Charred Beef & Pepper Skillet with Crispy Garlic
Ingredients
- 1¼ poundground beef
- 3 wholebell peppers (mixed colors)
- 5 clovesgarlic
- 1 wholeonion
- 1 teaspoonsmoked paprika
- ½ teaspooncayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoonsoy sauce
- 1 tablespoonrice vinegar
- 2 tablespoonolive oil
- ·salt
- ·black pepper
Prep
- 01
Dice 3 bell peppers into roughly 1-inch chunks.
- 02
Dice 1 onion into roughly 1-inch chunks.
- 03
Mince 5 garlic cloves.
Method
- 01
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until deeply browned and some bits are charred, about 6–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. Season with salt and black pepper, then push the beef to the side of the skillet.
- 02
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the cleared space. Add the diced peppers and onion, spread in a single layer, and let them char without stirring for 3–4 minutes. Then toss and cook for another 3–4 minutes until soft and caramelized at the edges.
- 03
Scatter the minced garlic over the vegetables, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the smoked paprika and cayenne pepper, stir to coat everything, and cook for 1 minute.
- 04
Stir in the soy sauce and rice vinegar. Toss everything together for 1–2 minutes until the liquid reduces and the skillet smells deep and complex. Taste and adjust salt and heat to your preference.
- 05
Serve over rice, noodles, or with warm tortillas. Top with fresh cilantro or scallions if you have them.
Spice Tips
For gentler heat, reduce cayenne to 1/4 teaspoon or omit entirely—the smoked paprika alone gives great flavor. For serious fire, add 1/4 teaspoon more cayenne or a pinch of red pepper flakes at the end. If you like a touch of umami sweetness, stir in 1 teaspoon honey or a splash of fish sauce.