Ever crave a vibrant dish that packs a punch of flavors and is quicker to whip up than choosing a Netflix show? Let me introduce you to my sweet and sour green peppers recipe—a colorful stir-fry that’s as satisfying to eat as it is to make!
I love making lively, tasty dishes, and my Sweet and Sour Green Pepper recipe is a favorite. It combines crisp green bell peppers and onions with savory garlic, tangy rice vinegar, and just a touch of sweetness from sugar and ketchup.
But what really sets this dish apart is the delightful balance of taste and nutrition.
Sweet And Sour Green Pepper Recipe Ingredients
- Green Bell Peppers: High in vitamins A and C, low in calories.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and health benefits like fiber and antioxidants.
- Garlic: Provides anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.
- Soy Sauce: Adds umami flavor and sodium content; use in moderation.
- Rice Vinegar: Provides a tangy sourness with low calorie content.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness, balancing the vinegar for classic sweet and sour.
- Ketchup: Provides tomatoes’ sweetness and a touch of acidity.
- Corn Starch: Thickens the sauce without altering the flavor.
Sweet And Sour Green Pepper Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 2 medium green bell peppers, cut into strips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon corn starch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
How to Make this Sweet And Sour Green Pepper Recipe
1. In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, sliced, and stir-fry it for about 2-3 minutes until it is softened.
3. Stir-fry for another 1 minute until fragrant, adding the garlic that has been minced.
4. Add the green bell peppers to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to become tender but still crisp.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and ketchup. Combine well to create a sauce.
6. Pour the mixture of sauce over the pan’s vegetables, stirring so as to coat the long slices of onion and the pepper in sauce.
7. Allow the flavors to meld together by letting the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes.
8. Mix the corn starch and water together. Then pour it into the pan while stirring continuously. The sauce will thicken up as you keep stirring.
9. Add an adequate amount of salt and black pepper, so that the vegetables are beautifully coated and sufficiently seasoned in the sweet and sour sauce.
10. Serve the hot sweet-and-sour green peppers either as a side dish or on a bed of steamed rice.
Sweet And Sour Green Pepper Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Large pan
2. Cooking spoon or spatula
3. Cutting board
4. Knife
5. Small bowl
6. Measuring spoons
7. Mixing spoon or whisk
8. Serving dish or plate
FAQ
- What can I use instead of green bell peppers?Try substituting green bell peppers with red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for a slightly sweeter flavor. Your dish may be better for it.
- Is there a substitute for rice vinegar?A replacement can be made using white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
- Can I make this recipe spicier?Certainly, you can add red pepper flakes or a sliced chili to make it even hotter.
- How can I make this dish gluten-free?To prepare the recipe in a gluten-free manner, utilize tamari or a soy sauce that is also free of gluten.
- How long will leftovers last?Keep in an air-tight container in the fridge for no more than 3 days.
- Can I add protein to this dish?Certainly! Cooked chicken, pork, or tofu can be added for an extra protein boost. And consider these smart ideas:
1. Toss in shredded rotisserie chicken.
2. Stir up some pork chorizo.
3. Mix in silken tofu. - What can be served with this dish?This meal complements well with steamed rice or noodles, turning it into a complete dish.
Sweet And Sour Green Pepper Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Olive oil or avocado oil can be used in place of vegetable oil. When substituting, use the same amount of oil as called for in the recipe.
One leek or two to three shallots can replace one small onion for a milder flavor.
You can substitute 2 cloves of garlic with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
Soy sauce can be substituted with:
• cup tamari (for a gluten-free option)
• liquid aminos
You can substitute apple cider vinegar or white vinegar for 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar.
Pro Tips
1. Pre-cook the Peppers: If you prefer softer bell peppers, try blanching them for 1-2 minutes in boiling water before adding them to the pan. This helps them cook more quickly and evenly.
2. Enhance Flavor: Consider adding a splash of sesame oil right before serving for an added depth of flavor and aroma. Sesame oil pairs well with the sweet and sour profile.
3. Balance Sweet and Sour: Taste the sauce before adding it to the vegetables. Adjust the sweetness or tanginess as needed by tweaking the sugar and vinegar ratios to suit your preference.
4. Consistent Slicing: To ensure even cooking, slice all the vegetables to a uniform thickness. This will help them cook at the same rate and provide a better texture.
5. Add a Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for an extra layer of spice.
Sweet And Sour Green Pepper Recipe
My favorite Sweet And Sour Green Pepper Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large pan
2. Cooking spoon or spatula
3. Cutting board
4. Knife
5. Small bowl
6. Measuring spoons
7. Mixing spoon or whisk
8. Serving dish or plate
Ingredients:
- 2 medium green bell peppers, cut into strips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon corn starch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, sliced, and stir-fry it for about 2-3 minutes until it is softened.
3. Stir-fry for another 1 minute until fragrant, adding the garlic that has been minced.
4. Add the green bell peppers to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes until they start to become tender but still crisp.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and ketchup. Combine well to create a sauce.
6. Pour the mixture of sauce over the pan’s vegetables, stirring so as to coat the long slices of onion and the pepper in sauce.
7. Allow the flavors to meld together by letting the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes.
8. Mix the corn starch and water together. Then pour it into the pan while stirring continuously. The sauce will thicken up as you keep stirring.
9. Add an adequate amount of salt and black pepper, so that the vegetables are beautifully coated and sufficiently seasoned in the sweet and sour sauce.
10. Serve the hot sweet-and-sour green peppers either as a side dish or on a bed of steamed rice.
