Avoid Soggy Red Bell Peppers With This Cooking Method

When it comes to serving perfectly crunchy bell peppers, the main thing you want to avoid is overcooking, which can lead to a soggy, flavorless dish. The key to steering clear of such a disaster is to pick a cooking method that enhances the natural sweetness of the peppers while also preserving their bright color and firm texture. According to an expert, that method is stir-frying.

When discussing the mistakes to avoid when cooking red bell peppers, professional chef Petranka Atanasova of Sunglow Kitchen told Tasting Table that this is her preferred technique. Overcooking is one of the most common things she sees when it comes to preparing peppers, and to avoid it she recommends frying them on the stove for just five minutes, or until they appear slightly charred and smoky. 

The end result should be "crunchy and vibrant vegetables that retain their natural sweetness and flavor," according to Atanasova. There are some other things to consider, however, if you want to ensure you cook red bell peppers to perfection.

Stir-fry recipes typically call for a hot pan, but no one wants burned peppers, so opt to keep the temperature around the medium-high range rather than going full blast. To make things move quicker, try preheating your pan or wok for a few minutes before adding the peppers. It should be ready once a drop of water evaporates on contact.

You'll also want to opt for a neutral oil with a high smoke point to avoid setting off your alarms. Peanut, canola, and avocado oil are all great options. Avoid butter and olive oil. Once your pan is hot, add one tablespoon of oil and sizzle briefly. Add your chopped or sliced peppers in small batches -– you want to avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even searing. Stir-fry for five minutes, tossing occasionally, until slightly tender but still crisp.

You can add seasonings during cooking or fry some garlic and onion with the peppers for added flavor. However, red bell peppers are naturally sweet, so a little salt and pepper should be all you need. Whether you're adding them to a taco salad, sizzling steak fajitas, or using them as a side dish, stir-frying red bell peppers helps retain their vibrant color and sweet, juicy taste while also preserving their nutrients. This method is quick, and easy, and as long as you watch your pan, should ensure a delicious result every time.