Stuffed Bell Peppers Recipe: A Japanese Home-Cooked Favorite

What is Stuffed Bell Peppers?

Stuffed bell peppers, or “Piman no Nikuzume” in Japanese, is a popular home-cooked dish in Japan where juicy ground meat is stuffed into bell peppers and then grilled to perfection. It is sometimes referred to as a “Japanese-style hamburger” and is loved by people of all ages, from children to adults. This dish is especially popular as a side dish in lunch boxes (bento) and as a main course for dinner.

The refreshing bitterness of the bell pepper perfectly complements the savory taste of the ground meat, resulting in a simple yet deeply flavorful dish. This is a common dish in Japanese households, and it can be adapted in many ways depending on your preferences. In this article, we will introduce the appeal of stuffed bell peppers along with an easy-to-follow basic recipe that you can try at home.

Ingredients (Serves 2-3)

To make stuffed bell peppers for two or three people, you will need the following ingredients:

8 Bell Peppers: Choose fresh, firm bell peppers. Bright green bell peppers are ideal.
250g Ground Meat: You can use pork, beef, or a blend of both. Ground chicken can also be used for a healthier option.
1 Onion: Finely chopped and mixed with the ground meat to enhance the flavor.
1 Egg: Used to bind the ground meat mixture together.
Breadcrumbs (amount to your preference): Adds a soft texture to the meat mixture. If breadcrumbs are unavailable, you can use okara (soy pulp) or tofu as a substitute.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Basic seasonings for flavor.
Flour (amount to your preference): Lightly coat the inside of the bell peppers with flour to help the meat adhere better.
Cooking Oil (amount to your preference): For frying the stuffed bell peppers.
Ketchup (amount to your preference): A sauce for the stuffed bell peppers.

Preparation Steps

Prepare the Vegetables:
Finely chop the onion into 1 cm pieces. Remove the stems from the bell peppers, cut them in half lengthwise, and remove the seeds. Lightly dust the inside of the bell peppers with flour.
Prepare the Meat Mixture:
In a bowl, combine the ground meat with the chopped onion, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Stuff the Bell Peppers:
Take the prepared ground meat mixture and stuff each bell pepper half, pressing firmly to ensure the meat fills the pepper and slightly overflows the edges.
Cook the Stuffed Bell Peppers:
Heat cooking oil in a frying pan and place the stuffed bell peppers meat-side down. Cook over medium heat until the meat is browned and golden. Then, flip the peppers and cook the other side. Cover the pan and steam on low heat for about 5 minutes to ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked.
Finish with Sauce:
Once the stuffed bell peppers are cooked, remove them from the pan and drizzle ketchup over them to finish.

Tips and Serving Suggestions

Stuffed bell peppers are delicious on their own but pair perfectly with rice. You can also serve them with soy sauce or mustard for added flavor. If you’re not a fan of the bell pepper’s bitterness, try lightly salting the peppers before cooking to mellow the taste.

This recipe is simple yet hearty, and it offers a well-balanced meal. Be sure to try making stuffed bell peppers at home and enjoy this delightful Japanese home-cooked dish!

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