Here in Nebraska, we dwell on the eastern fringe of the Sand Hills, where most people are ranchers. This classic pepper steak recipe is both savory and eye-catching.
Prep: 10 min. Cook: 55 min. Servings: 4
Nutrition Facts
1 Serving: 365 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 465mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 32g protein.
Ingredients
Cooked rice
1 tablespoon paprika
2 tablespoons butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup cold water
2 fresh tomatoes, peeled and cut into wedges
1 cup thinly sliced onion
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 can (10-1/2 ounces) beef broth
1 pound beef top round steak, cut into 1/4-inch x 2-inch strips
2 medium green peppers, cut into strips
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
Directions
Paprika should be sprinkled over the meat. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Beef that has been brown. Add the broth and garlic to the pot. Cook for 30 minutes, covered. Green peppers and onion should be added at this point. Cover and cook for another 5 minutes.
Combine the cornstarch, soy sauce, and water in a mixing bowl and stir into the meat mixture. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened. Heat through gently stirring in the tomatoes. Over rice, if desired.
PEPPER STEAK COOKING TIPS
1. What’s the deal with my pepper steak being so tough?
Beef top round steak is a tougher, leaner cut of beef. Using a meat mallet before cooking is one approach to achieve a more tender outcome. Use the spiked side of the mallet to hit and flatten the meat evenly without destroying it, starting at one end and working your way to the other. Other meat tenderizing tips can be found here.
2. Is it healthy to eat pepper steak?
This steak recipe calls for a lean piece of beef that’s low in fat and high in protein. This dish is well-balanced thanks to the fresh vegetables and rice.
If you’re a fan of spicy foods, then it might not surprise you to learn that pepper steak is a wildly popular dish in many Asian cultures. It’s typically served with rice, and can be made with beef or chicken. However, some people may wonder whether it’s really healthy to eat pepper steak. The answer to this question really depends on the amount of sodium used in the preparation of pepper steak. This dish is usually made with pepper and garlic, along with several other seasonings. It may also be served with a sauce that contains soy sauce, oyster sauce, or hoisin sauce. If you’re eating it at a restaurant in Chinatown, for example, you’ll often see that it’s topped off with a couple scoops of rice and some chow mein noodles as well.
However, pepper steak isn’t just healthy because of its flavor. In fact, it’s actually got some impressive health benefits as well.
3. Is it possible to freeze pepper steak?
Yes, pepper steak can be frozen. Cool the cooked beef mixture and freeze it in airtight freezer containers. Refrigerate until slightly thawed before using. In a large skillet, reheat the mixture until it is thoroughly cooked, stirring occasionally. If required, add a splash of broth to the mix. To ensure that your pepper steak comes out fresh, keep these important freezer guidelines in mind.