Pepper Steak Jamaican Style
Jamaican Pepper Steak is a classic dish that brings together bold flavors, tender beef, and a medley of colorful bell peppers in a rich, savory sauce. This dish is a popular choice for Sunday dinners, special gatherings, or even a comforting weeknight meal. With the perfect balance of heat, spice, and umami, this recipe captures the essence of Jamaican cuisine.
Where did pepper steak originate?
Pepper steak originated in China it is a popular stir-fried Chinese American dish that has thinly sliced steak pieces that are stir-fried to a beautiful, juicy texture and cooked with a savory sauce along with red and green bell peppers. But Jerk Tavern puts a Jamaican spin on everything. And in Jamaica, we cook pepper steak with a jerk seasoning. When some of the Chinese migrated to Jamaica they brought many cuisines that we Jamaicans put our spin on.
Cooking Methods
Stovetop Method (Traditional & Best for Flavor)
- Cooking Jamaican Pepper Steak on the stovetop allows the flavors to develop slowly, creating a rich and deep taste. Simmering the beef ensures tenderness and full absorption of seasonings.
Slow Cooker Method
- If using a slow cooker, brown the beef first in a skillet before transferring it to the slow cooker. Add all the ingredients and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Instant Pot Method
- Use the sauté function to brown the beef, then add all ingredients except bell peppers and onions. Pressure cook on high for 20 minutes, then quick release. Add the bell peppers and onions, stir, and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Make Pepper Steak the Jamaican Way
- Rinse your Steak off in vinegar water.
- Season the Steak with the dry ingredients
- Let it sit and marinate overnight if possible but 30 mins should be fine.
When the oil is hot add all the Steak to the pot
Let the steak cook for 20 mins
Take out the steak and ad it to an empty bowl or plate
Then add Your sweet peppers cook for 5 mins then add back your steak to the pot and Stir
Add your ketchup simmer and cook
Jamaican Pepper Steak Variations
- With Coconut Milk – Add a splash of coconut milk for a creamy, rich sauce.
- With More Vegetables – Include carrots or mushrooms for added texture.
- Spicier Version – Double the Scotch bonnet or add extra pimento for a fiery kick.
- With Brown Sugar – A teaspoon of brown sugar balances the spice and enhances caramelization.
Tips for the Best Jamaican Pepper Steak
- Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh thyme, Scotch bonnet pepper, and pimento enhance the authentic Jamaican taste.
- Marinate Longer – The longer the beef marinates, the richer the flavor.
- Slice Beef Thinly – Thin slices cook faster and absorb more seasoning.
- Don’t Overcook Bell Peppers – Add them towards the end to keep them slightly crisp.
- Adjust Heat Level – Add or remove Scotch bonnet pepper based on your spice tolerance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Use a Different Cut of Beef?
Yes! Sirloin, flank steak, or round steak work best. Just ensure the meat is sliced thinly for quick cooking.
What Can I Serve with Jamaican Pepper Steak?
This dish pairs well with white rice, rice and peas, fried dumplings.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
How Can I Make It Less Spicy?
Omit the Scotch bonnet pepper or remove the seeds before adding it to the dish.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
Yes! Substitute the beef with tofu or mushrooms and use a vegetarian-friendly browning sauce.
Beef Recipes you WILL love
Wisdom
Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.”John 6:27 NKJV
We know you will enjoy cooking our Pepper Steak recipe it’s easy to follow and will have you with great-tasting food. Hope you are loving these recipes and we just love making them to make life a little easier for you. In these times cooking at home is essential, cooking with your family use it as a bonding family time. I heard a quote recently it is “Give your mornings to God, your evenings to men, and your afternoons to your family. So hope your recipes make it to your family afternoons.-Christ Bless You
Best Pepper Steak Ever
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of Pepper Steak
- 1 tbsp of Browning
- 1 tbsp Jerk Seasoning
- 2 tbsp of Honey
- 1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce or Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp of Ketchup
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp of Cayenne
- 1 tsp of Onion Powder
- 1 tsp of Complete Seasoning
- 1 tsp of Adobo
- 2 pinch of Garlic Salt
- 1 tsp of White Pepper optional
- 1 tsp of Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp of Pink Salt
- 1 tsp of Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 tsp of Green Seasoning recipe coming soon
- 1 stem of thyme
- 1/2 cup of Green Sweet Pepper
- 1/2 cup of Red Sweet Pepper
- 1/4 cup of Orange Sweet Pepper
- A Handful of Yellow Sweet Pepper
- 1/2 cup of Raw Onions
- 1 tsp of chopped Ginger
- 1 tbsp of chopped Garlic
- 1 tbsp of chopped Scotch Bonnet Pepper optional
Instructions
- Rinse your Steak off in vinegar water.
- Season the Steak with the dry ingredients
- Let it sit and marinate overnight if possible but 30 mins should be fine.
- After it’s marinated to your desired time and the oil to the pot.
- When the oil is hot add all the Steak to the pot
- Let the steak cook for 20 mins
- Take out the steak and ad it to an empty bowl or plate
- Then add Your sweet peppers, onions, ginger, garlic and scotch bonnet pepper and thyme to the pot with the gravy. Cook for 5 mins
- Add back your steak to the pot and Stir
- Add your ketchup
- Let it simmer for 5 mins
- And you are now ready to serve
If you ever decide to make this recipe make sure to tag us on one of our socials.
“Jerk Tavern is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com
Leave a Reply