How to Make Delicious Pepper Steak and Rice with Gravy

If you’re looking to make a quick and easy meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious, pepper steak and rice with gravy is a perfect choice. This classic dish is simple to prepare and only requires a handful of ingredients. For those who are unfamiliar with the concept, pepper steak is essentially thin slices of steak cooked with fragrant peppers and onions in a rich and savory gravy. The dish is usually served atop a bed of fluffy white rice, making for a hearty and filling meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

To get started with making pepper steak and rice with gravy, first gather your ingredients. You’ll need some thinly sliced steak, a medley of bell peppers and onions, and a few simple spices like garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. For the gravy, you can either make your own from scratch or use a pre-made mix. Once everything is ready, it’s simply a matter of sautéing the veggies and steak, simmering them in the gravy, and then serving it all over a bed of hot, fluffy rice. With just a little time and effort, you can create a satisfying meal that’s sure to please your taste buds.

Choosing the Right Cut of Meat

Pepper steak and rice with gravy is a delicious and satisfying meal that many people love. However, one of the key components of this dish is the meat, specifically the cut of beef. You want to choose a cut of beef that is tender and flavorful, yet won’t break the bank. Here are some options:

Flank Steak

Flank steak is a popular choice for pepper steak as it is lean, tender, and full of flavor. It’s also relatively affordable, making it a great choice for those on a budget. When buying flank steak, look for a bright red color, minimal fat, and a visible grain.

Sirloin Steak

Sirloin steak is another great choice for pepper steak and rice with gravy. It has a good amount of marbling, which adds flavor, and is also relatively affordable. Look for sirloin steak that is bright red with white marbling and a visible grain.

Ribeye Steak

If you’re looking to treat yourself or impress guests, a ribeye steak is a wonderful option. It’s a bit pricier than flank or sirloin, but the marbling ensures a juicy and flavorful steak. Look for ribeye steak that is bright red with white marbling and a visible grain.

New York Strip Steak

New York strip steak is another popular choice for pepper steak and rice with gravy. It’s a bit less tender than ribeye but still full of flavor. Look for New York strip steak that is bright red with white marbling and a visible grain.

Boneless Chuck Roast

If you prefer a slow-cooked, melt-in-your-mouth pepper steak and rice with gravy, then a boneless Chuck roast is your best bet. This cut is ideal for braising or slow cooking, which makes it perfect for a savory pepper steak. Choose a cut with minimal fat and a visible grain.

Top Round Steak

Top round steak is a lean cut that is still flavorful and tender when cooked properly. It’s a good option for those watching their fat intake. Look for top round steak that is bright red with minimal fat and a visible grain.

Tenderloin Steak

Tenderloin steak is the most expensive of the cuts and is best reserved for special occasions. It’s incredibly tender and flavorful, but it’s also the leanest of the cuts. Look for tenderloin steak that is bright red with minimal fat and a visible grain.

Sirloin Tip Steak

Sirloin tip steak is a budget-friendly option that is still flavorful and tender. It’s a good choice for those on a tight budget. Look for sirloin tip steak that is bright red with minimal fat and a visible grain.

Bottom Round Steak

Bottom round steak is a lean cut that is less tender than top round but still flavorful. It’s a good choice for those looking for a budget-friendly option. Look for bottom round steak that is bright red with minimal fat and a visible grain.

Eye of Round Steak

Eye of round steak is a lean cut that is best suited for braising or slow cooking. It’s a budget-friendly option for those looking for a tender and flavorful steak. Look for eye of round steak that is bright red with minimal fat and a visible grain.

In conclusion, choosing the right cut of beef is the first step in making a delicious pepper steak and rice with gravy. By selecting the right cut, you can ensure a tender, flavorful, and satisfying meal.

Seasoning the Steak

Once you have your ingredients ready, it’s time to season your steak. Preparing it correctly is essential to achieving that rich and flavorful dish that everyone will love. Seasoning your steak is a crucial step that should not be overlooked, so we will go through the process step-by-step:

Step 1: Choose Your Steak

The first thing you need to do is choose the right kind of steak. For pepper steak and rice with gravy, we recommend using a flank steak. Flank steak is a lean cut that is perfect for grilling and is often used in Asian cuisine. Make sure to choose a steak that is not too thin or too thick, as either will make it difficult to cook it just right.

Step 2: Marinating

Marinating your steak enhances the flavor and adds tenderness to the meat. You can prepare the marinade by mixing soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and honey in a bowl. Add the steak to the mixture and coat it evenly. You can also add other seasonings such as garlic powder or ginger to the marinade.

Once your steak is coated with marinade, allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes. However, if you have more time, you can marinate the steak for a few hours or even overnight for a richer flavor.

Step 3: Spicing up the Marinade

This step is optional, but it’s perfect for people who love spicy food. Add some red pepper flakes to the marinade to give your steak an extra kick. This will complement the brown peppercorns used later in the recipe.

Step 4: Prepare Your Skillet

To cook the steak, you’ll need a skillet. Heat up a skillet over medium-high heat and add oil. Once the oil is hot, add your steak. Make sure the steak lays flat on the skillet and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side or until browned.

Step 5: Adding the Peppercorns

Once the steak is cooked to your preference, you can add brown peppercorns to the skillet. Use a spoon to press the peppercorns gently on the steak. This will release their oils and provide a rich flavor to the dish.

Step 6: Resting The Steak

After cooking the steak, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before you slice it. Resting the steak allows the juices to settle, which will make it easier to slice, resulting in a tender and juicy steak.

Now that we have seasoned the steak in preparation for it to be used in the dish, we can move on to cooking the rice and making the gravy.

Ingredients

When it comes to making pepper steak and rice with gravy, there are several ingredients you’ll need to have on hand. The good news is that most of these items are probably already in your pantry or refrigerator. Here’s what you’ll need:

Preparing the Meat

Before you can cook anything, you need to prepare the meat. Start by cutting the steak into thin slices, against the grain. This will help to ensure that your steak is tender, even after it has been cooked. Once you’ve sliced the steak, season it with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Be sure to mix the seasoning together to ensure that it’s evenly distributed over all the meat.

Cooking the Pepper Steak

The next step is to cook the pepper steak. Heat a tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the meat. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the steak is browned on all sides. Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil and heat it over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened. Return the beef to the skillet and add the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes.

Preparing the Rice

While the pepper steak is cooking, you can prepare the rice. Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Then, in a medium-sized pot, bring 1 1/2 cups of water to a boil. Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 18 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the rice sit for 5 minutes, then fluff it with a fork.

Making the Gravy

Once the pepper steak is finished cooking, it’s time to make the gravy. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water. Add the mixture to the skillet and stir until the gravy thickens, about 2 minutes. Serve the pepper steak over a bed of rice, topped with gravy.

In summary, making pepper steak and rice with gravy is a simple and delicious meal that can be prepared in less than an hour. By following these easy steps, you’ll have a flavorful and filling dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Thanks for reading and enjoy your meal!

I hope this article has been helpful in guiding you through the process of making delicious pepper steak and rice with gravy. Remember to have fun and don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and ingredients to make the dish your own. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. And make sure to come back soon for more tasty recipes!