Pepper Steak
In Caribbean cuisine, pepper steak is a flavorful, savory dish made with tender strips of beef, bell peppers, onions, and a rich, spiced sauce. The dish often incorporates ingredients like garlic, thyme, Scotch bonnet peppers (for a bit of heat), soy sauce, and sometimes tomatoes. It’s typically served with rice or fried plantains, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. The Caribbean version of pepper steak is known for its bold, aromatic seasoning, combining local herbs and spices that bring a vibrant and spicy kick to the dish. If you like this recipe, try my Steak Au Poivre recipe next.
Pepper steak, especially in its Caribbean version, is made with a mix of vibrant, aromatic ingredients that create a rich and flavorful dish.
Here’s a Breakdown of the Ingredients:
- Beef: Typically, tender cuts like flank steak, sirloin, or round steak are used, thinly sliced into strips.
- Bell Peppers: A variety of bell peppers (usually green, red, or yellow) are used for sweetness, color, and crunch.
- Onions: Often, yellow or red onions are used for their mild sweetness and to add depth to the flavor.
- Scotch Bonnet Pepper: A hallmark of Caribbean cooking, this pepper brings heat and a distinct fruity flavor, though it can be adjusted based on desired spice level.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a savory, aromatic note that complements the other ingredients.
- Bay Leaf: This herb is used in to add a fragrant, earthy undertone.
- Soy Sauce: Used as a base for the sauce, soy sauce imparts saltiness and umami.
- Ketchup: Sometimes added for acidity and richness, tomatoes balance the flavors and help create a thicker sauce.
- Oil: Typically vegetable or olive oil is used for frying the beef and vegetables.
- Black Pepper: Ground black pepper is essential for the “pepper” in pepper steak, contributing to the spiciness and flavor.
- Seasoning: Caribbean pepper steak may also feature additional seasonings like allspice, ginger to enhance the depth of flavors.
These ingredients combine to create a dish that is both savory, spicy, and aromatic, with the beef taking on a rich, tender texture in the flavorful sauce.
Pepper Steak
Ingredients
- 2 lbs rib eye or chuck eye cut into ½" thick strips
- 1 green bell pepper sliced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper slice
- 1 yellow onion slice
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp salt
- 2 tbsp pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp browning
- 1 tbsp all purpose seasoning (like adobo)
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 3 tbsp green seasoning
- 1 tsp ginger grated
- 2 Bay leaves
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper
- 1½ cups beef broth
- cilantro for garnishing
Instructions
- Season steak with all purpose seasoning, green seasoning garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Add oil to the skillet on medium high heat. Once hot, add in steak and sear until browned on each side.
- Add in all onions, peppers, and garlic to the pot and follow with browning. Stir to combine.
- Add in broth to the pot and add in the scotch bonnet pepper and bay leaves.
- Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 30-40 minutes. Add in remaining salt right before serving.
- Serve immediately, with rice, plantain, and salad.
