In a bowl, mix cornstarch, water, soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oil, and pepper.

Stir in the beef strips, ensuring they are well coated.

Cover the bowl and let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Heat the remaining oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the marinated beef, green peppers, and crushed garlic to the skillet.

Cook and stir until the beef is browned and the peppers are crisp-tender, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Pour in the hot water and stir to loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.

Bring the mixture to a boil.

Stir in the instant brown rice.

Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

Cover the skillet, remove from heat, and let stand for 5 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the liquid.

Stir well before serving.