Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry Recipe

Sizzling Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry Recipe That Wows Every Time

Sizzling woks and bold flavors dance together in this mouthwatering black pepper beef stir-fry recipe that promises to elevate your weeknight dinner game.

Tender strips of beef marinate in a robust blend of seasonings, creating a symphony of taste that tingles your palate.

The peppery kick adds depth and complexity to each tender bite.

Quick and easy preparation means you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in minutes.

Crisp vegetables provide a delightful crunch against the savory meat.

Perfectly balanced and packed with umami, this dish transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Gather your ingredients and prepare to impress everyone at the dinner table with this irresistible stir-fry sensation.

Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry Overview

  • Speedily Prepared: Whip up this delicious stir-fry in just a few quick steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Flavor-Packed Punch: Bold black pepper and savory sauce create an explosion of taste that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more with every bite.
  • Versatile Veggie Delight: Easily customize this recipe by swapping or adding different vegetables, making it a flexible option for picky eaters or those looking to clean out their refrigerator.
  • Restaurant-Quality at Home: Achieve that professional stir-fry taste and technique right in your own kitchen, impressing family and friends with your culinary skills without breaking a sweat.

Ingredients for Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry

Protein:
  • Beef Strips: A tender and flavorful meat that serves as the main protein in this stir-fry dish.
Marinade:
  • Soy Sauce, Cornstarch, Rice Wine: A classic combination that tenderizes the beef and adds depth of flavor.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Black Pepper, Oyster Sauce, Soy Sauce, Sugar, Chicken Stock: A bold and savory sauce that creates a rich and complex taste profile for the stir-fry.
Aromatics and Vegetables:
  • Garlic, Green Onions, Bell Pepper, Onion: Fresh ingredients that provide texture, aroma, and vibrant colors to the dish.
Cooking Oils and Seasonings:
  • Vegetable Oil, Sesame Oil: Essential oils that help cook the ingredients and add a distinctive nutty flavor to the stir-fry.

Cooking Instructions for Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry

Step 1: Blend Zesty Marinade

Mix soy sauce, rice wine, cornstarch, and beef strips in a mixing bowl.

Ensure beef is fully coated with marinade mixture.

Cover and let it rest in refrigerator for 20 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.

Step 2: Whip Spicy Sauce

Create sauce by combining:
  • Black pepper
  • Oyster sauce
  • Chicken broth
  • Sugar

Whisk ingredients until smooth and set aside for later use.

Step 3: Sear Succulent Beef

Heat vegetable oil in wok over high flame.

Cook beef in batches, ensuring each piece turns golden brown and develops delicious caramelized edges.

Remove beef and drain excess oil, keeping 2 tablespoons in wok.

Step 4: Awaken Aromatic Vegetables

Toss minced garlic into hot wok, stirring quickly until fragrant.

Add:
  • Sliced onions
  • Chopped bell peppers

Quickly stir-fry vegetables until they become slightly tender but retain crisp texture.

Step 5: Bring Dish Together

Return seared beef to wok.

Pour prepared black pepper sauce over ingredients.

Gently toss until beef and vegetables are evenly coated.

Drizzle sesame oil for final flavor enhancement.

Serve immediately over steamed white rice.

Pro Tips for Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry

  • Let the beef soak in the marinade for the full 20 minutes to ensure deep, rich flavor penetration and tenderize the meat effectively.
  • Use high heat when stir-frying beef to achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
  • Drain excess oil after cooking beef to prevent a greasy dish, leaving just enough for additional cooking and flavor infusion.
  • Stir-fry vegetables briefly to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant colors, preventing them from becoming soggy or overcooked.
  • Toss the beef and vegetables in the black pepper sauce just before serving to ensure every bite is coated with maximum flavor.

Variations for Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry

  • Spicy Chili Beef Stir-Fry: Replace black pepper with red chili flakes for a hotter version, adding fresh jalapeños for extra kick.
  • Vegetarian Tofu Option: Swap beef with firm tofu, pressing and cubing it beforehand to absorb marinade flavors effectively.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Adaptation: Substitute regular rice with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly alternative that reduces carbohydrate intake.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Use tamari instead of soy sauce, ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free certified for those with dietary restrictions.

Serving Suggestions for Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry

  • Flavor Explosion Plate: Serve this black pepper beef over steamed jasmine rice for a classic Asian-inspired meal that bursts with savory goodness.
  • Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle fresh chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top to add color, crunch, and an extra layer of nutty flavor.
  • Family-Style Feast: Place the stir-fry in a large communal serving dish with extra rice on the side, encouraging everyone to dig in and share the delicious experience together.
  • Side Kick Combo: Pair with quick pickled cucumbers or a light Asian slaw to balance the rich, peppery beef and provide a refreshing contrast to the main dish.

Storage Advice for Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry

  • Store stir-fry in an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety.
  • Transfer cooled stir-fry to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Place stir-fry in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of water to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Warm stir-fry in a wok or skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil or water to restore moisture. Stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until heated evenly.

FAQs

  • What type of beef is best for this stir-fry?

Flank steak or sirloin work great because they’re tender and cook quickly, slicing easily against the grain for maximum tenderness.

  • Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, add red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil to the sauce for extra heat. You can also include sliced chili peppers during the vegetable stir-fry stage.

  • Is black pepper the key flavor in this dish?

Absolutely! Freshly ground black pepper gives this stir-fry its signature bold, slightly sharp taste that complements the beef’s rich flavor.

  • How do I prevent the beef from becoming tough?

Marinate the beef for exactly 20 minutes, cook on high heat quickly, and avoid overcrowding the wok to ensure each piece browns properly without steaming.

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Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry Recipe

Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry Recipe


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4.8 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling black pepper beef stir-fry delivers a mouthwatering explosion of Asian-inspired flavors that dance across taste buds. Quick and easy preparation brings restaurant-quality excitement to home kitchens, letting you savor complex spicy notes in mere minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1.5 pounds flank steak

Seasonings and Marinades:

  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 0.5 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 0.25 cup oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground Sichuan peppercorn
  • 2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
  • 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Vegetables and Cooking Ingredients:

  • 0.33 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 medium onions
  • 1 large red bell pepper

Instructions

  1. Immerse beef strips in a flavorful marinade mixture, ensuring thorough coating. Refrigerate for 20 minutes to enhance taste and tenderness.
  2. Whisk sauce ingredients in a separate bowl, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. Set aside for later use.
  3. Heat wok with half the vegetable oil over high temperature. Sear beef in batches, cooking each portion until golden and caramelized, approximately 2-3 minutes per batch.
  4. Remove beef and drain, reserving 2 tablespoons of oil in the wok. Quickly sauté minced garlic until fragrant, releasing its aromatic essence.
  5. Introduce sliced onions and bell peppers to the wok, stir-frying for 60 seconds until they become slightly crisp yet tender.
  6. Reintroduce the seared beef to the wok, pouring the prepared black pepper sauce over the ingredients. Toss vigorously to ensure even coating and complete flavor integration.
  7. Finish the dish with a delicate drizzle of sesame oil, adding a final layer of depth. Serve immediately over steamed rice, presenting a vibrant and zesty stir-fry.

Notes

  • Always marinate beef at room temperature before cooking to ensure even flavor absorption and tenderization.
  • Use high-heat cooking oil like peanut or avocado oil for better wok searing and authentic stir-fry texture.
  • Slice beef against the grain super thinly to guarantee maximum tenderness and quick cooking time.
  • Consider adding crunchy vegetables like snap peas or broccoli for extra nutrition and textural contrast in the dish.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 464 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 700 mg
  • Fat: 31 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 11 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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