Beef Stir-Fry with Bell Peppers and Brown Rice

Ingredients

• Lean beef strips 4 oz
• Bell peppers (mixed colors) 1 cup
• Cooked brown rice 0.5 cup
• Soy sauce (low sodium) 1 tbsp
• Olive oil 1 tsp
• Garlic 1 clove

Method

1. Prepare ingredients. Wash the bell peppers thoroughly. Slice them into thin strips. Peel and mince the garlic clove. If your beef strips are not pre-cut, slice the lean beef into thin strips against the grain for tenderness.
   Tip: Cutting the beef against the grain helps make it more tender when cooked.
2. Heat the pan and oil. Place a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil and let it heat up until it shimmers but does not smoke.
   Tip: Make sure the pan is hot before adding ingredients to get a good sear on the beef.
3. Cook the garlic. Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and stir it quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic tastes bitter.
   Tip: Stir constantly to prevent garlic from burning.
4. Cook the beef strips. Add the beef strips to the pan in a single layer. Let them cook without stirring for about 1-2 minutes to get a good sear, then stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through.
   Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure the beef browns properly instead of steaming.
5. Add bell peppers. Add the sliced bell peppers to the pan with the beef. Stir-fry together for 2-3 minutes until the peppers are slightly tender but still crisp.
   Tip: Keep the peppers slightly crunchy for better texture and flavor.
6. Add soy sauce and mix. Pour 1 tablespoon of low sodium soy sauce over the beef and peppers. Stir well to coat everything evenly and cook for another minute to blend the flavors.
   Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, but soy sauce usually adds enough saltiness.
7. Warm the brown rice. If your cooked brown rice is cold, warm it in the microwave or on the stove until hot. You can do this while the stir-fry finishes cooking.
   Tip: Warm rice separately to prevent it from becoming mushy.
8. Serve. Place the warm brown rice on a plate or bowl. Spoon the beef and bell pepper stir-fry over the top. Serve immediately while hot.
   Tip: Garnish with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds if desired.

Pro tips

• Use a hot pan and avoid overcrowding to get a good sear on the beef.
• Cut beef against the grain for more tenderness.
• Keep bell peppers slightly crisp for better texture.