Tuesday, December 6, 2011

13-Minute Pepper Steak


I didn’t start out to set a record.  It was just that it was late, we had been out all day and we were hungry.  This is the time of year when the luxury of a leisurely cooked meal just isn’t always possible.  You need something and you need it now.  And we were both tired of frittatas.

I know some people can call for take out.  But we live too deep in the boonies for that to happen.  (The closest we’ve heard that a pizza shop will deliver is to rendezvous at a general store six miles away!)  And some people may plan better.  But at least we were well stocked and on our way home, I got my game plan together, slipped my shoes off when we got in the door, threw my coat on a chair and had dinner ready in 13 minutes! 

And it was fresh food!  The ramen noodles were the only real shortcut.  But boy, are they fast to get ready! 

This wasn’t exactly an authentic stir fry wokked by a master but it was good and fast and pretty and cheap and fresh.  The key was cutting everything thin and cooking over pretty high heat fast.  Good enough for a repeat.

The thyme in the picture?  Just for show.  (And I hung up my coat after dinner.)


13 Minute Pepper Steak
1 pound thinly cut round steak
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 green pepper, thinly sliced
1 red pepper, thinly sliced
1 yellow pepper, thinly sliced
1 onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
Two packages ramen noodle, sans seasoning packet

Start a pot of water to get boiling for the noodles while you make the beef.  Lightly salt and pepper the beef.  Cut the beef into thin strips, about ¼ inch wide and 2 inches long.  Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet.  With heat on medium high, add beef and cook quickly stirring the beef constantly until beef is lightly browned.  Remove from pan.  Add the second tablespoon of oil.  Add the sliced peppers and onions and cook until softened.  Turn down heat and return beef to the pan.  In a cup, put the hoisin sauce and add enough water (about 1 tablespoon) to thin to the consistency you want and add to the beef, peppers and onions.  Put a lid on the pan and keep warm while you make the noodles. 

21 comments:

  1. Fast and delicious? What more could one ask? We live in the city but never order takeout. On rare occasions, we will pick up something but prefer "fast food" from our own larder.

    Best,
    Bonnie

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  2. You have hit the high marks on this one-a quick, delicious and well rounded meal. Definitely a great go to recipe for busy days-thanks for sharing!

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  3. Speed demon! That looks too good to have only taken 13 minutes :) It proly would have taken me 13 minutes just to chop up the veg! Lovely recipe darling, and I love that you used Ramen!!!

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  4. Man we have like 85 restarants withing walking distance...which is bad for the hips! This looks quite tasty.

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  5. Very nice. You know, even though we live close to take out, we never, ever pick up anything. It always tastes best at home, even if it is a quick omelet. By the way, the thyme looks beautiful. My very favorite herb, I am beginning to think. Susan

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  6. Good for you for making a homemade meal even though you were rushed. I just love peppers. How nice that you had all colors to add to the steak.

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  7. I relate, I relate, I relate. Between not loving mornings (last post) and rush, rush, rush - it is a testament to you that you did get a good meal on the table and it is possible to not resort to ramen noodles! And saving this... cause I get a wee bit rushed...

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  8. Gosh, what a great idea!!! I actually love ramen noodles...and they seem much more adult as the base for a delicious stir fry. You go, girl!

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  9. Wonderful idea. Always looking for quick dinner ideas! Thanks for sharing.

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  10. Thank you Rosemary for sharing your delicious and quick recipe! Love the presentation and the beautiful colors.
    Cheers:)
    Judit & Corina

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  11. Love the colors of all the peppers, they always make whatever your cooking look all the more gorgeous. Eating for the eye is alot of times as important as for the stomach.

    13-minutes is my kind of meal!

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  12. Now that is a record and it looks delicious, Rosemary. You may have been short on time but you are long in flavor. You obviously know your way around the kitchen. I hope you had a great day. Blessings...Mary

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  13. I love quick meals like this....I didn't realize you were so far out! We have probably 50 chain restaurants in a 5 mile radius!

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  14. the smell of pepper gives a lot of appetizing effect in any types of recipe, and I do really like it. I would love to try it.

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  15. One of our favourite meals; your photo looks picture perfect. I almost that the goodness.
    Rita

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  16. This is a blast from my past. My mother made it all the time - and I did in the earlier days of raising kids - and then - forgot about it. I am desperately searching for easy meals for the week - and here you are - providing me with one. Thank-you.

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  17. Thanks for visiting my blog. I cannot wait to continue sharing recipes. If the rest or more like this one I know I will be getting some great finds.

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  18. Dropping by the wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas Rosemary.
    Sam

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  19. I think you made a delicious meal. It really takes little time to make something fresh and homemade. And it not only tastes better, it costs less and is usually healthier as well.

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  20. This time of year who doesn't need a 13 minute meal! Hoping you had a wonderful holiday!!

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  21. What a lovely dish...love how you've used the Ramen noodles here!

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