Beef Stir-Fry with White Rice and Mixed Bell Peppers

Ingredients

• Lean beef strips 6 oz
• White rice 1.5 cups
• Mixed bell peppers 2 cups
• Soy sauce 1 tbsp
• Olive oil 1 tbsp

Method

1. Prepare the ingredients. Wash the bell peppers thoroughly, remove the seeds and stems, then slice them into thin strips. If your beef is not pre-sliced, cut it into thin strips across the grain to keep it tender.
   Tip: Cutting the beef across the grain helps make it more tender when cooked.
2. Cook the rice. If you haven't cooked the rice yet, rinse 3/4 cup of uncooked white rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Then cook it according to the package instructions, usually by simmering in about 1.5 cups of water until tender.
   Tip: Rinsing rice removes excess starch and prevents it from becoming sticky.
3. Heat the pan and add oil. Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
   Tip: Using a wok or large skillet helps cook the ingredients quickly and evenly.
4. Cook the beef strips. Add the beef strips to the hot oil in a single layer. Let them sear without stirring for about 1-2 minutes to develop a nice brown color, then stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the beef is browned and just cooked through.
   Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure the beef browns nicely instead of steaming.
5. Add bell peppers and soy sauce. Add the sliced bell peppers to the pan with the beef. Stir-fry everything together for 2-3 minutes until the peppers are tender but still crisp. Pour 1 tablespoon of soy sauce over the mixture and stir well to combine.
   Tip: Cooking the peppers briefly keeps their vibrant color and crunch.
6. Serve the stir-fry. Divide the cooked white rice between two plates. Spoon the beef and bell pepper stir-fry on top or alongside the rice. Serve immediately while hot.
   Tip: Serving immediately ensures the best texture and flavor.

Pro tips

• Slice all ingredients uniformly for even cooking.
• Use a hot pan to get a good sear on the beef for better flavor.