1. Prepare the Crockpot Base
- Season the Beef: Start by seasoning your sliced flank steak with a pinch of salt and pepper. This step enhances the beef’s natural flavors.
- Layer the Vegetables: Place the sliced bell peppers, onion, and minced garlic at the bottom of the crockpot. These vegetables will create a flavorful base for your pepper steak.
- Add the Beef: Layer the seasoned beef slices over the vegetables. This will ensure the beef absorbs the flavors of the vegetables as it cooks.
- Mix the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Pour this mixture over the beef and vegetables in the crockpot.
- Cook the Beef: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The beef should be tender and the flavors well melded.
2. Thicken the Sauce
- Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: About 30 minutes before your crockpot dish is done, prepare a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth.
- Add to Crockpot: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot, and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the sauce. This step will give your pepper steak that rich, glossy texture.
3. Air Fry the Pepper Steak
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures an even cook and crispy texture.
- Prepare the Beef: Carefully remove the beef slices from the crockpot and place them in a bowl. Toss them lightly with vegetable oil to help with crisping in the air fryer.
- Air Fry: Arrange the beef slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You might need to do this in batches depending on your air fryer’s size. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The goal is to get the beef slightly crispy on the edges.
4. Serve Your Pepper Steak
- Combine: Once all the beef is air-fried, toss it back into the crockpot with the vegetables and sauce. Stir gently to coat the beef with the thickened sauce.
- Garnish: Serve the pepper steak over a bed of rice or noodles if desired. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an added touch of flavor and presentation.
Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Cut: Flank steak or sirloin are ideal for this recipe due to their tenderness and flavor. Avoid tougher cuts, as they might not become as tender in the slow cooker.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: For the best results, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If necessary, air fry in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker or spicier sauce, feel free to adjust the amount of cornstarch or add a splash of hot sauce to taste.
- Leftovers: This dish makes great leftovers! Store any remaining pepper steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
By following these steps, you’ll create a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines the best of slow-cooked comfort food with the crispy goodness of air frying. This exclusive recipe not only delivers on taste but also on convenience, making it a perfect addition to your cooking repertoire. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and tender textures, and keep your guests coming back for more with this delectable pepper steak!