Are you in the mood for a mouthwatering, flavorful dish that’s not only delicious but easy to make? Look no further than this scrumptious pepper steak with gravy recipe! This classic comfort food combines tender seared beef, vibrant bell peppers, and onions smothered in a rich homemade gravy that’s simply irresistible.
With just a few simple ingredients like soy sauce and ginger, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up an unforgettable meal your entire family will love.
Key Takeaways
- Choosing the right cut of beef is crucial for a mouthwatering pepper steak with gravy dish. Opt for cuts like sirloin, flank steak, or even tenderloin if you want a more premium touch to your meal.
- Select fresh bell peppers and onions when making pepper steak with gravy. Look for firm, brightly colored peppers with tight skin and onions that are firm without any soft spots or bruises.
- Properly searing your meat will give it that beautiful caramelization while locking in its juices, ensuring that every bite is tender and flavorful. Searing adds flavor and texture while retaining moisture in the steak, resulting in a juicy and flavorful dish.
- Adjust seasonings to taste for the perfect balance of flavors in your pepper steak with gravy. Trust your own tastebuds when adjusting seasonings according to preference.
Ingredients And Preparation For Pepper Steak With Gravy
To prepare this delicious dish, you will need to choose the best quality beef, select fresh bell peppers and onions, and get your broth, cornstarch, soy sauce, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper ready.
Choosing The Best Quality Beef
Selecting the best quality beef is crucial for a mouthwatering pepper steak with gravy dish. The cut of meat can make all the difference in taste and tenderness, so it’s essential to choose wisely.
Opt for cuts like sirloin, flank steak, or even tenderloin if you want a more premium touch to your meal.
When shopping for beef, look out for marbling – thin veins of fat running through the meat. This fat will melt during cooking, ensuring a juicy and succulent result. Remember that vibrant red color indicates freshness in your selection; avoid any dull-looking grayish hues on your potential purchase as they may indicate spoilage or age in the meat.
Selecting Fresh Bell Peppers And Onion
It is important to choose the freshest bell peppers and onions when making pepper steak with gravy. Look for firm, brightly colored peppers with tight skin, as those are the freshest.
When selecting onions, opt for ones that are firm without any soft spots or bruises.
If possible, try buying locally grown produce from your farmers’ market or grocery store. This not only supports local farmers but also ensures that you’re getting fresh ingredients straight from the source.
By using fresh bell peppers and onion in your recipe, you’ll enhance the overall flavor of your sauce while adding a satisfying crunch to every bite.
Getting Your Broth, Cornstarch, Soy Sauce, Garlic, Olive Oil, Salt And Pepper Ready
Before starting to cook your perfect Pepper Steak with Gravy, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients ready. Here are the things you need to do to prepare:
- Ensure that you have enough broth or beef stock for the gravy.
- Measure out cornstarch, soy sauce, and garlic in separate bowls.
- Have olive oil, salt, and pepper within reach.
- Peel and mince garlic before cooking.
- Check the label of cornstarch to make sure it’s gluten-free if you want a gluten-free meal.
- Make sure your pantry has Worcestershire sauce if you want an authentic flavor.
By having all these ingredients ready, making Pepper Steak with Gravy will be a breeze!
Step-by-Step Guide To Making Pepper Steak With Gravy
To make pepper steak with gravy, first prepare and sear the steak until browned, then sauté onions and peppers in the same skillet. Add a mixture of beef broth, soy sauce, cornstarch, garlic, ginger, salt and pepper to the skillet and stir to combine.
Bring to a boil and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the gravy thickens.
Preparing And Searing The Steak
To start making your delicious pepper steak with gravy, it is essential to choose the right cut of beef. Choose a tender and lean cut like sirloin or flank steak for the best results.
Now it’s time to properly sear your meat. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and let it heat up before adding your seasoned meat strips in batches. Cook each batch of meat until browned on all sides and remove them from the skillet as you go along.
Properly searing your steak will give it that beautiful caramelization while locking in its juices, ensuring that every bite is tender and flavorful.
Cooking The Vegetables To Perfection
To make the perfect pepper steak with gravy, cooking the vegetables to perfection is just as important as searing the steak and making a delicious sauce. Start by slicing your bell peppers into one-inch strips and thinly slicing your onions.
In a hot skillet with olive oil, start sautéing the vegetables until they are slightly tender but still have a bit of crunch to them. This should take about 5-7 minutes on medium heat.
Once your vegetables are cooked, set them aside in a bowl while you prepare the sauce.
Making A Flavorful And Delicious Gravy
Making a flavorful and delicious gravy is an essential part of preparing pepper steak. To start, you’ll need to blend beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, cornstarch, and other seasonings until smooth.
Stir occasionally until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 2-3 minutes while stirring constantly. This should give you a rich brown gravy that’s perfect for topping off your seared steak strips.
Tips For Perfecting Your Pepper Steak With Gravy
Choose a high-quality cut of beef and make sure to sear it properly for maximum flavor, keep your pan hot and ingredients close at hand, and adjust seasonings to taste for the perfect balance of flavors in your pepper steak with gravy.
Choosing The Right Cut Of Meat And Properly Searing It
Choosing the right cut of steak is crucial to achieving a perfect pepper steak with gravy. Look for cuts that are tender and well-marbled, such as ribeye or sirloin. Avoid tough cuts like round or chuck, which require prolonged cooking times to become tender.
Once you’ve selected your cut of meat, it’s important to properly sear it before adding the other ingredients. This means heating up your skillet until hot and then adding some oil before placing the steak in the pan.
Allow it to cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side until browned and caramelized before removing it from the pan and setting it aside.
Example: Grandma always said that choosing quality beef was key to making an unforgettable pepper steak with gravy – she preferred ribeye because of its rich flavor profile and tenderness.
She would heat her cast iron skillet until smoking hot, add olive oil just enough to coat the bottom, lay down thin slices of sirloin strip steaks gently on top , leaving them undisturbed for 3-4 minute intervals until golden-brown crusts formed then turn only once for another 2-3 min depending on how cooked they liked their meat .
Keeping Your Pan Hot And Your Ingredients Ready
To ensure a perfectly cooked pepper steak with gravy, it is essential to keep your pan hot and your ingredients ready. This means preparing all the vegetables and seasonings before searing the beef to avoid overcooking or burning.
Also, make sure you have a good quality skillet that heats evenly and has enough space for all the ingredients.
Once your pan is heated well, add some oil and wait for it to shimmer before adding in your beef slices. Flip them over only after they are sufficiently browned on one side so as not to let too much moisture out of the meat.
Add bell peppers and onions soon after this step since these veggies need less cooking time than beef.
Adjusting Seasonings To Achieve The Perfect Taste
The key to achieving the perfect taste in your pepper steak with gravy is all in the seasoning. While a recipe may call for specific measurements of salt, pepper, soy sauce, and other seasonings, it’s important to taste as you go and adjust accordingly.
Perhaps you like your dish on the spicier side – consider adding jalapenos or a sprinkle of red chili flakes. Maybe you prefer a sweeter flavor profile – try adding a touch of honey or brown sugar.
And if the overall flavor is just not quite right, don’t be afraid to add more salt or acid (such as vinegar) to balance things out.
Serving Suggestions For Your Pepper Steak With Gravy
Pair your perfectly cooked pepper steak with gravy with fluffy white rice, steamed vegetables or stir-fried noodles for a delicious and filling meal.
Pairing With Rice Or Quinoa
Pepper steak with gravy is a hearty and filling meal that pairs perfectly with rice or quinoa. Rice is a simple and classic choice, as it absorbs the flavorful sauce from the dish.
For added nutrition and texture, consider using brown rice instead of white rice. Quinoa is also an excellent option, especially for those looking for a gluten-free alternative.
Its nutty flavor complements the savory taste of pepper steak. To take your meal to the next level, try mixing in some steamed or sautéed vegetables like broccoli or green beans into your rice or quinoa before serving alongside your pepper steak with gravy.
Serving With Noodles Or Steamed Vegetables
Pepper steak with gravy is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Serving this delicious entree with noodles or steamed vegetables is an excellent way to create a balanced meal that is both healthy and flavorful.
Try pairing the succulent beef and aromatic peppers with some soba noodles, lo mein, or udon for a hearty Asian-inspired feast that will leave you feeling satisfied.
When preparing your pepper steak dish, keep in mind the different variations of this classic recipe, such as Midwest Pepper Steak or Smothered Steak and Gravy. Whether you choose to use Campbell’s beef gravy or make your own from scratch using cornflour, Worcestershire sauce, or other ingredients listed in our [IMPORTANT FACTS] section above, pairing it with noodles or steamed veggies can bring out the full flavor profile of this amazing dish.
Making Your Meal Look And Taste Gourmet
Presentation is key when it comes to making your pepper steak with gravy look and taste gourmet. Start by carefully arranging the sliced meat and peppers on a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa.
Drizzle the rich, savory gravy over the top in an artistic pattern for added appeal.
Another way to elevate this classic dish is to experiment with different flavors and textures. Try adding some crisp bacon bits for a satisfying crunch or swapping out the beef broth for red wine for a deeper flavor profile.
You can also play around with seasonings such as cumin or smoked paprika to give your pepper steak that extra kick of complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use any type of steak for the recipe?
Yes, you can use any kind of steak that you prefer or have on hand. However, it’s recommended to choose a tender cut such as sirloin or ribeye for best results.
2. How do I thicken the gravy if it’s too thin?
To thicken the gravy, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water and then add it to the pan while stirring constantly over medium heat until desired thickness is achieved.
3. Do I need to marinate the steak before cooking?
Marinating is optional but recommended as it helps to infuse more flavor into the meat. You can marinate your steaks in a mixture of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce and garlic for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
4. Is there a substitute for green bell pepper?
Yes, if you don’t like or have green bell pepper, you can substitute it with red or yellow bell pepper or other veggies like mushrooms, onions, or carrots to add some color and texture variation in your dish.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Perfectly Cooked Pepper Steak With Gravy
Congratulations! You now have all the tools you need to make a delicious and flavorful pepper steak with gravy dish. By following these easy steps, you’ll be able to whip up this comforting dinner in no time.
Don’t forget to choose the best quality beef, fresh bell peppers, and onions for maximum flavor. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding jalapenos or mushrooms for an extra kick of spice.
Whether paired with rice or quinoa or served alongside steamed vegetables, your pepper steak with gravy is sure to impress.