Teriyaki Beef Stir Fry with 2 kinds of Peppers

Teriyaki is actually a cooking technique (which the Brainy Gourmet loves as its fast and frugal) originating in Japan and continues to be used in Japanese cuisine. Here in the US, where fast is important, stir fry means dinner in a pinch. Americans tend to mean that any dish made with a teriyaki-like sauce can be described as 'Teriyaki'. And, that's ok. After all, its all about the sauce.

The sauce used for Teriyaki is generally sweet, although it can also be spicy.  Pineapple juice is sometimes used, as it not only provides sweetness but also acts as a meat tenderizer. Grilling meat first and pouring the sauce on afterwards or using sweet sauce as a marinade are other non-traditional methods of cooking teriyaki.

For this brainy teriyaki dish you will need: cubed beef stew meat or a lean sirloin or round steak cubed along with two kinds of peppers: red and green, and one whole onion. For the side or 'bed' rice or linguine noodles work as good as any rice noodle of the same length and width. Also, take a look in the pantry or fridge to make sure you have teriyaki sauce and low sodium soy sauce.

To begin, chop your peppers and onion and saute on med. heat in 3 tbs of coconut oil and 3 tbs of olive oil. Add seasonings: red pepper flakes, garlic powder, salt (to your taste/dietary limit) and dried herbs: mint, oregano and coriander.

As the peppers and onion finish off, push aside (in the same skillet) and add your beef. Brown on high heat. Once you see the juices begin to flow from the meat, mix in with the peppers/onion and keep stir frying, pour on 3 tbs of teriyaki sauce, continuing stirring uncovered to reduce liquid.

As you prepare to cook the side, rice or noodles, turn the heat to low on the stir fry and pour an extra tbs of teriyaki sauce over the top, cover to keep warm.

As the water begins to boil, toss in your rice/noodles. This evening I used linguine. When the noodles are tender, drain and ladle onto a low lipped serving plate, top with the beef stir fry. Put the soy sauce out...!


~ Tutti a Tavola!