The Best Caribbean Pepper Steak Recipe: A Taste of the Tropics

Today, we’re taking a culinary trip to the Caribbean with a recipe that’s bold, flavorful, and sure to elevate your lunch or dinner table—The Best Caribbean Pepper Steak Recipe.

This dish combines tender beef, colorful bell peppers, and a medley of island-inspired spices to create a meal that’s nothing short of sensational.

5.0 from 1 vote

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Let’s dive into the magic of this recipe and explore why it’s a must-try for every food lover.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavor Explosion: The marinade and sauce bring together soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a hint of heat for a dish bursting with flavor.

1. Perfect Balance: The sweetness of bell peppers complements the savory steak and the slight heat from Caribbean spices.
2. Quick to Make: With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a cook time of 15, this recipe is ideal for busy weekdays.
3. Versatile: Serve it with rice, quinoa, or even in a wrap for an exciting twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Marinade:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed for authentic flavor)
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (adjust to your heat preference)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 pound tender beef slices, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch combined with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry for thickening the sauce.
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges
• Sliced scotch bonnet pepper for added heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Steak

In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, allspice, cayenne pepper, garlic, and ginger. Add the sliced steak, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor.

2. Prepare the Vegetables

As the steak marinates, cut the bell peppers and onion into thin, even strips. Chop the green onions and set everything aside. This vibrant mix will add both flavor and color to your dish.

3. Sear the Steak

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

When the oil starts to shimmer, arrange the marinated steak in a single layer.Cook the steak for 2-3 minutes on each side until it develops a rich brown crust.

Once browned, take the steak out of the skillet and set it aside.

4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the sliced bell peppers and onions. Stir-fry for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet still slightly crisp. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

5. Combine Everything

Return the steak to the skillet. Add the beef broth to the skillet and let the mixture come to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, ensuring the sauce coats the steak and vegetables beautifully.

6. Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the dish with chopped cilantro and green onions. Serve immediately with steamed rice, quinoa, or your favorite side dish. Don’t forget a lime wedge for that extra zesty kick!

Tips for the Best Caribbean Pepper Steak

1. Slice the Steak Thinly

• Tenderness is Key: When preparing your steak for a pepper steak dish, slicing it thinly against the grain is essential for achieving a tender texture. The grain refers to the direction of the muscle fibers in the meat. By cutting against the grain, you break down the fibers, making each bite softer and easier to chew. Moreover, this method ensures the meat is more enjoyable and tender with every bite.
• Uniform Strips for Even Cooking: In addition to tenderness, thin slices also ensure the steak cooks quickly and evenly. Whether you’re using flank steak, sirloin, or another cut, aim for slices no thicker than 1/4 inch. This allows the marinade and seasonings to penetrate the meat fully, giving each piece incredible flavor. Furthermore, thin strips help the steak absorb the flavors of the marinade more efficiently, leading to a more flavorful dish overall.
• Ease of Eating: As a result, thinly sliced steak is easier for kids or anyone who prefers a softer bite, making this dish even more family-friendly. Therefore, slicing the meat properly not only improves the texture but also makes the dish more accessible for younger diners.

2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

• The Art of Searing: When cooking the steak, avoid overcrowding the pan. If the pan is too full, the beef will steam rather than sear, preventing that beautiful caramelized crust that adds flavor. This is important because the high heat is essential for developing this golden, flavorful crust that seals in the juices, enhancing the overall taste and texture of the steak.
• Sear in Batches: To achieve the best results, if you have a large amount of beef to cook, consider searing it in batches. This way, you ensure that each slice of steak gets the right amount of contact with the pan and cooks evenly. Once you’ve seared one batch, set the beef aside and repeat until all of the steak is seared to perfection. This technique ensures that the meat doesn’t release too much moisture at once, keeping it juicy.
• Choosing the Right Pan: Additionally, a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan works best for searing. It can hold and maintain the high heat necessary to properly sear the steak. Remember, make sure the pan is preheated before adding the meat for the best results, as this helps the steak develop the desired crust more efficiently.

3. Adjust the Heat

• Customizing the Spice Level: Caribbean Pepper Steak is known for its bold heat, but the spiciness can be easily adjusted based on personal preference. In particular, the most common fiery ingredient in this dish is the Scotch bonnet pepper, which gives the steak its signature tropical heat. If you enjoy spicy food, leave the Scotch bonnet pepper in the dish for that signature kick.
• Balancing with Cayenne Pepper: On the other hand, if you’re not a fan of extremely spicy dishes but still want a bit of heat, you can control the spice level by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper in the recipe. Start with a small amount, taste, and gradually add more if desired. Cayenne offers a sharp heat without the intense punch of the Scotch bonnet pepper, making it a good option for those who prefer a milder flavor.
• Milder Options for Kids: For families with children or anyone who prefers a milder dish, you can omit the Scotch bonnet entirely or replace it with a bell pepper for a slight sweetness without the heat. This way, you can still enjoy the rich flavors of the dish while keeping it family-friendly.

4. Use Fresh Lime

• Bright, Zesty Flavor: The fresh lime juice is a vital ingredient in Caribbean Pepper Steak, adding a burst of brightness that balances the richness of the beef and the heat from the peppers. Fresh lime juice has a tangy, aromatic quality that bottled lime juice simply can’t replicate. Consequently, it enhances the overall freshness of the dish and adds a signature tropical flair.
• Marinate with Lime: Adding lime juice to the marinade helps tenderize the beef, while its acidity cuts through the richness of the steak. In addition, it’s also essential for accentuating the flavors of the bell peppers and onions. Make sure to squeeze fresh lime juice right before cooking, and for an extra layer of flavor, garnish the dish with lime wedges just before serving.
• Health Benefits: Fresh lime is not only delicious but also packed with vitamin C, which helps support the immune system. Therefore, when you add lime juice to this dish, you’re boosting both flavor and nutritional value in a delicious way.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 900mg

Why This Recipe is Perfect for Lunch

This Caribbean Pepper Steak is not only flavorful but also highly nutritious, making it a fantastic choice for lunch. Pair it with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables, and you’ve got a well-balanced meal that’s satisfying and energizing.

FAQ

The Best Caribbean Pepper Steak Recipe: A Taste of the Tropics

Recipe by EasyKidBox

Course: Lunch

5.0 from 1 vote

Print

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

350

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Steak:

• 1 ½ lbs sirloin steak, thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tbsp lime juice

• 1 tbsp cornstarch

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• For the Sauce:

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or coconut oil)

• 1 onion, sliced

• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 scotch bonnet pepper (or ½ tsp red pepper flakes)

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 green bell pepper, sliced

• ½ cup beef broth

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tbsp brown sugar

• 1 tsp allspice

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)

• 1 tsp thyme (fresh or dried)

• For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or green onions

• Lime wedges

Directions

• Marinate the Steak:
• In a bowl, mix soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
• Add the steak slices, coat well, and let it marinate for 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour for more flavor).
• Cook the Steak:
• Heat 1 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.
• Sauté the Aromatics:
• In the same pan, add 1 tbsp oil, then sauté onion, garlic, and ginger for 2 minutes.
• Add scotch bonnet pepper and stir well.
• Make the Sauce:
• Add bell peppers and cook for 2 minutes.
• Stir in tomato paste, brown sugar, allspice, beef broth, oyster sauce, and thyme.
• Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
• Combine & Serve:
• Return the cooked steak to the pan and toss well.
• Let it cook for 2-3 more minutes to blend flavors.
• Garnish & Enjoy!
• Sprinkle with parsley or green onions.
• Serve with rice, fried plantains, or Caribbean-style rice and peas.

With its bold flavors, quick preparation, and visually stunning presentation, this Caribbean Pepper Steak recipe is bound to become a favorite in your household.

Looking for more exciting lunch recipes? Check out our Lunch Category for a variety of delicious, kid-approved meals that make mealtime stress-free and enjoyable.

And explore my Pinterest page for additional recipes and inspiration.

Until next time, stay flavorful and adventurous in the kitchen.