Crock Pot Pepper Steak Recipe

: A Savory, Tender Delight

Introduction: Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines tender strips of beef with vibrant bell peppers, onions, and a savory, slightly tangy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, this dish is cooked low and slow to maximize the tenderness of the beef and the richness of the seasonings. The beauty of this Crock Pot recipe lies in its simplicity – you can set it and forget it, letting the slow cooker do all the work while you enjoy a delicious, comforting meal.

Ingredients:

• For the Pepper Steak:
  • 1 1/2 lbs flank steak (or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain)
  • 1 onion (sliced)
  • 2 red bell peppers (sliced)
  • 2 green bell peppers (sliced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1/4 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
  • 1 tablespoon water
• Optional Garnishes:
  • Cooked white rice (for serving)
  • Chopped green onions (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • Slice the flank steak into thin strips against the grain (this helps keep the beef tender). Set aside.
   • Slice the onion and bell peppers into thin strips.
   • Mince the garlic.
2. Assemble in the Crock Pot:
   • Add the sliced beef, onion, and bell peppers into the Crock Pot.
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, beef broth, oyster sauce (if using), Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Pour the Sauce:
   • Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables in the Crock Pot. Toss everything gently to ensure the beef and vegetables are evenly coated.
4. Cook the Pepper Steak:
   • Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef will be tender, and the vegetables will soften as they absorb the flavors of the sauce.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
   • About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to make a slurry. Stir this into the Crock Pot to thicken the sauce. Allow it to cook for an additional 30 minutes on high, stirring occasionally.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the pepper steak over a bed of white rice and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Methods:

The cooking method for this recipe involves slow-cooking the beef, peppers, and onions in a savory sauce for several hours. This slow-cooking process tenderizes the meat and allows the flavors to infuse deeply into the beef and vegetables. The use of cornstarch towards the end helps to thicken the sauce, ensuring a rich and glossy finish.

This method, combined with the use of a Crock Pot (or slow cooker), makes it incredibly convenient for anyone with a busy lifestyle. The Crock Pot essentially does the cooking for you, leaving you free to go about your day while the meal simmers away.

History:

Pepper steak is a dish with origins in Chinese-American cuisine, where it’s often stir-fried with vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and sometimes mushrooms. Over time, this dish has adapted to various cooking methods and ingredients, including the use of slow cooking, which allows for a more tender texture, especially when using tougher cuts of beef like flank steak. The Crock Pot, introduced in the 1970s, revolutionized many traditional recipes by making them easier and more convenient to prepare, and pepper steak is no exception.

Though pepper steak in its various forms can be found worldwide, its rich, savory sauce made from soy sauce and other condiments is a feature commonly associated with Chinese-American versions of the dish.

Health Benefits:

1. Protein-Rich: The flank steak provides a good amount of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and maintenance.
2. Packed with Vegetables: Bell peppers and onions are full of vitamins and minerals. Bell peppers, in particular, are high in vitamin C, which supports immune health, while onions provide antioxidants and fiber.
3. Lower in Fat: By using lean cuts of beef like flank steak and controlling the amount of added fat, this dish can be relatively low in fat while still being filling and satisfying.
4. Low-Sodium Option: By choosing low-sodium soy sauce and adjusting the seasoning to your taste, you can control the salt content of the dish, making it a heart-healthier choice.
5. Balanced Meal: Pairing this dish with rice provides a good balance of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates, making it a well-rounded meal.

Formation & Structure:

The formation of this dish involves building layers of flavor. The beef is the central component, while the peppers and onions add color, texture, and additional flavor. The sauce is where the magic happens: soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar create a balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors. The slow cooking process allows the beef to absorb these flavors while also softening the peppers and onions. The cornstarch at the end helps thicken the sauce, ensuring it’s rich and velvety.

Nutrition:

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings, without rice):

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Fat: 10g
• Sodium: 800-1000mg (depending on soy sauce used)
• Vitamins and Minerals: High in Vitamin C (from bell peppers), Vitamin A (from peppers), Iron (from beef), and Calcium (from bones in the broth).

Note: The nutrition values will vary depending on the exact cut of beef used and whether or not rice is included as a side.

Conclusion:

Crock Pot Pepper Steak is a flavorful, savory, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious and effortless. The combination of tender beef, colorful peppers, and a savory sauce makes for a comforting and nourishing dish. The beauty of this recipe is its versatility: it can be enjoyed on its own or served with rice, making it easy to customize to your preferences. The Crock Pot does all the work, allowing the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender without much attention from you. It’s the ideal dish for busy individuals and families alike, providing a comforting meal with minimal effort.

Lovers of This Dish:

Crock Pot Pepper Steak is loved by those who enjoy simple, yet flavorful dishes. It’s especially appealing to people who appreciate tender, slow-cooked beef and vibrant vegetables. Lovers of Asian-inspired cuisine, savory-sweet dishes, and those looking for an easy, hands-off dinner will enjoy this recipe. Families, busy professionals, and anyone looking to prepare a hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen are the true fans of this dish.

This Crock Pot Pepper Steak recipe is a surefire way to satisfy your cravings for something savory, tender, and flavorful. Enjoy the ease of slow cooking, and relish the hearty, rich flavors that develop with each hour. It’s comfort food at its finest!