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Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl

Featured in Simple and Satisfying Dinners.

This beef and pepper rice bowl brings together tender slices of beef with colorful bell peppers in a rich, savory sauce. The dish starts with perfectly cooked rice as a base, topped with beef that's been quickly seared to lock in its juices. Fresh bell peppers and onions add crunch and natural sweetness, while a blend of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and hoisin creates deep, complex flavors. The sauce coats every ingredient perfectly, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions adds the finishing touch. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's a satisfying meal that's perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Updated on Fri, 14 Feb 2025 21:18:08 GMT
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Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl | tastygusto.com

A comforting bowl of tender beef and vibrant peppers nestled on fluffy rice creates the perfect weeknight dinner solution. This Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl combines savory Asian-inspired flavors with fresh ingredients, delivering restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. Each bowl offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, from the caramelized beef to the crisp-tender peppers, all unified by a rich, glossy sauce.

During my years of developing quick dinner solutions, this recipe has become my family's ultimate comfort food. The way the sauce mingles with the rice and the satisfying combination of tender beef and crisp vegetables makes this dish a consistent winner in our household.

Selecting Premium Ingredients

  • Ground Beef: Choose 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for optimal flavor. Look for bright red color with slight marbling
  • Bell Peppers: Select firm, glossy peppers with vibrant colors and unwrinkled skin. Mix red, yellow, and green for visual appeal
  • Rice: Premium jasmine or short-grain rice provides ideal texture. Look for whole, unbroken grains
  • Aromatics: Fresh garlic should be firm and heavy, ginger should be firm with smooth skin
  • Soy Sauce: Premium light soy sauce offers clean flavor without overwhelming saltiness
  • Sesame Oil: Pure toasted sesame oil adds authentic Asian flavor
  • Green Onions: Choose bright, crisp stalks with fresh white bases

Crafting Your Bowl

Rice Foundation:
Begin with properly measured rice, rinsing until water runs clear. Cook with precise water ratio for fluffy, individual grains that provide the perfect base.
Beef Perfection:
Heat your pan until a drop of water dances across the surface. Add ground beef in a single layer, allowing it to develop golden-brown caramelization before breaking into pieces.
Aromatic Base:
Introduce minced garlic and grated ginger to hot oil, stirring constantly until their fragrances bloom but don't burn. This creates your flavor foundation.
Vegetable Symphony:
Add sliced onions first, followed by peppers, maintaining high heat to achieve the perfect tender-crisp texture while preserving vibrant colors.
Sauce Integration:
Combine carefully measured soy sauce with beef broth, allowing the mixture to reduce and coat each ingredient evenly.
Final Assembly:
Layer components thoughtfully, starting with rice and finishing with a flourish of fresh green onions.
Flavorful Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl Pin it
Flavorful Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl | tastygusto.com

Learning to layer flavors transformed this simple bowl into a crave-worthy meal. My grandmother's technique of toasting aromatics before adding other ingredients makes all the difference.

Serving Suggestions

Create an Asian-inspired feast by offering pickled vegetables, kimchi, or a simple miso soup alongside. Consider adding sesame seeds, crispy shallots, or chili oil for customization.

Creative Variations

Transform this versatile bowl by incorporating different proteins like ground pork or turkey. Create vegetarian versions with mushrooms and tofu, or develop signature sauce combinations.

Storage Success

Store components separately in airtight containers. Rice stays fresh for three days when properly cooled and stored. Reheat with a splash of water to restore moisture.

Close-up Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl Recipe Pin it
Close-up Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl Recipe | tastygusto.com

After countless preparations, I've discovered that attention to ingredient quality and cooking technique transforms this simple bowl into a memorable meal. The satisfaction of creating a perfectly balanced bowl brings both comfort and joy to our family table.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's the best cut of beef to use?
Sirloin or flank steak work best as they're tender and cook quickly. Cut them thinly against the grain for the most tender results.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the beef and pepper mixture ahead and store separately from rice. Reheat in a pan and serve over fresh rice when ready to eat.
→ How can I make this spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes to the sauce, or include fresh sliced chilies with the vegetables for extra heat.
→ What can I use instead of oyster sauce?
Hoisin sauce or teriyaki sauce can work as substitutes, though the flavor will be slightly different.
→ Can I use different vegetables?
Yes, broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms work great. Just make sure they're cut into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

Beef and Pepper Rice Bowl

A quick and tasty rice bowl featuring tender strips of beef and colorful peppers in a rich Asian-inspired sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes

Category: Dinner Ideas

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Asian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Rice Base

01 2 cups cooked white or brown rice

→ Main Ingredients

02 1 pound beef (sirloin, flank steak, or ground beef)
03 2 bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced
04 1 small onion, thinly sliced
05 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
06 2 garlic cloves, minced
07 1 tablespoon ginger, minced (optional)

→ Sauce

08 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
09 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
10 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
11 1 tablespoon sesame oil
12 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
13 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
14 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth

→ Garnish

15 Sesame seeds
16 Green onions, sliced

Instructions

Step 01

If using steak, slice it thinly against the grain. For ground beef, no prep is needed.

Step 02

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, red pepper flakes (if using), and broth. Set aside.

Step 03

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until browned (about 3-4 minutes for steak slices, 5-6 minutes for ground beef). Remove and set aside.

Step 04

In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add garlic, ginger (if using), onions, and bell peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Step 05

Return the beef to the skillet and pour the sauce over. Stir well to coat everything in the sauce. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

Step 06

Divide the cooked rice into bowls. Top with the beef and pepper mixture. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.

Notes

  1. You can swap beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu
  2. Add broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for extra vegetables
  3. For thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and add while simmering

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Sharp knife and cutting board

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains soy
  • Contains fish (oyster sauce)