Black Pepper Beef Recipe

If you’re craving a sizzling, flavor-packed stir fry, Black Pepper Beef is here to boldly answer your call! This irresistible dish pairs buttery-tender beef with sweet bell peppers and a boldly peppery sauce that clings to every bite—it’s a quick and utterly satisfying way to bring restaurant-quality magic to your table.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Black Pepper Beef keeps things delightfully simple—every ingredient serves a delicious purpose, whether it’s for tenderness, richness, or that signature punch of black pepper. Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish sing.

• Beef (sirloin or ribeye, about 1 lb): Go for a tender cut; slicing it thinly against the grain guarantees those melt-in-your-mouth bites.
• Oil (for frying): Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point to help you sear the beef quickly without burning.
• Bell Pepper (cut into chunks): Adds juicy crunch, color, and a sweet contrast to the peppy sauce.
• Onion (cut into chunks): Provides subtle sweetness and another layer of texture.
• Garlic (minced): Because what’s a truly great stir fry without bold garlic undertones?
• Ginger (minced): Offers brightness and fragrant warmth, balancing the richness of the beef.
• Sesame Oil: Stirred in at the end, this finishing touch adds a nutty aroma that takes things to the next level.
• Soy Sauce, Shaoxing Wine, Cornstarch, Oil, Baking Soda, Freshly-ground Black Pepper (for marinade): This all-star team makes the beef juicy, savory, silky, and deeply flavorful.
• Beef Stock, Oyster Sauce, Sugar, Dark Soy Sauce, Chicken Powder (for sauce): These combine for a savory, glossy, umami-packed sauce that hugs every piece of beef.
• Cornstarch (in sauce): Gives your Black Pepper Beef that crave-worthy, silky finish.

Variations

One of the joys of Black Pepper Beef is how easy it is to tweak. Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it—whether you’re working with what you have on hand, feeding a crowd with dietary needs, or craving something just a bit different.

• Swap the Protein: Try this recipe with thinly sliced chicken breast, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist with lots of personality.
• Add More Veggies: Snow peas, broccoli florets, or mushrooms all play beautifully with the bold black pepper sauce, making your stir fry even more vibrant.
• Heat it Up: Like things spicy? Toss in a handful of sliced fresh chilis or a pinch of chili flakes for an extra kick.
• Lower Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and omit the chicken powder for a lighter, still-flavorful dish.

How to Make Black Pepper Beef

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Slice your beef thinly against the grain—this step makes it super tender. In a bowl, combine the beef with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, oil, baking soda, and black pepper. Massage these flavors gently into the meat and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prep your veggies and sauce.

Step 2: Prep Veggies & Sauce

Dice your bell peppers and onions into chunky, bite-sized pieces for irresistibly crisp edges. Whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a separate bowl—beef stock, soy sauces, oyster sauce, sugar, cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, chicken powder, and, of course, lots of freshly ground black pepper—until the mixture is smooth and glossy.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. In batches (so you don’t overcrowd the pan), quickly fry the marinated beef until it’s browned on all sides. This only takes a minute or two—just enough to lock in the juices. Once done, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry Veggies

In the same pan, toss in your onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 2–3 minutes until they’re just starting to soften but still have plenty of bite. Add garlic and ginger, and sizzle until everything smells intoxicatingly aromatic—this is where the flavor magic really happens.

Step 5: Finish with Sauce & Beef

Pour in your prepared black pepper sauce and let it bubble for about a minute, stirring to thicken. Slide your beef back into the pan, add the sesame oil, and toss everything together for another couple of minutes until the sauce is glossy and clings to every piece. That’s it—your Black Pepper Beef is ready to dazzle!

How to Serve Black Pepper Beef

Garnishes

For a finishing pop, scatter sliced green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds over the top right before serving. A few extra cracks of black pepper can also amp up that aromatic pep and give your Black Pepper Beef a picture-perfect look.

Side Dishes

Black Pepper Beef absolutely shines when paired with fluffy steamed jasmine or medium-grain rice, soaking up all that glorious sauce. For extra color and nutrition, serve it alongside sauteed bok choy, quick-blanched broccoli, or a simple cucumber salad.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want a fun party twist, pile the saucy beef and veggies into butter lettuce cups or spoon them over little steamed bao. For weeknight flair, try topping a bowl of fried rice or even noodles with your Black Pepper Beef for a complete one-dish meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow leftovers to cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens a bit after chilling but stays rich and flavorful—making Black Pepper Beef a winner for next-day lunches too.

Freezing

For longer storage, portion cooled Black Pepper Beef into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results—this helps the beef retain its tenderness when you reheat.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm Black Pepper Beef gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or extra beef stock to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each, until heated through. Try not to overcook, as you want the beef to stay tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s just something soul-satisfying about digging into a plate of Black Pepper Beef—crackling with heat, packed with color, and irresistibly saucy. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try, make it your own, and share it with the people you love. Happy cooking, and enjoy every peppery bite!

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