Description
1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups cooked white rice
1 green onion, chopped (for garnish)
1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)
Directions:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess grease if needed.
Add diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Serve the beef and pepper mixture over a bowl of cooked white rice.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy warm!
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cooking Time: 15 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes Kcal: 450 per serving Servings: 4 servings
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results every time.
- Prepare all ingredients before you start cooking: dice the onion, slice the bell peppers, mince the garlic, and chop the green onion for garnish. Ensure your rice is cooked and ready.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, using a spatula to break it into small crumbles, until fully browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the diced onion and sliced bell peppers to the skillet with the beef. Sauté, stirring frequently, for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are just beginning to soften but still retain some crunch.
- Push the beef and vegetable mixture to the side of the skillet. Add the minced garlic to the cleared space and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then mix it in with the other ingredients.
- Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Add the black pepper and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated in the savory sauce. Cook for 2-3 more minutes to let the flavors meld.
- To serve, divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top each bowl generously with the beef and pepper mixture. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile dish pairs well with various sides and adjustments. For a complete meal, serve it with a simple side of steamed edamame or a crisp cucumber salad. To spice it up, offer sriracha or chili crisp on the side. If you want to incorporate more vegetables, consider adding sliced mushrooms or carrots with the bell peppers. For a low-carb option, serve the flavorful beef mixture over cauliflower rice or a bed of fresh lettuce leaves for a “lettuce wrap” style meal.
How-to Summary
Quickly brown ground beef in a skillet. Sauté onions and bell peppers with the beef. Add garlic and a simple sauce of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Cook briefly to combine, then serve over rice with green onion and sesame seed garnish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different protein? Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or pork work well. For a plant-based version, use crumbled firm tofu or a meat substitute.
Is there a substitute for oyster sauce? Yes. You can use hoisin sauce for a sweeter note, or more soy sauce with a pinch of brown sugar for depth.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
Can I make this dish spicier? Definitely. Increase the red pepper flakes, add a diced jalapeño with the peppers, or drizzle with chili oil before serving.
How can I prevent soggy vegetables? Ensure your skillet is hot before adding the peppers and onions, and avoid overcrowding the pan. Sauté them just until tender-crisp.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Vegetables: Sauté peppers and onions just until they soften slightly. They should retain a pleasant crunch for the best texture.
- Not Draining Excess Fat: After browning the beef, drain the grease to prevent a greasy final dish.
- Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks quickly. Add it last and cook for only about 30 seconds to avoid a bitter taste.
- Using Cold, Clumpy Rice: Use freshly cooked, warm rice, or ensure leftover rice is broken up and reheated separately to avoid clumps in the final dish.
Conclusion
This ground beef and peppers recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create a deeply satisfying and flavorful meal in under 30 minutes. It’s a fantastic base recipe that is easily customizable to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can consistently whip up a delicious, restaurant-quality dinner any night of the week. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!