Why the Pepper Steak Is Great For Burning Fat
While many people might think of steak as a guilty pleasure, I believe pepper steak can actually be a great addition to a fat-burning diet. The lean sirloin steak packs a protein punch that helps build muscle and burn calories.
Plus, the vibrant green peppers add fiber and essential nutrients, keeping me satisfied without excess calories. I love that I can enjoy a hearty meal while still sticking to my health goals.
The combination of flavors and textures makes it feel indulgent, but it’s genuinely nutritious. It’s a win-win when I want something delicious that supports my fitness journey!
Ingredients of Pepper Steak
When it comes to whipping up a delicious pepper steak, the ingredients are what truly matter. They come together to create a dish that’s not only hearty and satisfying but also surprisingly simple to make.
So, whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out in the kitchen, gathering these ingredients will set you on the path to culinary success. Let’s take a look at what you need to bring this flavorful dish to life.
- 1 lb sirloin steak
- 1 small onion, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2-3 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 1 medium green pepper, sliced
- 1 (12 ounce) jar Heinz beef gravy
- 1/2-1 cup water
- Flour (for thickening)
Now that we’ve got our ingredient list sorted, let’s chat for a moment about those components. The sirloin steak is a lean, flavorful cut that really shines in this recipe, making it a favorite among steak lovers.
But don’t overlook the veggies – the green pepper not only adds a pop of color but also brings in that crunch and a hint of sweetness. And that gravy? Well, it’s the secret sauce that ties everything together, creating a rich, savory base.
Just a heads up: if you’re feeling adventurous, you can always throw in some mushrooms or other veggies you have lying around. Cooking should be fun, right? So, feel free to make this dish your own.
How to Make Pepper Steak
Making pepper steak is really an adventure in the kitchen, and trust me, it’s easier than you might think. To kick things off, you’ll want to grab that 1 lb of sirloin steak—let’s make sure it’s nice and tender, shall we? First, season the steak generously with salt and pepper. I always say, if you’re not getting a little messy, are you really cooking?
Once seasoned, heat up 2-3 tablespoons of butter or margarine in a skillet over medium-high heat. Let it melt, and then toss in that sliced small onion. You’ll want to sauté the onions until they’re translucent and slightly caramelized, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the steak to the skillet. It’s showtime! Brown the steak on both sides, which should take about 3-5 minutes per side. The sizzling sound is music to my ears; if you don’t hear it, you might need to crank the heat a little.
Now that your steak is beautifully browned, transfer it to a baking dish. Make sure to keep those tasty drippings in there; they’re like flavor gold. Next, arrange the sliced medium green pepper around the steak—this is where you get that lovely pop of color and crunch.
Then, grab that 12-ounce jar of Heinz beef gravy and pour it over the steak, adding enough to slightly cover it. If it looks a bit thick, don’t panic; just mix in 1/2 to 1 cup of water to thin it out a little. Cover the dish with foil, and let it bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 2 hours. Yes, I know it feels like a long time, but patience is key here, and your kitchen will soon smell divine.
After those two hours, it’s time for the grand finale. Remove the dish from the oven and let’s thicken things up a bit. In a small bowl, whisk together some flour with a splash of water until it’s smooth—this will help make your gravy nice and thick. Pour that mixture into your baking dish, give it all a gentle stir, and cover it again.
Pop it back into the oven for another 10-15 minutes, and voilà! You’ve got yourself a hearty, mouthwatering pepper steak ready to serve. I like to dish it up with some fluffy rice or egg noodles to soak up that rich gravy. Just picture it: you, your friends or family, and a big plate of deliciousness. What’s not to love?
Pepper Steak Substitutions & Variations For Low Carb Diets
After whipping up that delicious pepper steak, you might be wondering how to adapt this classic dish for a low carb lifestyle.
First, swap out the traditional flour for a low carb thickener like xanthan gum or almond flour to keep that rich gravy without the carbs.
Instead of using rice or egg noodles, serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for that satisfying base.
You can also add more veggies like mushrooms or broccoli to bulk it up without adding carbs.
These simple substitutions keep the flavor intact while aligning perfectly with your low carb goals. Enjoy!
What to Serve with Pepper Steak
Pepper steak is a hearty dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.
I love serving it over fluffy white rice or buttery egg noodles, as they soak up all that rich beef gravy. You can also add a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a pop of color and nutrition.
A simple garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the flavors nicely, too. If you’re feeling indulgent, garlic bread is a delightful option to mop up any leftover gravy.
Whatever you choose, these sides will surely complement your pepper steak perfectly!
Additional Tips To Decrease Calories
While enjoying a delicious pepper steak, I often consider ways to lighten the dish without sacrificing flavor.
One simple tip is to use lean cuts of beef, like flank or sirloin, which have less fat. I also swap butter for a light cooking spray or just a teaspoon of olive oil.
To cut calories further, I increase the amount of vegetables, like bell peppers and onions, making the dish more filling without adding many calories.
Finally, I serve it over a small portion of brown rice or quinoa instead of heavy egg noodles. These tweaks make a big difference!