If you’re craving a dish that combines juicy, tender steak with vibrant, crunchy peppers served over a bed of fluffy rice, then you are going to love this Pepper Steak Rice Bowl Recipe. It balances savory flavors with a touch of sweetness and a silky sauce, creating a comforting yet exciting meal that feels special but comes together without fuss. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe is packed with bold, familiar flavors and colorful veggies that transform simple ingredients into something truly memorable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two white bowls on a white marbled surface. The left bowl contains a smooth light yellow creamy mixture with a spoon inside it, the spoon's handle resting on the bowl's edge and the tip inside the mixture. The right bowl is a white frying pan with a black rim, filled with thinly sliced red and green bell peppers spread evenly, showing their glossy texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is like setting the stage for a culinary performance, and this Pepper Steak Rice Bowl Recipe calls for simple but impactful items that each add a crucial layer to the final dish’s flavor, texture, and color.

Vegetable oil: The perfect neutral oil for sautéing peppers and steak evenly without overpowering any flavors.
Green pepper (cut into strips): Adds refreshing crunch and a bright, slightly bitter note to balance the richness.
Red bell pepper: Infuses sweetness and vibrant color to make the bowl visually appealing.
Onion (cut into strips): Provides natural sweetness and helps build the foundational flavor for the dish.
Round or sirloin steak (cut into strips): Tender and juicy, this is the star protein that absorbs all the seasonings and sauce beautifully.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the steak and veggies.
Ginger powder: Adds a warm, slightly spicy undertone that lifts the dish’s profile.
Garlic powder: Enhances the savory depth with a subtle garlicky aroma.
Beef broth: Acts as the savory liquid base for the sauce, enriching the dish with umami.
Tomato paste or ketchup: A small amount adds tangy sweetness and thickness to the sauce’s consistency.
Soy sauce: Brings salty, umami complexity and rounds out the flavor beautifully.
Beef bouillon (optional): Intensifies the beefy flavor if you want an extra punch.
Honey or sugar: Balances savory and acidic tastes with a mellow sweetness that ties everything together.
Corn starch: Used to create a silky smooth slurry that thickens the sauce to perfection.
Cooked white rice (warm): Fluffy and neutral, this is the perfect base to soak up the delicious sauce and tender beef.

How to Make Pepper Steak Rice Bowl Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Peppers

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the strips of green and red bell peppers and cook them for about three minutes. Stir occasionally to get them evenly tender but still crisp. This quick cooking preserves their vibrant color and fresh crunch, which contrasts beautifully with the tender beef later.

Step 2: Prepare the Corn Starch Slurry

While the peppers are cooking, mix the corn starch with 2 tablespoons of beef broth in a small bowl. Stir it well with a fork until smooth. This slurry will be your magic ingredient to thicken the sauce later on, giving it that silky texture we all adore in a great pepper steak.

Step 3: Cook Onions and Steak

Add the onion strips to the skillet with the peppers, allowing them to soften and start caramelizing. Then introduce the steak strips, seasoning them with salt, pepper, ginger powder, and garlic powder. Keep stirring and cooking for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the steak is nicely browned on all sides and the onions are translucent with golden edges. This browning step locks in flavor and creates that irresistible umami foundation.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Pour in the remaining beef broth, then stir in tomato paste (or ketchup), soy sauce, beef bouillon if using, honey, and finally the prepared cornstarch slurry. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then stir continuously until you have a well-combined, thickened sauce coating all the ingredients. Once it reaches the perfect consistency, remove the skillet from heat to preserve that vibrant, glossy finish.

Step 5: Serve Over Rice

Dish out warm white rice into bowls and generously spoon the tender beef, peppers, onions, and luscious sauce on top. The rice soaks up every bit of that savory, slightly sweet sauce, creating a bowl of amazing textures and flavors in every bite. Now you’re ready to dive in and enjoy!

How to Serve Pepper Steak Rice Bowl Recipe

The top image shows a white skillet on a white marbled surface, filled neatly with thin slices of raw red meat on the right side, shredded white onions placed above the meat, and sliced green and red bell peppers arranged on the left side. The bottom image shows the same white skillet on the same white marbled surface, now containing cooked strips of meat blended with the cooked green and red bell peppers and softened onions, all simmered together in a rich brown sauce that fills the pan evenly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To add a personal flair and extra freshness, sprinkle finely chopped green onions or fresh cilantro on top just before serving. A few sesame seeds also add a lovely nutty crunch and make the dish look restaurant-worthy. These simple touches brighten the bowl with color and flavor that enhances the overall experience.

Side Dishes

This Pepper Steak Rice Bowl Recipe is hearty on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider serving it with a light cucumber salad or steamed broccoli. Both options offer refreshing contrasts in texture and flavor, balancing the richness of the beef and sauce perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the pepper steak over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative or spoon the mixture into lettuce leaves for a hand-held style meal. You can also arrange the cooked ingredients in a colorful layered glass bowl for a stunning visual presentation that’s perfect for sharing on special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The beef and peppers may release some juice, but the sauce thickens again beautifully when reheated. This makes it great for next-day lunches or quick dinners with minimal effort.

Freezing

This Pepper Steak Rice Bowl Recipe freezes well without losing its flavor or texture. Store cooled portions of the beef mixture separately from the rice in freezer-safe containers or bags. They can be frozen for up to two months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the beef and pepper mixture gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Warm the rice separately in the microwave or steam it until hot. Combine and enjoy just like the day you made it, with all those layers of flavor intact.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat in the Pepper Steak Rice Bowl Recipe?

Absolutely! While sirloin or round steak is classic, you can substitute with flank steak, skirt steak, or even chicken strips for a different but equally delicious experience. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to keep the meat tender.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos to keep the dish safe for gluten sensitivities without compromising flavor. Always double-check labels for hidden gluten ingredients.

How can I make this Pepper Steak Rice Bowl Recipe spicier?

For a kick, add sliced fresh chili peppers along with the bell peppers or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the steak. You could also drizzle a bit of chili garlic sauce on top when serving.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

Definitely. You can slice the vegetables and steak ahead of time and store them in the fridge. You could also cook the peppers and onions ahead and refrigerate separately. The sauce comes together quickly, so assembling the final dish will be a breeze.

What type of rice works best for this dish?

Classic white jasmine or long-grain rice is ideal for its fluffy texture and mild flavor that complements the sauce without overpowering it. That said, brown rice or even wild rice could work well if you want added nutrition and a nuttier bite.

Final Thoughts

Making this Pepper Steak Rice Bowl Recipe is like creating a little celebration in your kitchen — it’s simple, delicious, and satisfying all at once. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this delightful combination of tender beef, sweet and crunchy peppers, and a rich, luscious sauce served over warm rice time and time again. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to a bowl of pure comfort and flavor!