If you’re looking to whip up something deliciously bold and savory without spending hours in the kitchen, this Black Pepper Beef Recipe is your go-to solution. A quick dish that’s packed with flavors, it becomes an instant family favorite with its perfect balance of spice, umami, and a touch of sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a prep and cook time of just 30 minutes, this recipe fits perfectly into a busy schedule.
- Flavor-Packed: The harmonious blend of black pepper and various sauces hits all the right notes for a taste explosion.
- Customizable: Whether you’re a spicy food lover or prefer something mild, this dish can cater to all taste preferences.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a crowd-pleaser that can satisfy both kids and adults at the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Black Pepper Beef Recipe is built on a simple yet powerful set of ingredients that each bring something special to the table. From the star of the show—the black pepper—to the supporting cast of fresh vegetables and rich sauces, each component plays a vital role.
- 450 g thin steak: Aim for sirloin for a tender, flavorful bite.
- 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper: This gives our dish that signature spice kick.
- 2 tbsp dark soy sauce and 2 tbsp oyster sauce: They bring depth and umami to the flavor profile.
- 2 medium onions and 2 bell peppers: These veggies provide a sweet contrast to the spicy beef.
- 120 ml beef stock: Enhances the savory taste and keeps the dish juicy.
Variations
One of the best things about the Black Pepper Beef Recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re catering to dietary restrictions or just what you have on hand, there are endless variations that can make this dish your own.
- Protein Swap: Substitute the beef with thin slices of pork or chicken for a delicious twist.
- Veggie Boost: Add sugar snap peas, mung bean sprouts, or shredded cabbage for extra crunch.
How to Make Black Pepper Beef Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Toss your sliced beef with half of the freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt. This sets the flavor foundation and ensures every bite bursts with heat and seasoning.
Step 2: Sizzle the Beef
Heat most of your sunflower oil alongside sesame oil in a hot wok, then let the steak dance in the sizzling heat for a quick 2-3 minutes until browned.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Veggies
With a bit more oil in the wok, toss in your onion and bell peppers. Stir-fry on medium heat until they start to turn tender, adding a lovely crunch to your dish.
Step 4: Craft the Sauce
Mix up a delightful sauce of cornflour, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, beef stock, and the remaining black pepper. It’s an umami-packed concoction ready to transform your stir-fry.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add garlic and ginger to your veggies, fragrant and inviting, before pouring in your sauce. Let it simmer gently before reintroducing the steak, ensuring it gets a lovely coat of sauce goodness.
Pro Tips for Making Black Pepper Beef Recipe
- Perfect Peppery Balance: Experiment with different types of black pepper to find the heat that fits your palate.
- Veggie Crunch: Don’t overcook the bell peppers; a slight crunch complements the tender beef perfectly.
- Marinate for Minutes: A quick marinate of steak in black pepper and salt enhances the flavor absorption remarkably.
- Sauce Savior: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a touch more beef stock or a splash of water.
How to Serve Black Pepper Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Top with freshly chopped green onions for an added fresh burst of flavor and a sprinkle of sesame seeds to enhance the nutty undertones.
Side Dishes
This Black Pepper Beef pairs delightfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy basmati rice. For a lighter option, serve it alongside a crisp, refreshing cucumber salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Black Pepper Beef in a large, shallow dish garnished with vibrant slices of red chili for a pop of color or arrange it elegantly over rice in a bowl for a picturesque presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Carefully transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. They stay fresh and flavorful for up to two days, perfect for a quick meal later in the week.
Freezing
To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. This method keeps everything crisp and ready to reheat within a month.
Reheating
For best results, gently reheat your Black Pepper Beef in a wok or frying pan over medium heat. A splash of beef stock can help revive the sauce’s vivaciousness.
FAQs
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Can I substitute the steak for another protein?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. You can use chicken or pork, both working well with the black pepper sauce.
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What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
Oyster sauce adds depth, but you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or even soy sauce with a dash of sugar.
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How can I make it spicier?
If you love more heat, add sliced fresh chili or a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce for a fiery kick.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce substitutes.
Final Thoughts
Gather around your loved ones and treat them to this wonderfully rich and robust Black Pepper Beef Recipe. It’s an incredible mélange of flavors that will surely become a staple in your culinary adventures. Give it a try; your taste buds will thank you!
PrintBlack Pepper Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stir-Fry
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese-inspired
Description
This Black Pepper Beef recipe features tender slices of beef stir-fried with vibrant vegetables in a savory black pepper sauce, served over steamed rice for a hearty and flavorful meal. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, it combines bold flavors with simple ingredients for an irresistible dish.
Ingredients
Black Pepper Steak:
- 450 g (1 lb) thin steak sliced thinly, against the grain (sirloin recommended)
- 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp sunflower oil
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 medium-sized onions peeled and chopped into thick slices
- 1 green bell pepper deseeded and sliced
- 1 red bell pepper deseeded and sliced
- 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
- 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp Chinese rice wine (or dry sherry)
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) beef stock
- 2 cloves garlic peeled and minced
- 1 tsp minced ginger
To Serve:
- Boiled rice (about 1 cup uncooked rice)
Instructions
- Prepare the steak: Toss the sliced steak with 1 tsp of black pepper and the salt to season evenly.
- Cook the steak: Heat 3 tbsp of sunflower oil and the sesame oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat until shimmering. Add the steak slices and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned, moving constantly to prevent sticking. Remove the steak from the wok and set aside, leaving any oil behind.
- Sauté the vegetables: Reduce heat to medium, add the remaining 1 tbsp of sunflower oil to the wok. Add the sliced onions and peppers, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until starting to soften.
- Mix the sauce: In a small jug, combine the cornflour, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, beef stock, and the remaining 1 tsp of black pepper. Stir well to dissolve and set aside.
- Cook aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the vegetables in the wok. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the sauce: Pour the mixed sauce into the wok. Bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring often. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water to thin it out.
- Combine and heat through: Return the cooked steak to the wok. Stir to coat with the sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the steak is heated through.
- Serve: Spoon the hot beef stir-fry over freshly boiled rice and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Can I make it ahead? Yes, prepare the stir fry, cool quickly, cover, and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Reheat over medium-high heat, stirring often, until piping hot. Add a splash of water or beef stock to loosen the sauce during reheating.
- Ideal beef cut: Sirloin stands up well to reheating while remaining tender.
- Vegetable options: Add shredded carrots, snap peas, mung bean sprouts, or shredded cabbage for variation.
- Adjust the black pepper amount for more or less spice according to taste.
- Scaling: Double or halve the ingredients, but cook the steak in batches if doubling to prevent steaming and ensure proper browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup beef stir-fry with rice
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 760 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg