This foolproof recipe ensures the meat won't separate from the peppers, thanks to a simple trick! The juicy and fluffy meat filling pairs perfectly with the crisp texture of the peppers.
The steps are super easy: stuff the peppers, pan-sear until browned, then steam-cook them with seasonings. By not flipping the peppers, the filling stays perfectly intact.
No eggs needed—perfect for kids with egg allergies, and you won’t be left with unused yolks or whites. Whether you're new to cooking or a pro, this dish is guaranteed to surprise you with how easy and tasty it is!
20 minutes
Makorin & Penko
PROFILE
INGREDIENTS
SERVES 4
Original recipe (1X) yields 4 servings
When scaling the recipe, the ratios of some ingredients may require slight adjustments. Adjust as necessary and season to taste.
- 11 1/2 oz mix of ground ground beef and pork
- 1 /2 medium onion, finely chopped
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 Japanese piman peppers (adjust based on size)
- 2 tbsp. potato starch (for coating peppers)
- A1 tbsp. vegetable oil
- A1 tbsp. water
- A1 tbsp. potato starch
- B2 tbsp. sake (or dry white wine)
- B2 tbsp. mirin
- B2 tbsp. soy sauce
INSTRUCTIONS
Preparation
Wash the peppers and pat them dry. Slice in half lengthwise without removing the stems. Grip the pepper with one hand and pull the stem gently with the other—it should pop off cleanly. Remove the seeds using a knife if needed. Finely mince the onion.
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the ground meat and salt/pepper.Knead until it becomes sticky. Add the minced onion, then mix in ingredients from A: 1 tbsp. oil, 1 tbsp. water, and 1 tbsp. potato starch. Knead until evenly combined.
- 2
Place the halved peppers in a plastic bag with 2 tbsp potato starch and shake to coat evenly. (Optionally, you can sprinkle the starch on the inside of the peppers only using a sieve.)
- 3
Dust off excess starch from the peppers. Fill each half firmly with meat, mounding slightly in the center. Place stuffed peppers meat side up into a cold, dry frying pan.
- 4
Turn on the heat to medium. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the bottoms are browned. Then add B (2 tbsp. each of sake, mirin, and soy sauce), reduce to low heat, cover with a lid, and steam for 5 minutes.
Cooking SafetyBe careful not to let the pan overheat, or the sauce will evaporate too quickly and burn. The sauce should reduce and coat the peppers beautifully.
RecipeID
178
Tips & Notes
Do not flip the peppers while cooking! This prevents the meat from separating and preserves the crispy texture.
The meat stays fluffy with just potato starch, water, and oil—even without eggs. If you'd like to add egg, omit the oil and water and use 1/2 of a beaten egg instead.
For even softer peppers,add 3 tbsp. water to the seasoning, cook with the lid on, then remove the lid and simmer to reduce.
Start heating from a cold, unoiled pan—this prevents shrinkage. If excess fat is released, wipe it before adding the sauce.
If using large peppers, increase the cooking time to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
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"I create quick, budget-friendly everyday meals that don’t require overexertion, as well as easy “one more dish” recipes using seasonal and affordable ingredients. My goal is to make delicious, comforting everyday meals with the ingredients and seasonings you already have at home—meals that both children and adults can enjoy together around the table with smiles. Awards & Achievements: 👑 Nadia 2018 Rookie Award 👑 Nadia Dairy Farmer Support! Milk Recipe Contest – Grand Prix 👑 Nadia × Yamaki Overcome Picky Eating with Katsuobushi Contest – Yamaki Special Award 👑 Nadia × Fujicco Easy Arranged Recipe Contest with Steamed Beans – Fujicco Award 👑 Nadia Editorial Team Award (Oct. 2022) 👑 Nadia Monthly MVP (Nov. 2022) 👑 Nadia × Kuradashi Stop Food Waste! Imperfect Ingredients Recipe Contest – Kuradashi Award 👑 Nadia × Japan Dried Beans Association Bean Arrangement Recipe Championship – Grand Prix 👑 Nadia Official Character Launch! Nya-dia Character Bento & Sweets Recipe Contest – Grand Prix 👑 Nadia × Hanamaruki Liquid Shio Koji Recipe Contest – Idea Recipe Award ・Nippon Ham 2nd Food Allergy-Friendly Cooking Contest – Judges’ Special Award ・Umami Seasoning Contest – “Shikanai” Award ・Meiji Oishii Gyunyu Family-Pleasing Milk Recipe Contest – Grand Prix ・Fujicco “Yorokonbu” Onigiri Contest – Grand Prix ・BRITA BRI Shabu Contest – Grand Prix ・Rama 50th Anniversary Regional Toast Contest – Kinki & Shikoku Region Grand Prix …and many more awards."