Slow Cooker Pepper Steak is a fantastic, flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and incredibly tender thanks to the slow cooking process. The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth soft, and the peppers and onions add a lovely sweetness and crunch. Here’s a simple recipe for you:
Slow Cooker Pepper Steak
Ingredients:
-
1 1/2 lbs flank steak or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
-
2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing the steak)
-
1 onion, sliced
-
2 bell peppers (red, green, or yellow), sliced into strips
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
-
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
-
2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional but adds great flavor)
-
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
-
1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey for a different flavor)
-
1 teaspoon ground ginger (or fresh ginger, grated)
-
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
-
1/4 cup water or beef broth (for the sauce)
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
Cooked rice (for serving)
-
Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
-
Prep the steak: Slice the flank steak or sirloin thinly against the grain into strips. This will help it cook up tender in the slow cooker. Season the beef with a pinch of salt and pepper.
-
Sear the steak (optional but recommended): Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak in batches and sear it for 1-2 minutes until it’s browned. This step enhances the flavor, but if you’re in a rush, you can skip it and add the raw steak directly to the slow cooker.
-
Transfer to slow cooker: Once the steak is seared (or if you’re skipping this step), transfer it to the slow cooker.
-
Add vegetables and sauce: Add the sliced onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the slow cooker with the beef. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and ground ginger. Pour the sauce mixture over the steak and veggies. Add 1/4 cup of water or beef broth to help create a nice, flavorful sauce.
-
Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be very tender, and the peppers and onions will be soft and sweet.
-
Thicken the sauce (optional): If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Stir this slurry into the slow cooker about 30 minutes before serving and let it thicken up.
-
Serve: Once done, give the pepper steak a final stir and taste for seasoning. Serve it over hot cooked rice, garnished with fresh cilantro or green onions for a burst of color and flavor.
Optional Add-ins & Variations:
-
Mushrooms: Add sliced mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
-
Spicy kick: If you like some heat, toss in a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
-
Vegetables: You could also add snow peas, broccoli, or carrots to mix up the veggies.
This slow cooker pepper steak is perfect for busy days when you want a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort. The slow cooking process makes the steak incredibly tender, and the sauce is perfect over rice. Let me know if you need any more tips or tweaks!
