Delicious Vegan Bell Pepper Steak Recipe
Are you in the mood for a hearty and satisfying meal that packed with flavor and nutrients? Look no further! This vegan bell pepper steak recipe, also known as Pepper Fake, is sure to impress even the most skeptical carnivores. This dish is perfect for anyone who loves the taste and texture of traditional steak, but wants a plant-based alternative that is both healthy and delicious.
As a vegan chef, I love experimenting with new recipes that replace meat without sacrificing flavor or texture. Steak has always been a staple in many households, making it difficult for some families to transition into more plant-based meals. But with this vegan pepper steak recipe, you won’t even miss the original.
This dish highlights the juicy and tender textures of seitan as a great substitute for beef. Marinated in soy sauce and steak sauce, flavors of Chinese pepper steak are brought to life with the fresh aroma and crunch of green bell peppers mixed in. The bell peppers complement the steak perfectly allowing an indulgent experience in each bite without feeling weighed down.
Not only is this meal satisfying, but it is also incredibly healthy. Made with fresh onions and multicolored bell peppers stuffed with vegan ground beef, you will walk away knowing that you filled your body with nutritious ingredients that help sustain your health goals.
This recipe has received high praise on social media and beyond. Whether you’re making this for yourself or hosting friends and family, Vegan Bell Pepper Steak (Pepper Fake) is an excellent choice for any occasion. It’s easy to make, adaptable to personalized preferences, and versatile enough that everyone at your table can create their version depending on what they crave.
Get ready to savor every bite of this scrumptious vegan pepper steak recipe while taking another step towards a healthier lifestyle!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of Chinese pepper steak, but follow a vegan diet? Fear not, because I have the perfect solution: Vegan Bell Pepper Steak, aka Pepper Fake! Trust me when I say, you’re going to fall in love with this recipe.
Firstly, this recipe is a great alternative for those who miss the taste and texture of meat. Made with seitan, it has a similar chewy texture to flank steak. And with the right seasoning and sauce, it captures the essence of Chinese pepper steak perfectly!
But what about the vegetables? Don’t worry – this dish is packed full of nutritious veggies! The star ingredient is the green bell peppers, chopped into large pieces that make them the perfect vehicle for soaking up all the delicious flavor. Alongside the green peppers are onions and tomatoes that add an extra layer of texture and sweetness to this dish.
And let’s not forget about the sauce! A combination of soy sauce and tomato sauce is responsible for giving this dish its signature savory flavor. Plus, if you prefer your meals spicy, you can always add some red pepper flakes or chili powder.
Finally, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can serve it alongside rice as a main dish or stuff it into bell peppers for an elevated twist on stuffed peppers. Additionally, it makes for an excellent side dish paired with any protein of your choice.
So why should you give this recipe a try? Because it’s easy to make, deliciously flavorful and a much healthier option than traditional beef stir-fry dishes. It’s time to switch things up in the kitchen and try something new. Trust me – you’ll love this vegan bell pepper steak recipe!
Ingredient List
Let’s dive into the ingredients needed to prepare this vegan bell pepper steak, also known as pepper fake. Don’t worry about any hard-to-find ingredients, everything you need can be found in your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Seitan:
- 2 cups Vital Wheat Gluten
- 3/4 cups Vegetable Broth
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Nutritional Yeast
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
For the Pepper Steak:
- 2 Green Bell Peppers, sliced
- 1 small Onion, diced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Hoisin Sauce
- 2 tbsp Corn Starch
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
Optional:
- Cooked rice for serving
Feel free to adjust the spice level and add more veggies if you prefer. Now that we have all our ingredients, let’s get cooking!
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to start cooking! In this section, I will guide you through the steps to make vegan bell pepper steak recipe.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by rinsing and drying the green bell peppers. Cut off the tops and remove the seeds. Then, cut the peppers into small chunks or strips. Set aside.
Next, take a bowl and add seitan to it. If you can’t find seitan, you can use soy curls or flank steak instead. Add water to cover the seitan and allow it to soak for a few minutes. Remove from water and drain any excess liquid.
Now let’s move on to onion. Peel off the skin of an onion and thinly slice it. Set aside.
Step 2: Make The Pepper Steak
Firstly, heat some oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Once heated, add chopped onions and fry them until translucent for about 5 minutes. Then add chopped bell peppers.
Sautee for around 8-10 minutes until they’re tender yet slightly crunchy. You can also add red bell pepper for a more colorful dish.
After bell peppers are cooked through, throw in soaked seitan pieces into the same pan with peppers and onions mixture. Use a spatula to stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until they are slightly browned on both sides.
Step 3: Add Flavorful Sauce
This step is critical as it adds all of the lovely flavors we want in our vegan bell pepper steak! Without this sauce, your dish won’t have that distinctive Chinese pepper steak flavor!
For the sauce, we need soy sauce, tomato sauce, and pepper steak seasonings (found in most supermarkets). Add 1/4 cup of soy sauce and around ½ cup of tomato sauce to the stir-fry mix.
Then sprinkle peppery seasoning powder onto it and mix everything thoroughly. Cook them over medium heat for another 1-2 minutes until well combined.
Step 4: Garnish & Serve
Finally, garnish with green onions or cilantro leaves on top before serving over rice or alongside other dishes like vegan mashed potatoes or even vegan stuffed bell peppers! This recipe is versatile!
There you have it – your delicious pepper fake recipe is ready to be enjoyed! Just one warning: don’t let anyone trick you into thinking this was actual beef!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to switch things up? Here are some suggestions for substitutions and variations that you can try out!
– Cut of Meat: If seitan isn’t your thing, you can use other meat substitutes like Beyond Meat or soy curls. You could also try tofu, tempeh or your favorite vegan meat substitute to create a different texture and flavor. And if you don’t have any meat substitutes on hand, stick with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant!
– Vegetables: Feel free to use any vegetables that you prefer. Red bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes make great additions to this dish if you want to get creative. You could even stuff the peppers with other vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrition.
– Spiciness: If you’re a fan of spicy food, add your favorite hot sauce or chili flakes to the stir fry for an extra kick.
– Philly Cheese Style: Make a Philly cheese style version by topping the pepper steak with vegan cheese slices while it’s still in the skillet.
– Rice: Serve over rice with additional sauce drizzled over top.
– Chinese Pepper Steak Sauce: Swap out the tomato sauce for Chinese pepper steak sauce, which has a more intense flavor and allows the bell peppers to really shine through.
– Stuffed Peppers Side Dish: Looking for a more substantial meal? Turn this into a side dish by stuffing the peppers instead of cutting them into large pieces. Just select smaller peppers and adjust cooking time accordingly.
Remember, don’t be afraid to experiment and put your own twist on this recipe!
Serving and Pairing
What better way to enjoy this savoury vegan bell pepper steak than by pairing it with a delicious side dish? Whether you are looking for something light and refreshing or hearty and filling, there are plenty of options that will complement the flavours of your meal.
For a healthy and crunchy choice, consider serving your bell pepper steak alongside a fresh salad. Leafy greens such as kale or spinach work great, accompanied by veggies like cherry tomatoes or chopped cucumber. You could even drizzle over some balsamic vinaigrette for an extra flavour boost.
If you are in the mood for something more filling, try roasting some root vegetables like sweet potatoes or butternut squash in the oven until golden brown. These will not only provide a delicious combination of textures but also satisfy your hunger cravings.
To create a real feast, pair your vegan bell pepper steak with a side of rice or quinoa. The carbs add bulk to your dish and absorb the flavours of your recipe for an even more satisfying experience.
For those who prefer to stick to classic side dishes, traditional options like roasted potatoes or steamed broccoli could never go wrong. The earthy flavours of these veggies perfectly complement the Chinese pepper steak sauce in this recipe.
And don’t forget about leftovers! The dish is easily reheated and can be enjoyed as a filling lunch served on top of some freshly-made fluffy rice or made into tacos with some vegan sour cream and chopped lettuce.
Overall, there is no shortage of sides that will fit perfectly with this vegan bell pepper steak recipe. So grab some friends or family members, cook up a storm and enjoy getting creative in the kitchen with these delicious pairings!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Are you someone who prefers to prepare meals in advance for a busy week ahead? Then you’ll be happy to know that this Vegan Bell Pepper Steak recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. You can prep everything the day before or even a few days prior, and store it in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you have leftovers, they can be easily stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Store them in a separate container from the rice, and they will last up to 5 days. When reheating, you can use a microwave or a pan. However, keep in mind that seitan can become tough if overcooked, so it’s important not to overheat it.
To reheat the Vegan Bell Pepper Steak in the microwave, place it in a microwavable dish, cover it with a lid or damp paper towel, and heat it for 1-2 minutes. For reheating it on a pan, add a small amount of oil on the pan and heat it over medium heat. Then reheat until heated through while stirring continuously.
Whether you choose to enjoy this Vegan Bell Pepper Steak as a make-ahead meal or for leftovers, it’s sure to taste delicious no matter what!
Tips for Perfect Results
When making vegan bell pepper steak, there are a few tips to keep in mind that can help ensure a delicious and satisfying meal. Here are my top tips for perfect results:
1. Choose the Right Type of Seitan
While seitan is a fantastic plant-based protein that works well in vegan pepper steak, not all brands or types of seitan are created equal. Some may be more tender than others, so it’s important to choose one that will give you the desired texture. If you find that your seitan is too tough or chewy in other recipes, you might want to try using Beyond Meat, soy curls or flank steak instead.
2. Cut Your Vegetables into Large Pieces
To give your vegan bell pepper steak the appearance and texture of traditional pepper steak, chop your bell peppers and onions into large pieces.
3. Cook the Vegetables First
Before adding in your seitan, cook your vegetables until they are soft and slightly caramelized. This will add depth and sweetness to the overall flavour of the dish.
4. Make Sure Your Sauce Is Thick Enough
The sauce is what ties this recipe together and you want it to be thick enough to coat all of the vegetables and seitan. If it’s too thin, add a bit more cornstarch mixed with water, but if it’s too thick, add more vegetable broth.
5. Don’t Overcook Your Seitan
One of the biggest mistakes people make when cooking with seitan is overcooking it which makes it taste like rubber. Be careful not to cook your seitan for too long as this can make it tough and difficult to chew.
6. Serve With Rice or Noodles
To soak up all the delicious juices, opt for rice or noodles as a side dish for your vegan bell pepper steak.
Following these tips will help ensure that your vegan bell pepper steak turns out perfectly every time!
FAQ
Now that we have gone through the preparation of this delicious vegan bell pepper steak or pepper fake recipe, I’m sure there are some questions you may have. In this section, I will address some frequently asked questions about the recipe. So, let’s dive in!
What is vegan pepper steak made of?
This dish features a hearty plant-based protein, such as soy curls or another vegan meat substitute, combined with crunchy bell peppers and a savory-sweet umami sauce. The soy curls provide a satisfying texture that is both tender and chewy at the same time.
What is Chinese pepper steak sauce made of?
Preparing a delectable sauce is the first step in making Chinese pepper steak with gravy. Follow this simple recipe for an appetizing Chinese pepper steak sauce. Begin by combining soy sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, black pepper, and sesame oil. Then, whisk the ingredients thoroughly before adding in five Chinese spice or allspice and cornstarch.
Why is my pepper steak so tough?
If you’re finding your pepper steak to be tough, it’s possible that you’re using an unsuitable cut of meat or not slicing the meat properly. To achieve tender pepper steak, it’s recommended to use cuts like flank steak, top round, or sirloin steaks and slice them perpendicular to the long fibers in the meat.
Is pepper steak authentic?
The origin of the dish in the United States can be traced back to 1948. It is believed to have originated from Fujian cuisine and was popularly known as qīngjiāo ròusī (青椒炒肉絲) which originally used pork meat and had a lighter seasoning compared to the pepper steak we know today.
Bottom Line
:
I hope that this vegan bell pepper steak recipe has not only satisfied your taste buds but also inspired you to try new plant-based dishes in your kitchen. As we strive towards a more sustainable and healthy future, incorporating vegan meals into our diets can have a positive impact on our health, the environment, and animal welfare.
Remember, you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or satisfaction when you choose to eat vegan. This recipe is proof of that. With its savory seitan, tender bell peppers, and bold pepper steak sauce, it’s an easy and delicious way to enjoy a classic dish without the meat.
So, next time you’re looking for a hearty and wholesome dinner option that doesn’t come from an animal, give this vegan bell pepper steak recipe a try. I promise, your taste buds won’t be disappointed!
Vegan Bell Pepper Steak (Aka Pepper Fake) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb seitan, made into 2 inch strips
- 4 green bell peppers, chopped into large pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped into large pieces
- 5 cups gravy
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 6 cups jasmine rice, cooked
Instructions
- To get the most flavor out of this dish, I always make the seitan the day before. Cook the seitan bits in a large pan over medium heat with the vegetable oil until it starts to brown.
- Remove from heat and pour into a large bowl. Pour the 5 cups of gravy over the seitan and add more tamari to taste.
- Mix well, cover, and store in the refrigerator overnight.
- The next day, chop the vegetables and sautee in a wok or large pan over medium heat with the sesame oil. When the vegetables start to brown, add the bowl of gravy and seitan.
- Simmer the vegetables, seitan and gravy for 10-15 minutes, or until the seitan is heated through and the veggies have softened.
- While all of this is cooking, make the rice.
- Scoop rice onto a plate, spoon the Pepper Fake over and enjoy!
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.