Pan Seared Pepper Steak With Smoky Chipotle Miso Glaze

Looking for a steak recipe that goes beyond the ordinary? This Pan Seared Pepper Steak with Smoky Chipotle Miso Glaze is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. We’re taking tender sirloin steak and elevating it with a deeply flavorful, slightly sweet, and smoky glaze that’s unbelievably easy to make. The combination of miso, chipotle, and honey creates a complex umami bomb that will leave you wanting more. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion – it’s sure to impress! Get ready to experience steak night like never before.

What You’ll Need

• 500 g (1.1 lb) Beef Sirloin Steak: We recommend sirloin for its balance of flavor and tenderness. Look for steaks that are about 1 inch thick for optimal searing and even cooking. You can also use ribeye or New York strip if you prefer a richer, more marbled cut.
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) Vegetable Oil: A neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point is essential for searing the steak. Vegetable, canola, or grapeseed oil all work well. Avoid olive oil, as it has a lower smoke point and can burn.
• 5 g (1 tsp) Kosher Salt: Kosher salt is preferred for seasoning steak because its larger crystals adhere better to the meat and provide a more even distribution of flavor.
• 5 g (1 tsp) Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper offers a more robust and aromatic flavor than pre-ground pepper.
• 5 g (1 tsp) Ground White Pepper: White pepper adds a subtle heat and complexity to the steak’s seasoning. It has a different flavor profile than black pepper, being more earthy and less fruity.
• 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Freshly minced garlic provides a pungent and aromatic base for the glaze.
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) Halal-Certified Soy Sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty, umami-rich depth to the glaze. Using halal-certified ensures it meets specific dietary requirements.
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) White Miso Paste: White miso (shiro miso) is a fermented soybean paste that provides a delicate sweetness and umami flavor. It’s milder than red miso and blends beautifully into the glaze.
• 5 ml (1 tsp) Chipotle Paste (or 1 Chipotle in Adobo, Minced): Chipotle paste delivers a smoky heat that complements the miso and honey. If using a chipotle in adobo, be sure to mince it finely and use a little of the adobo sauce for extra flavor.
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) Honey: Honey balances the saltiness of the soy sauce and miso, adding a touch of sweetness and helping the glaze caramelize.
• 5 ml (1 tsp) Rice Vinegar: Rice vinegar provides a subtle acidity that brightens the glaze and cuts through the richness of the steak.
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) Water: Water helps to thin the glaze to the desired consistency.
• 5 g (1 tsp) Toasted Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and a delightful crunch as a garnish.
• 1 Green Onion, Thinly Sliced: Thinly sliced green onion provides a fresh, vibrant garnish that adds a pop of color and mild onion flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have everything on hand? Here are a few simple substitutions you can make:

• Sirloin Steak: Ribeye or New York strip steak can be used instead.
• White Miso Paste: Red miso paste can be used, but it will result in a stronger, more assertive flavor. Use slightly less (about 1 tbsp).
• Chipotle Paste: If you don’t have chipotle paste, you can use 1/2 – 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, but it won’t have the same heat.
• Rice Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used as a substitute.

Detailed Instructions for Perfect Pan-Seared Pepper Steak

1. Prepare the Steak: Begin by patting the sirloin steaks completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear. Moisture is the enemy of a beautiful crust! Season generously on both sides with kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and ground white pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it’s what brings out the flavor. Allow the seasoned steaks to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes. This allows the meat to relax and cook more evenly.
2. Sear the Steaks: Heat the vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. The skillet needs to be *hot* – you want the oil to shimmer, almost smoking. Carefully add the steaks to the hot skillet, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. Sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side. Resist the urge to move them! This allows a deep brown crust to form, which is essential for flavor and texture.
3. Oven Roast to Desired Doneness: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). After searing, transfer the entire skillet (cast iron is oven-safe!) to the preheated oven. Roast for 6-8 minutes for medium-rare. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy – 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare, 135-140°F (57-60°C) for medium. Adjust the roasting time based on your preferred level of doneness.
4. Prepare the Smoky Chipotle-Miso Glaze: While the steaks are roasting, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the minced garlic, halal-certified soy sauce, white miso paste, chipotle paste (or minced chipotle in adobo), honey, rice vinegar, and water. Whisk well to combine.
5. Simmer and Thicken the Glaze: Place the saucepan over low heat and simmer, stirring constantly, for about 3-4 minutes. The glaze should thicken slightly – it will coat the back of a spoon. Be careful not to burn the glaze; low and slow is key.
6. Glaze and Caramelize: Remove the skillet from the oven. Brush half of the warm chipotle-miso glaze evenly over the seared steaks. Return the skillet to the oven for an additional 2 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize and become sticky.
7. Rest and Slice: Remove the skillet from the oven. Transfer the steaks to a cutting board and let them rest for 3-4 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Slice the steak against the grain into 1-inch strips.
8. Plate and Garnish: Arrange the sliced steak on a dark slate or matte plate. Drizzle the remaining chipotle-miso glaze over the slices in a thin, zig-zag pattern. Finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and the thinly sliced green onion for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Choosing the Right Cut of Steak

While sirloin is excellent for this recipe, you can also experiment with other cuts like ribeye or New York strip. Ribeye will offer more marbling and a richer flavor, while New York strip provides a firmer texture. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the thickness of the cut.

The Magic of Miso in Glazes

Miso paste isn’t just a staple in Japanese cuisine; it’s a flavor bomb that adds incredible umami and depth to glazes. The fermentation process creates complex flavors that caramelize beautifully when heated, complementing the smoky chipotle and sweet honey perfectly. Using white miso provides a milder, sweeter flavor profile that balances the heat of the chipotle.

Understanding Chipotle’s Heat

Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce bring a smoky heat that’s distinct and delicious. The heat level can vary, so start with a smaller amount of chipotle paste if you’re sensitive to spice. You can always add more, but you can’t easily take it away! If using a whole chipotle pepper, remove the seeds for a milder flavor.

Side Dish Pairings for Pepper Steak

This Pan Seared Pepper Steak pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with fluffy white rice to soak up the flavorful glaze, stir-fried vegetables for a healthy crunch, or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting meal. A simple Asian-inspired slaw also provides a refreshing contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, you can use other high-smoke-point oils like avocado oil or grapeseed oil. Avoid olive oil, as it has a lower smoke point and may burn.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! The glaze can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before using.

What if I don’t have a cast-iron skillet?

While cast iron is ideal for searing, you can use a heavy-bottomed stainless steel skillet. Just ensure it’s well-heated before adding the steak.

Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying Pan Seared Pepper Steak with Smoky Chipotle Miso Glaze! Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later inspiration!

Print