The Best Caribbean Pepper Steak Recipe

Caribbean cuisine is known for its bold, vibrant flavors, and this Caribbean Pepper Steak recipe encapsulates everything you love about the region’s dishes. With tender sirloin steak, crisp bell peppers, and aromatic seasonings, this dish is a celebration of fresh ingredients and zesty spices. The combination of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and thyme creates a rich, savory sauce that coats the steak and vegetables, making every bite incredibly satisfying.

What makes this recipe truly stand out is its ability to balance spice with sweetness, giving it that signature Caribbean flair. The addition of green onions and thyme infuses the dish with fresh, herby notes, while the beef stock helps to build a deep, flavorful base. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or something special for a weekend meal, this pepper steak is sure to impress. It’s quick, simple to make, and absolutely packed with flavor. Serve it over rice, with some fried plantains, or alongside a crisp salad for a complete Caribbean-inspired meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Caribbean Pepper Steak recipe is a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create an unforgettable dish. The sirloin steak is cooked to perfection, tender and juicy, while the bell peppers and onions add a satisfying crunch. The seasoning is robust but not overwhelming, offering a balance of salty, sweet, and savory flavors. The sauce, made with soy sauce, beef stock, and ginger, gives the steak a rich, umami flavor that pairs wonderfully with the vegetables. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a group, this recipe will surely become a go-to in your meal rotation.

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Ingredients

• Sirloin steak
• Beef stock
• Green bell pepper
• Red bell pepper
• Onion
• Soy sauce
• Seasoning salt
• Cornstarch
• Ginger paste (or freshly grated ginger)
• Minced garlic
• Green onions
• Thyme
• Cooking oil

Variations

• Spicy Pepper Steak: Add fresh or pickled Scotch bonnet peppers to the dish for a fiery kick. Scotch bonnets are widely used in Caribbean cooking for their unique heat and fruity flavor.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the steak with tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that still delivers the same vibrant flavors.
• Additional Vegetables: You can add other vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms to the dish to enhance its flavor and texture.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
• Sweet and Savory Twist: Add a bit of brown sugar or honey to the sauce for a touch of sweetness that balances the savory flavors.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Slice the sirloin steak against the grain into thin strips. Chop the green and red bell peppers, onion, and green onions into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Step 2: Create the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, beef stock, cornstarch, ginger paste, seasoning salt, and minced garlic. Stir until the cornstarch is dissolved and the sauce is well combined.

Step 3: Sauté the Steak

Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced steak to the pan, and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the steak is browned on all sides. Remove the steak from the pan and set it aside.

Step 4: Cook the Vegetables

In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary. Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, and thyme to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.

Step 5: Combine Steak and Vegetables

Return the steak to the pan with the vegetables. Pour the sauce mixture over the steak and vegetables, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and everything is heated through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once the sauce has thickened, remove the pan from the heat. Garnish with fresh green onions and serve hot over rice, fried plantains, or your favorite side dish.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use High-Quality Steak: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh, high-quality sirloin steak. If you want a more tender cut, you can opt for ribeye or flank steak.
• Thinly Slice the Steak: Slice the steak thinly against the grain to ensure it cooks quickly and stays tender.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, use less ginger paste and seasoning salt. For more heat, consider adding hot peppers like Scotch bonnets or chili flakes.
• Don’t Overcook the Steak: Be careful not to overcook the steak. It should be browned on the outside but still tender and juicy on the inside.
• Add a Touch of Sweetness: A teaspoon of brown sugar or honey can balance out the saltiness of the soy sauce and the heat from the ginger.

How to Serve

Caribbean Pepper Steak is best served over a bed of steamed rice to soak up all the flavorful sauce. You can also serve it with fried plantains for a perfect balance of sweet and savory, or alongside a simple green salad to add freshness to the meal. For a complete Caribbean feast, pair it with a side of beans or roasted potatoes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pepper steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze the pepper steak, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the dish in a skillet over low heat with a splash of beef stock or water to help restore the sauce’s consistency. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other cuts of beef such as ribeye or flank steak, but make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the cut.

2. Can I make this dish spicier?

Definitely! You can add Scotch bonnet peppers, chili flakes, or cayenne pepper to increase the heat.

3. Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be made gluten-free by substituting soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.

4. Can I use frozen vegetables in this recipe?

While fresh vegetables will give the best texture, you can use frozen bell peppers and onions if needed. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly.

5. How do I ensure the steak stays tender?

Slice the steak thinly against the grain and avoid overcooking it. Cooking it quickly on high heat will help it stay tender.

6. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

While the recipe is designed for quick stovetop cooking, you could use a slow cooker by browning the steak and then simmering it in the sauce mixture for a few hours on low.

7. What kind of rice should I serve with this dish?

Serve it with white rice, jasmine rice, or even coconut rice to complement the Caribbean flavors.

8. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.

9. How do I store the leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat before serving.

10. Can I make the sauce without cornstarch?

Yes, you can omit the cornstarch, but the sauce will be thinner. Alternatively, you could use arrowroot powder as a thickening agent.

Conclusion

The Best Caribbean Pepper Steak recipe brings the bold, lively flavors of the Caribbean right to your kitchen. With tender steak, fresh vegetables, and a savory sauce, this dish is a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and savory notes. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is quick, easy, and full of vibrant flavor. Serve it with rice, plantains, or any of your favorite sides for a delicious, complete meal that transports you to the islands with every bite.

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