Beef with beans and sweet peppers in spicy sauce

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak (cut into thin strips)
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion (chopped)
  • 2 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1 red bell pepper (sliced)
  • 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced)
  • 1 cup green beans (trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans or kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup hoisin sauce
  • 2 tbsp sriracha or chili paste (adjust to taste for heat)
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar or white vinegar
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1/4 cup water or beef broth
  • Fresh cilantro or green onions (chopped, for garnish)
  • Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Beef:

  • Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  • Add the beef strips and season with a bit of salt and pepper.
  • Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

2. Sauté Vegetables:

  • In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed.
  • Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

3. Add Peppers and Beans:

  • Stir in the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and green beans.
  • Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften but are still crisp.

4. Prepare the Spicy Sauce:

  • In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sriracha or chili paste, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ground cumin, ground coriander, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and water or beef broth.

5. Combine and Simmer:

  • Return the cooked beef to the skillet.
  • Pour the spicy sauce over the beef and vegetables.
  • Stir to coat everything evenly and bring to a simmer.
  • Cook for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

6. Add Beans:

  • Stir in the drained beans and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until heated through.

7. Serve:

  • Serve the beef with beans and sweet peppers over cooked rice or noodles.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions if desired.

Enjoy this spicy, savory, and satisfying dish of beef with beans and sweet peppers!