Pepper steak made healthy! This easy slow cooker version of a Chinese-American classic is both paleo and whole30 yet still packed with flavor.
I love Chinese food but I rarely eat it when I go out because of the MSG. Even though a restaurant claims to be MSG free how do I know if that’s really true or not? Rather than chance it, I like to recreate my own version. Which is what I did here. That way I know exactly what I’m eating.
No sugar!! Most pepper steak recipes include sugar and high amounts of sodium. This one does not. It’s both paleo and whole30, For the whole30 version, simply omit the honey. Most times I make the whole30 version and I don’t miss it.
I use ‘slurry’ thickener which in this case is arrowroot powder mixed with water. There are tons of different rations out there when it comes to slurries. This is what seems to work for me: 4 tsp arrowroot powder mix with 2 tbsp cold water.
PrintSlow Cooker Pepper Steak (Whole30, Paleo)
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeIngredients
- 2 lbs beef, sliced into strips
- 3 bell peppers, sliced
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 1 tbsp oil (for pressure cooker)
Sauce:
- 1/4 cup coconut aminos for slow cooker and 1/2 cup coconut aminos for pressure cooker
- 1/4 cup beef broth for slow cooker and 1/2 cup beef broth for pressure cooker
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Optional Thickener: 4 tsp arrowroot flour + 2 tbsp water
Instructions
Slow Cooker
- Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper and steak to the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl, mix together sauce ingredients. Pour sauce into the slow cooker & stir to mix well.
- Cook HIGH 2-3 or LOW 4-6.
Instant Pot
- Turn on the IP and select Sauté. Once hot add oil and beef to the pot. Cook 3-5 minutes or until beef is browned. Remove beef from the pressure cooker.
- Add the onions bell peppers and cook 5-7 minutes or until vegetables are soft.
- Add beef broth and coconut aminos and deglaze the bottom by of the pressure cooker by scraping all the bits off off with a wooden spoon.
- Add the remaining sauce ingredients. Stir to mix well.
- Close lid and seal valve. Set manual, high pressure to 10 minutes. Quick release the pressure.
Optional step: After the pepper steak has finished cooking in the slow cooker or pressure cooker, mix together arrowroot powder & water. Pour into slow cooker or pressure cooker and stir. Turn off appliance. Allow 5-10 for the sauce to thickened to your liking.
Since the beef is cut into strips, it will cook faster than say a roast would. I served this over cauliflower rice but it’s also good over brown rice or even mashed potatoes or mashed cauliflower.
Hello! When do you add the arrowroot mixture? Same time as the sauce (before cooking) or do you add it after, before serving? TY!
It’s added at the end of cook time. I updated the recipe so that’s clear. Enjoy!
This looks fantastic even though I don’t eat steak let alone meat. I know that MSG is bad but I realized that I don’t know why, I have a ways to go when it comes to healthier food choices.
Looks delicious! Always looking for paleo recipes to try!
I do love a good crock pot recipe. It makes life so much easier when you can start the crock pot in the morning and come to a ready-cooked meal at night. Glad to know this is also a healthy recipe!
Thanks for a great recipe! Another one for my collection!
That looks like the perfect dish for fall and winter. I love how easy the recipe is and that you only need a few ingredients!
This sounds and looks delicious! I can’t believe I still don’t own a slow cooker, but I guess I will have to buy one ASAP 🙂
OMG that looks so freaking good! I’m gonna have to make that this week!
This is perfect for upcoming cold weather we are about to get . Definitely saving this recipe.
Great recipe! This is perfect for this fall weather 🙂
Wow- Ive never seen a really “low sodium” Chinese beef sauce, and like you, I rarely eat Chinese food bc of all that sodium. Cant wait to try this out!
The slow cooker makes everything so easy! And your recipe looks like something I would enjoy. Thanks for sharing! xo~D
My slow cooker is ready to come out and start making all the soups and stews for Fall!! Thanks for the reminder…it’s time. 😉