): Optional, but they add a lovely nutty crunch to the final bowl.
How to Make Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
This first step is where the magic starts! Toss your thin-sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch in a bowl. The combination helps to flavor the steak deeply while the cornstarch makes each slice incredible tender and glossy once cooked. Let it sit for a few minutes while you prep your veggies for maximum flavor payoff.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat up the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Spread your marinated beef into a single layer and sear for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You want each piece caramelized at the edges and cooked through, which locks in all the savory sauce flavors. Remove the beef and set it aside so it doesn’t overcook while you stir-fry the veggies.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Veggies
In the same skillet (no need to rinse out that flavorful fond), toss in your sliced red and green bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are just tender and irresistibly fragrant, but make sure they keep a lovely crispness – that’s key in a great Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl.
Step 4: Combine Beef and Veggies
Add your seared beef back into the skillet with the veggies. Give everything a good toss to reheat the steak and let the flavors mingle. The sauce should coat every morsel, turning glossy and irresistible as it hits the hot pan. This final toss is where everything comes together in perfect harmony.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Divide your fluffy cooked rice among four bowls and pile the beef and pepper mixture on top. Make it colorful! Top with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds if you like. Serve warm and get ready for compliments all around – this is the kind of dinner everyone wants to dive into.
How to Serve Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl
Garnishes
You can have a lot of fun here. A handful of sliced green onions and a shower of sesame seeds are the classics that elevate every Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl, offering crunch and a fresh, bright finish. If you’re feeling bold, a drizzle of sriracha or chili oil will give it some extra heat and a pop of color that’s not just for the eyes – everyone will love it!
Side Dishes
The beauty of this dish is that it holds its own, but if you’re making dinner a bigger event, pair your Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl with simple sides like steamed broccoli, a crisp cucumber salad, or even dumplings for an irresistible, well-rounded meal. These refreshing sides balance the savory richness and complete that takeout-at-home vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, build your Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl in wide, shallow bowls to showcase all those gorgeous colors. For a fun twist, try making rice molds or serving “family-style” on a platter for everyone to dig in and build their own bowl. A pair of chopsticks and a scattering of fresh herbs or microgreens will make these bowls dinner party-worthy without any fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is a lifesaver for leftovers. Pack cooled rice and beef-veggie mixture into airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen as they sit, making for fantastic next-day lunches!
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze leftovers, keep the rice and beef mixture separate for best results. Store in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. This makes for a great meal-prep option – just thaw and reheat whenever the craving strikes.
Reheating
To bring your Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl back to life, splash a little water over the rice and reheat gently in the microwave, stirring halfway through. For the beef and veggies, a quick toss in a hot skillet helps restore some of that just-cooked magic, but the microwave works too if you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak and sirloin are favorites for their tenderness and flavor, any cut that’s good for quick stir-frying will work – just be sure to slice it thinly across the grain for the softest bite.
What type Main Course
Both white and brown rice work beautifully, so it comes down to your preferences. White rice keeps things classic and fluffy, while brown rice offers a nutty flavor and extra fiber. Leftover rice is also perfect for this recipe!
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, simply swap in gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and make sure your oyster and hoisin sauces are labeled gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so the swap is easy.
Is there a vegetarian version?
Definitely! Sub in sliced mushrooms or cooked tofu for the beef, and use vegetarian oyster sauce. You’ll get all the flavor with a meatless twist, and the method stays just as quick and simple.
How spicy is the dish?
By default, the Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl isn’t spicy at all, making it great for the whole family. If you like a little heat, add your favorite chili oil or a splash of sriracha when serving, customizing it bowl by bowl.
Final Thoughts
This Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl is one of those recipes that never lets me down – it’s quick, vibrant, and packed with flavor, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something stunning and satisfying. Give it a try and see just how easy and delicious your next homemade dinner can be!
Print
Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and quick Asian-inspired stir-fry recipe featuring tender slices of beef and colorful bell peppers, served over a bed of steamed rice.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 pound flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For Serving:
- 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, toss the sliced beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Stir-Fry: In the same skillet, add bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Return beef to the skillet and toss together until heated through.
- Serve: Divide rice among bowls, top with beef and pepper mixture. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Add a drizzle of sriracha or chili oil for extra heat.
- You can substitute chicken or shrimp for the beef if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
