Japanese Stuffed Bell Peppers

Ingredients

• 4 large bell peppers 4 large bell peppers
• 250g (8.8 oz) ground meat (beef or pork) 250g (8.8 oz) ground meat (beef or pork)
• 1 cup cooked rice 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 carrot, finely chopped 1 carrot, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon mirin 1 tablespoon mirin
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 25g, 5g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove the seeds and membranes.
3. 3.
   In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
4. 4.
   Add the onion, carrot, garlic, and ginger to the skillet and sauté until softened.
5. 5.
   Add the ground meat to the skillet and cook until browned.
6. 6.
   Stir in the cooked rice, soy sauce, mirin, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
7. 7.
   Stuff the bell peppers with the meat and rice mixture.
8. 8.
   Place the stuffed bell peppers in a baking dish and cover with foil.
9. 9.
   Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the peppers are tender.
10. 10.
    Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes to brown the tops.
11. 11.
    Serve hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Bell peppers — Choose bell peppers that are firm and have a vibrant color. The different colors (red, yellow, orange, or green) can be used interchangeably for this recipe.
• Ground meat — Opt for lean ground meat to reduce the fat content. You can use beef or pork, or even a combination of both for added flavor.
• Soy sauce — Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer to control the saltiness of the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground meat with crumbled tofu or cooked lentils.
• Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms or corn to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
• Serve the stuffed bell peppers with a drizzle of teriyaki sauce or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added touch of Japanese flair.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
• Experiment with different seasonings such as chili flakes or Japanese seven spice (shichimi togarashi) to add a spicy kick to the dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Stuffed Bell Peppers as a main course accompanied by a side of steamed rice or a fresh green salad. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Stuffed Bell Peppers on a platter, ensuring they are upright and visually appealing. Drizzle a bit of soy sauce or teriyaki sauce over the top for an attractive finishing touch. Serve with a side of steamed rice and a small bowl of miso soup for a complete Japanese meal experience.