Easy and Delicious Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry Recipe

Are you craving a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that combines tender beef, aromatic spices, and crispy vegetables? Look no further! Black Pepper Beef is a fantastic stir-fry recipe that is packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests. This classic Chinese-inspired dish is a favorite for its bold flavors, balanced textures, and versatility.

In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about Black Pepper Beef. From ingredients, preparation tips, and variations, to frequently asked questions and the perfect serving suggestions, we’ve got it all covered. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this recipe will give you all the tips and tricks you need to create a flavorful meal that will impress everyone at the dinner table.

What is Black Pepper Beef?

Black Pepper Beef is a popular stir-fry dish that features tender slices of beef cooked with vegetables, seasoned with a savory sauce, and finished off with the kick of freshly ground black pepper. The dish’s standout flavor comes from the pepper, which provides a subtle heat and aromatic spiciness that elevates the dish beyond a simple stir-fry. This dish is also known for its balance of flavors, where the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and oyster sauce provide umami depth, while rice vinegar adds a touch of acidity to brighten up the flavors.

Whether you prefer using flank steak, sirloin, or another cut of beef, Black Pepper Beef can be adapted to your personal taste and dietary needs. It’s a highly customizable recipe that you can tweak based on what you have in your kitchen. It’s also a great option for meal prepping as it stores well and reheats beautifully.

Why You’ll Love Black Pepper Beef

There are countless reasons to love Black Pepper Beef. Here are just a few:

• Flavor-packed: The blend of black pepper, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and other seasonings creates a bold and aromatic flavor profile that is anything but bland.
• Quick and easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, this stir-fry recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something delicious in a hurry.
• Healthy and customizable: You can use lean cuts of beef, fresh vegetables, and substitute ingredients to fit your dietary preferences or restrictions.
• One-pan dish: With minimal clean-up required, this dish is as convenient as it is delicious.

Ingredients for Black Pepper Beef

Here’s everything you need to make the perfect Black Pepper Beef stir-fry:

For the Beef:

• 450g (1 lb) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground for the best flavor)

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (this is your cornstarch slurry)

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions for Cooking Black Pepper Beef

1. Marinate the Beef

The first step in making Black Pepper Beef is to marinate the beef. This step is crucial to ensure that the beef is flavorful and tender. In a mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix everything together well so that the beef is evenly coated with the marinade. Let the beef sit for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors. The longer you marinate the beef, the more flavorful it will be.

2. Prepare the Sauce

While the beef is marinating, take this time to prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and freshly ground black pepper. Once everything is combined, add the cornstarch slurry (a mixture of cornstarch and water) to the sauce. The cornstarch helps thicken the sauce when it cooks, giving it a glossy finish and making it cling beautifully to the beef and vegetables.

3. Stir-Fry the Beef

Once the beef has marinated, it’s time to stir-fry! Heat a large pan or wok over high heat. Add vegetable oil to the pan, and once it’s hot, add the marinated beef. Sear the beef for 2–3 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the beef, as it can become tough. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

4. Cook the Vegetables

In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Next, add the sliced onion and bell pepper to the pan, stirring occasionally for 2–3 minutes. You want the vegetables to be tender but still retain some crunch, so avoid overcooking them.

5. Combine and Serve

Once the vegetables are cooked, return the seared beef to the pan. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables and stir everything together. Let it cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables. Once everything is nicely combined, garnish with chopped green onions.

Serve the Black Pepper Beef with a side of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. You can even add some chili flakes or sliced chili peppers for an extra kick if you enjoy more heat.

Tips for Perfect Black Pepper Beef

• Use freshly ground black pepper: The flavor of freshly ground black pepper is much more robust and aromatic than pre-ground pepper. It’s worth taking the extra minute to grind your own!
• Cut beef against the grain: Cutting the beef against the grain ensures that it’s tender and easy to chew. Be sure to slice the beef as thinly as possible for the best texture.
• Customize the vegetables: While this recipe calls for bell pepper and onion, feel free to add other vegetables like snow peas, broccoli, or carrots for added color and nutrition.
• Make it spicier: If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers to the stir-fry. Adjust the heat level based on your preferences.

Serving Suggestions for Black Pepper Beef

Black Pepper Beef is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are a few ideas:

• With steamed rice: The classic accompaniment, rice helps balance the bold flavors of the stir-fry.
• With noodles: Stir-fried noodles or even plain rice noodles make a great base for this dish.
• As a salad topping: For a lighter option, serve the beef on top of a crisp salad, drizzled with the sauce for a refreshing, hearty meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the beef with other meats like chicken, pork, or tofu for a vegetarian version. If using chicken or pork, follow the same instructions for marinating and stir-frying.

2. Is Black Pepper Beef spicy?

The dish has a subtle heat from the freshly ground black pepper. If you prefer a spicier version, add chili peppers or red pepper flakes to the stir-fry to increase the heat.

3. Can I make Black Pepper Beef ahead of time?

Yes! Black Pepper Beef is a great option for meal prepping. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan before serving.

4. What can I serve with Black Pepper Beef?

Black Pepper Beef is delicious served with steamed rice, noodles, or even fried rice. You can also serve it with some steamed vegetables or a side salad.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Black Pepper Beef is an easy, delicious, and satisfying stir-fry that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. With tender slices of beef, crunchy vegetables, and a savory sauce that’s full of bold flavors, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner party, Black Pepper Beef is guaranteed to impress. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy this incredible stir-fry that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Final Tip:

For an added depth of flavor, drizzle some sesame oil over the finished dish just before serving. This simple addition will take your Black Pepper Beef to the next level!

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