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### Instructions:
#### 1. **Prepare the Beef and Vegetables:**
Start by thinly slicing the flank steak or sirloin against the grain. This helps the meat stay tender when cooked in the slow cooker. Season the beef slices with salt and pepper. Prepare the vegetables by slicing the onion and bell peppers, and mince the garlic and grate the ginger, if using.
#### 2. **Sear the Beef (Optional, but Recommended):**
While not strictly necessary, searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker will give it a richer, more caramelized flavor. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef in batches for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until it is browned but not fully cooked. This step helps lock in the beef’s flavor and adds depth to the dish. Once seared, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
#### 3. **Combine the Sauce Ingredients:**
In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar (if using), minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk to combine. Pour this mixture over the beef in the slow cooker, followed by the beef broth. Stir everything together, ensuring the beef is well coated in the sauce.
#### 4. **Add the Vegetables:**
Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the slow cooker. The vegetables will cook down and infuse the dish with flavor as the beef simmers.
#### 5. **Slow Cook:**
Cover the slow cooker and cook the pepper steak on **low heat** for 6-7 hours or on **high heat** for 3-4 hours. The beef will become incredibly tender, and the sauce will thicken slightly.
#### 6. **Thicken the Sauce:**
Once the cooking time is up, you may notice that the sauce is a bit thin. To thicken it, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
#### 7. **Serve:**
Once the pepper steak is ready, serve it hot over steamed rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a comforting, complete meal. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor.
### Why This Recipe Works:
– **Tender Beef:** By slow cooking the beef, it breaks down and becomes incredibly tender. The meat absorbs all the savory flavors from the sauce, making it rich and full of flavor.
– **Vegetables Infused with Flavor:** The onions and bell peppers cook down in the sauce, softening and soaking up the delicious seasoning. They add sweetness and balance to the richness of the beef and sauce.
– **Customizable:** Feel free to adjust the veggies or seasonings based on your preferences. You could add mushrooms, carrots, or even a bit of heat with some sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
– **Easy Weeknight Meal:** The beauty of the slow cooker is that it requires very little hands-on time. You can prep everything in the morning, and the slow cooker does the work for you, allowing you to come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal.
### Tips for Success:
– **Searing the Meat:** If you have time, searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker will create more depth of flavor. However, if you’re in a rush, you can skip this step and still have a delicious dish.
– **Thickening the Sauce:** If you don’t have cornstarch on hand, you can use flour or arrowroot powder as an alternative. Just make sure to create a slurry with cold water before adding it to the slow cooker to avoid lumps.
– **Choosing the Right Cut of Meat:** Flank steak is a great choice for this recipe due to its tenderness when slow-cooked. However, sirloin, round steak, or chuck steak will also work well in this recipe.
– **Adjust the Seasoning:** Depending on your taste preferences, you can increase or decrease the amount of soy sauce, vinegar, or brown sugar to adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce. If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some fresh chili peppers to the slow cooker.
### Serving Suggestions:
– **Over Rice:** Serve the pepper steak over steamed white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice for a complete meal.
– **With Noodles:** This dish pairs beautifully with noodles—try it with egg noodles, rice noodles, or even spaghetti for a delicious twist.
– **With a Side Salad:** A light, crisp salad with a vinaigrette dressing can balance the richness of the dish.
– **With Roasted Potatoes or Mashed Potatoes:** If you prefer a heartier meal, roasted potatoes or creamy mashed potatoes are excellent sides to serve with pepper steak.
### Final Thoughts:
**Slow Cooker Pepper Steak** is the perfect weeknight dinner for anyone looking for an easy, comforting, and flavorful meal. The tender beef, savory sauce, and tender vegetables make for a complete dish that will satisfy your cravings and leave everyone at the table asking for more. With minimal prep and a few simple ingredients, this recipe proves that delicious, home-cooked meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. Enjoy the tender, flavorful goodness of slow-cooked pepper steak today!
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