Prepare the Steak: Start by slicing the steak thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. You can use flank steak or sirloin, depending on your preference.
Sear the Steak: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Quickly sear the steak slices for about 2-3 minutes per side, just to brown them lightly. This will help lock in the flavor before slow cooking.
Layer in the Crock Pot: Place the seared steak slices into the crock pot. Add the sliced onions, bell peppers, and garlic on top of the steak.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour this mixture over the steak and vegetables in the crock pot.
Cook the Pepper Steak: Set the crock pot to low and cook for 4-6 hours, or until the beef is tender and cooked through.
Thicken the Sauce: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch with a small amount of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the crock pot to thicken the sauce. Allow it to cook for the remaining time to get the desired consistency.
Final Touches: Once cooked, give everything a good stir, and taste for seasoning. Add salt and pepper if needed.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving: Pepper Steak is best served over a bed of steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles to soak up the savory sauce. You can also serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw and reheat in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a little water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Variations:
Vegetable Additions: For a more hearty dish, you can add extra vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms, or even zucchini to the crock pot.
Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a sliced jalapeño to the mix.
Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and broth for a lighter version of the dish without compromising on flavor.
Alternative Proteins: Instead of beef, you can substitute chicken, pork, or even tofu for a different take on this recipe.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
A: It’s best to thaw the beef before adding it to the crock pot. Cooking frozen beef can affect the texture and cooking time, so always use fresh or thawed beef for the best results.
Q: Can I cook this recipe on high instead of low?
A: Yes! You can cook the dish on high for 2-3 hours if you’re short on time, but the low and slow method yields the most tender results.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: This recipe is not naturally gluten-free due to the soy sauce. However, you can use a gluten-free soy sauce to make the dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare it ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use. The flavors will deepen and improve after a day or two!
This easy Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot recipe is a simple and flavorful dinner option that can be adjusted to suit your tastes. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or making it for a special occasion, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress.
