If you’re craving a restaurant-quality stir-fry that’s bold, savory, and packed with flavor, Black Pepper Beef is the dish for you! Tender slices of beef are coated in a rich, glossy black pepper sauce with just the right amount of heat. The aroma alone will have you reaching for your chopsticks before it even hits the plate!
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The beauty of this dish? It’s fast, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner that tastes like it came straight from your favorite takeout spot. Pair it with steamed rice or noodles, and you’ve got a meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
Incredibly Flavorful: The bold black pepper sauce is rich, savory, and slightly spicy.
Better Than Takeout: Fresher, healthier, and just as delicious as your favorite restaurant version.
Customizable: Adjust the spice level, swap the protein, or add more veggies to suit your taste.
Ingredients in Black Pepper Beef
This dish is all about the balance of bold flavors and tender beef. Here’s what you’ll need:
Beef: Flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced for tenderness.
Soy Sauce: Adds deep umami flavor to the beef and sauce.
Oyster Sauce: Rich and slightly sweet, this enhances the depth of the sauce.
Black Pepper: Freshly ground for that signature bold kick.
Garlic & Ginger: A classic aromatic duo that elevates the dish.
Bell Peppers & Onion: Crunchy, colorful, and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
Cornstarch: Helps tenderize the beef and thickens the sauce.
Sesame Oil: Adds a hint of nutty richness.
Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the flavors.
Beef Broth: Creates a rich, silky sauce that coats every bite.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, toss the sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and a little oil. Let it sit while you prep the other ingredients.
Sear the Beef: Heat a wok or pan over high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned, then remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics & Veggies: In the same pan, add garlic, ginger, and onions. Sauté until fragrant, then toss in the bell peppers.
Make the Sauce: Stir in oyster sauce, soy sauce, black pepper, sugar, and beef broth. Let it simmer for a minute to meld the flavors.
Combine Everything: Return the beef to the pan, toss everything together, and let the sauce thicken.
Finish & Serve: Drizzle with sesame oil, give it one last stir, and serve hot over rice or noodles.
How to Serve Black Pepper Beef
With Steamed Rice: The perfect base to soak up all that rich, peppery sauce.
Over Noodles: Toss it with lo mein or rice noodles for a satisfying meal.
With Extra Veggies: Add broccoli, snow peas, or mushrooms for more texture and color.
Garnished with Green Onions: A fresh, vibrant finishing touch.
Additional Tips
Slice the Beef Thinly: Cutting against the grain ensures tender bites.
Use Freshly Ground Black Pepper: It makes a huge difference in flavor!
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the beef in batches for a perfect sear.
Adjust the Spice: Add red pepper flakes for extra heat or reduce the black pepper for a milder version.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different cut of beef?
A1: Yes! Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye all work well.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, but it’s best served fresh. Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in a pan.
Q3: How do I make this dish spicier?
A3: Add crushed red pepper flakes or extra black pepper for more heat.
Q4: Can I make this gluten-free?
A4: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free oyster sauce.
Q5: What’s the best oil for stir-frying?
A5: Use a high-smoke-point oil like vegetable, peanut, or avocado oil.
Final Thoughts
Black Pepper Beef is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that brings bold restaurant-style flavors right to your kitchen. Whether you’re a fan of takeout classics or just looking for a simple yet delicious dinner, this dish is sure to hit the spot. Give it a try you’ll be hooked!
Print
Black Pepper Beef
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Black Pepper Beef stir-fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender beef strips coated in a bold black pepper sauce. Tossed with sautéed onions and bell peppers, this easy homemade recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. Serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a restaurant-quality meal at home!
Ingredients
Beef & Marinade:
- 1 lb sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Stir-Fry:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce:
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp water
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix sliced beef with oyster sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper. Let marinate while preparing other ingredients.
- In a small bowl, mix all sauce ingredients and set aside.
- Heat a wok or skillet over high heat and add oil.
- Sauté onions and bell peppers until softened. Remove from the wok and set aside.
- Add garlic and beef to the wok. Stir-fry until beef is browned and cooked through.
- Return onions and peppers to the wok. Pour in the sauce and toss everything together until well coated.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra tender beef, marinate with 1/2 tsp baking soda and rinse before cooking.
- Use ribeye or flank steak for a more tender cut.
- Adjust black pepper for more or less spice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 65mg