Beef With Peppers And Tomatoes
A savory beef stir-fry with vibrant peppers and fresh tomatoes, featuring a soy-based marinade that delivers bold flavors perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix soy sauce, water, garlic powder, and beef strips in a plastic bag or medium bowl; close tightly or cover.
- Refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight to marinate.
- Combine green peppers, beef, and marinade in a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Cover the dish.
- Microwave at medium (50%) power until beef is tender, about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring after half the cooking time.
- Drain, reserving meat juices.
- Set beef mixture aside, covered.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry.
- Add the cornstarch mixture to the reserved juices and cook until thickened.
- Serve the beef with peppers and tomatoes, garnished as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder. You can substitute the flank steak with sirloin or round steak if preferred. If you like a bit of heat, add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the dish. This recipe can also be made with chicken or tofu for a different protein option. Explore more delicious beef recipes for variety.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the beef with peppers and tomatoes over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a well-rounded dish. Consider garnishing with fresh cilantro or green onions for added flavor. This dish also goes well with a light salad or pickled vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the beef and peppers in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power until warmed through, about 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef With Peppers And Tomatoes contains roughly 239 calories, with 12g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 551mg per serving (24% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef, but it's best to thaw it completely before marinating. This ensures the marinade penetrates evenly and helps tenderize the meat. Plan ahead to allow sufficient time for thawing in the refrigerator, ideally overnight.
What can I use instead of soy sauce?
If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. For a lower sodium alternative, look for low-sodium soy sauce. You can also make a quick homemade soy sauce substitute using vegetable broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking. Adding more vegetables not only enhances the dish's flavor but also boosts its nutritional value.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).