Vegan Pepper Steak

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Get ready to whip up a delicious and saucy Vegan Pepper Steak that comes together in under 20 minutes! This dish is perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, featuring tender soy curls (or your favorite vegan meat substitute), crisp bell peppers, and a mouthwatering umami sauce with just a hint of sweetness. It’s comfort food that’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor!

Ingredients

  • Soy Curls: 8 ounces (about 4 cups) Butler soy curls
  • Broth: 3 cups vegan beef broth or vegetable broth with a splash of soy sauce
  • Vegetables:
    • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
    • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
    • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
    • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • Aromatics:
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
  • Sauce:
    • 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari
    • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
    • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar
    • 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • Optional Garnishes:
    • Sliced green onions
    • Sesame seeds
    • Red pepper flakes

Directions

Step 1: Rehydrate the Soy Curls
Start by placing the soy curls in a bowl and covering them with hot broth. Let them soak for about 10 minutes, then drain and gently squeeze out any excess liquid.

Step 2: Cook the Soy Curls
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the rehydrated soy curls. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they start to brown and get a little crispy.

Step 3: Add the Aromatics
Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant and delightful.

Step 4: Toss in the Vegetables
Add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes until they’re tender-crisp and vibrant.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and maple syrup. Pour this flavorful mixture over the veggies and soy curls, stirring to combine everything beautifully.

Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then add it to the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 7: Serve It Up
Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Serve hot over rice or noodles for a complete meal!

Nutrition Facts

  • Serving Size: 71g
  • Calories: 170 kcal
  • Total Fat: 8g (10%)
  • Saturated Fat: 2g (10%)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 10g (4%)
  • Net Carbs: 8g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g (7%)
  • Total Sugars: 3g
  • Protein: 13g (26%)
  • Sodium: 400mg (17%)
  • Vitamin C: 2mg (3%)
  • Calcium: 20mg (2%)
  • Iron: 1.4mg (8%)

Health Benefits of Vegan Pepper Steak

This Vegan Pepper Steak isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with health benefits! Being plant-based means it’s free from cholesterol and lower in saturated fats compared to traditional meat dishes. The soy curls provide a substantial protein boost while keeping the dish light and easy to digest. Plus, those vibrant bell peppers are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, especially vitamin C, which helps boost immunity and keeps your skin glowing. The fiber in this dish supports digestion and gut health, making it a nutritious alternative to classic pepper steak without sacrificing taste.

Why Choose Vegan Pepper Steak?

This recipe is perfect for anyone transitioning to a plant-based diet or looking for a meat-free alternative to a classic dish. It delivers the same bold flavors and satisfying texture as traditional pepper steak, but without any animal products. The umami-rich sauce paired with the tender soy curls creates a mouthwatering experience that even meat-lovers will enjoy. Plus, it’s highly customizable! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari if you’re avoiding gluten, or opt for a low-sodium version if you’re watching your salt intake. Serve it over rice, quinoa, or noodles—whatever you prefer!

Perfect for Meal Prep

One of the best things about this dish? It’s fantastic for meal prep! It stores well in the fridge for several days, making it an excellent choice for those who like to prepare meals in advance. The flavors actually deepen after sitting for a day, allowing the ingredients to soak up all that delicious sauce. To store your Vegan Pepper Steak, simply place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between. If the sauce thickens too much, just add a splash of water or broth to bring it back to life.

Pairing Suggestions

Vegan Pepper Steak pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. The classic choice is steamed rice, which soaks up that flavorful sauce perfectly. For a lower-carb option, try it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, mashed potatoes or quinoa work wonderfully. Add a side of steamed or stir-fried veggies like broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas to enhance the nutritional value and create a well-rounded meal. For a bit of crunch, top it off with sesame seeds or crushed peanuts!

A Budget-Friendly Meal

Another reason to love Vegan Pepper Steak? It’s budget-friendly! Many plant-based protein sources, like soy curls, tofu, or tempeh, are much cheaper than meat. Bell peppers, onions, and basic sauce ingredients like soy sauce and vinegar are also easy on the wallet and available at most grocery stores. By making this dish at home, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank.

Environmental Impact of a Plant-Based Diet

Choosing plant-based meals like Vegan Pepper Steak is a great way to positively impact the environment. Producing plant-based proteins requires significantly fewer resources, such as water and land, compared to animal agriculture. Plus, plant-based diets help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, making them a more sustainable choice. By incorporating more plant-based meals into your routine, you’re consciously lowering your carbon footprint while improving your health. Whether you’re fully vegan or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this recipe is a fantastic step toward a more sustainable lifestyle.

Tips for Making the Best Vegan Pepper Steak

  • Use High-Quality Soy Curls: Make sure your soy curls are properly rehydrated and drained for the best texture. Lightly sautéing them can enhance their chewiness before adding them to the dish.
  • Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: The sauce is key, so feel free to tweak the ingredients. Want it sweeter? Add more maple syrup or hoisin sauce. Prefer it spicier? Toss in some red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
  • Don’t Overcook the Peppers: To keep them crisp and colorful, cook the bell peppers just until they’re tender-crisp. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture.
  • Experiment with Different Proteins: While soy curls are fantastic, feel free to swap in tofu, tempeh, seitan, or even mushrooms for a fun variation.
  • Let the Flavors Marinate: If you have a few extra minutes, let the dish sit after cooking to allow the flavors to meld together. It makes everything taste even better!

Conclusion

Vegan Pepper Steak is a flavorful, satisfying, and nutritious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re in need of a quick weeknight dinner, a meal prep option, or a healthier alternative to traditional pepper steak, this recipe has you covered. With its bold flavors, wholesome ingredients, and easy preparation, it’s no wonder this dish has become a favorite among plant-based eaters and beyond. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a delicious meal that’s sure to impress! 🌱✨

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