Are you looking for a quick, satisfying, and flavorful meal that is sure to please everyone at the table? Look no further than Beef Pepper Rice (Pepper Lunch Inspired)! Inspired by the popular Japanese restaurant Pepper Lunch, this sizzling dish combines tender beef, warm jasmine rice, and a delicious homemade sauce to create a meal that is packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, Beef Pepper Rice is an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
What makes Beef Pepper Rice so special? It’s all about the balance of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors, plus the irresistible crispy rice bottom that you get from cooking everything together in a hot pan. With minimal effort and just a few ingredients, you can recreate the magic of Pepper Lunch in your very own kitchen. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make this quick, flavorful, and comforting dish at home!
Nutrition Information
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
648 kcal
Sugar:
15g
Sodium:
751mg
Fat:
30g
Saturated Fat:
12g
Unsaturated Fat:
16g (Monounsaturated and Polyunsaturated combined)
Trans Fat:
1g
Carbohydrates:
55g
Fiber:
1g
Protein:
39g
Cholesterol:
109mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Quick and Easy to Make
One of the best things about Beef Pepper Rice is that it comes together in just 35 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen. The recipe is simple, with minimal prep time, and it delivers a delicious meal without any hassle.
2. Flavor Packed
The combination of Beef Pepper Rice, the savory beef, crispy rice, sweet corn, and homemade sauce makes for a wonderfully flavorful dish. The maple syrup adds a touch of sweetness, while the soy sauce provides saltiness and depth. The result is a perfect balance of flavors.
3. Customizable to Your Taste
One of the great things about Beef Pepper Rice is how easily it can be customized. Want a spicier version? Add some sriracha to the sauce. Looking for a lighter version? You can swap out the beef for tofu or chicken. Whether you prefer it mild or spicy, Beef Pepper Rice can be adapted to suit your preferences.
4. Budget-Friendly
While many restaurant-quality dishes can be expensive, Beef Pepper Rice is a budget-friendly meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. With ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and a simple cut of beef, you can make a flavorful and satisfying meal for a fraction of the cost of dining out.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
1. Jasmine Rice
Jasmine rice is a staple for Beef Pepper Rice, thanks to its slightly sticky texture and fragrant aroma. If you don’t have jasmine rice, basmati rice or long-grain white rice can work as substitutes, but jasmine rice is ideal for this dish.
2. Shabu Shabu Beef
This thinly sliced beef is quick to cook and a key component of Beef Pepper Rice. If you can’t find shabu shabu beef, try using thinly sliced flank steak, sirloin, or even rib-eye. The key is to slice it thinly so that it cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce.
3. Maple Syrup or Honey
The sauce for Beef Pepper Rice relies on the natural sweetness of maple syrup, but honey is a good substitute. Both options bring a rich, deep sweetness to balance the salty soy sauce. Choose whichever you prefer or have on hand.
4. Mirin
Mirin is a Japanese sweet rice wine that adds both sweetness and a slight tanginess to the dish. If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute with a splash of rice vinegar and sugar to mimic the flavor.
How to Make Beef Pepper Rice (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Cook the Rice
Start by cooking 3 cups of jasmine rice, either using a rice cooker or on the stovetop. If you’re using a stovetop, remember to use a 1:1.5 rice-to-water ratio. The rice should be fluffy and warm when added to the skillet, so plan to cook it ahead of time.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the maple syrup (or honey), soy sauce, mirin, water, garlic powder, black pepper, and onion powder. This simple yet flavorful sauce is what makes Beef Pepper Rice so delicious. Set the sauce aside for later.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Warm a tablespoon of oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Add your sliced beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until it’s nearly browned. Shabu shabu beef cooks quickly, so be sure not to overcook it. Once it’s cooked, drain any excess liquid from the pan.
Step 4: Make Space for Rice
Push the beef to the side of the skillet, creating an open space in the center. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the empty spot and let it melt.
Step 5: Add Rice to the Skillet
Take your cooked jasmine rice and pack it into a small bowl. Invert the bowl and place the rice directly on the melted butter in the center of the skillet. Let the rice sit undisturbed for a minute to allow the bottom to crisp up.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Drizzle the prepared sauce over the beef and rice, then top with sweet corn. Let the mixture cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the rice crisps up nicely while the sauce soaks into the beef and rice.
Step 7: Add the Final Touches
To finish, add the remaining butter and sprinkle the sliced scallions over the top. The butter adds richness, while the scallions provide a fresh, crunchy contrast to the dish.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use a Cast-Iron Skillet: For that sizzling effect you love from Pepper Lunch, a cast-iron skillet works wonders. It retains heat well and creates that crispy rice bottom.
- Slice the Beef Thinly: Thinly sliced beef cooks quickly and evenly, which is key to achieving the perfect texture in Beef Pepper Rice.
- Let the Rice Crisp: Don’t rush the cooking process. Let the rice sit undisturbed in the skillet for a minute to form a crispy crust.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste your sauce before adding it to the pan. If you prefer more sweetness, add a touch more maple syrup or honey. If you prefer a saltier flavor, simply stir in a little extra soy sauce.
Variations and Customizations
- Spicy Version: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or chili paste to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the beef and use tofu or tempeh as a plant-based protein.
- Fried Egg: For extra richness, top your Beef Pepper Rice with a fried egg or poached egg.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Alternatively, you can freeze it for up to three months for later enjoyment.
- Reheating: Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat for best results, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Serving Suggestions
Beef Pepper Rice pairs wonderfully with a side of sautéed vegetables, miso soup, or a simple salad with sesame dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this recipe spicier?
A: Yes! You can add a bit of sriracha to the sauce for a spicier flavor.
Related Recipes
- Teriyaki Chicken Thighs
- Yaki Udon
- Soboro Don (Ground Chicken Bowl)
Beef Pepper Rice (Pepper Lunch Inspired)
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice warm
- 4 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 4 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper or more to taste
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 to 1½ lbs shabu shabu beef or sliced beef
- 1 tbsp oil
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter divided
- ¼ cup sweet corn canned
- ¼ cup scallions sliced
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: Cook jasmine rice using your preferred method (rice cooker, stovetop, etc.) so that it’s warm and ready to go.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, combine maple syrup (or honey), soy sauce, mirin, water, garlic powder, black pepper, and onion powder. Mix well and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and cook until it is 80-90% browned. Drain any excess liquid from the pan.
- Add Butter & Rice: Push the beef to one side of the skillet, creating space in the middle. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt. Once melted, tightly pack 3 cups of warm rice into a bowl and carefully invert it into the skillet, placing the rice over the melted butter.
- Combine and Cook: Drizzle the sauce over the beef and rice. Add the corn on top and let everything cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes. This will allow the rice to crisp up at the bottom while the sauce flavors infuse.
- Finish and Serve: Top the dish with the remaining butter and sliced scallions. Serve immediately, mixing the beef, rice, and corn together before eating.
Notes
- Use a cast-iron skillet to create that sizzling effect, like the one you’d get at Pepper Lunch.
- If slicing your own beef, freeze it for about an hour so it firms up, making it easier to slice thinly.
- You can substitute black pepper with white pepper for a smoother look without the specks.
- For an extra indulgence, top your Beef Pepper Rice with a fried egg.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Beef Pepper Rice (Pepper Lunch Inspired) is an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With minimal ingredients and just a few steps, you’ll have a sizzling, satisfying meal that rivals the restaurant version. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding the whole family, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Give it a try and experience the joy of homemade Beef Pepper Rice today!
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