Black Pepper Beef Recipe

If you are craving something rich, vibrant, and packed with a perfect balance of heat and savoriness, this Black Pepper Beef Recipe is exactly what your taste buds need. Tender strips of thinly sliced sirloin get tossed in freshly ground black pepper, then stir-fried with colorful bell peppers and onions in a luscious sauce that clings to every bite. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to share with friends, making it one of those dishes you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. The magic lies in the harmony between the robust black pepper and the savory soy-oyster sauce blend, creating a feast of flavors with a delightful bite of spice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Black Pepper Beef Recipe calls for simple, approachable ingredients that come together to create complex layers of taste and texture. Each element plays its part—from the tender beef slices to the crisp bell peppers, and the combo of sauces that brings everything to life.

• 450g thin steak: Choose sirloin and slice thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness and quick cooking.
• 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper: The star of the dish, adding heat and aromatic depth.
• ¼ tsp salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef and vegetables.
• 4 tbsp sunflower oil: Provides a high smoke point ideal for stir-frying.
• 1 tsp sesame oil: Adds a subtle nutty aroma to round out the flavor.
• 2 medium onions: Thickly sliced to give a sweet crunch.
• 1 green bell pepper: Deseeded and sliced for bright color and fresh flavor.
• 1 red bell pepper: Adds vibrant color and natural sweetness.
• 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch): Thickens the sauce beautifully without weighing it down.
• 2 tbsp dark soy sauce: Brings umami richness and dark color.
• 2 tbsp oyster sauce: Deepens the savory complexity with its slightly sweet edge.
• 1 tbsp Chinese rice wine (or dry sherry): Adds subtle acidity and fragrance.
• 120 ml beef stock: Provides a flavorful liquid base to the sauce.
• 2 cloves garlic: Minced to infuse a fragrant punch.
• 1 tsp minced ginger: Complements the black pepper with a gentle, zesty warmth.
• Boiled rice: The perfect simple bed for serving this saucy dish.

How to Make Black Pepper Beef Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

Start by tossing those thin steak slices with 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper and a pinch of salt. This simple seasoning step is key—it ensures the beef is already flavorful before it hits the pan, allowing the pepper to sneak deeply into the meat’s fibers.

Step 2: Heat Your Wok or Pan

Get your wok or large frying pan scorching hot by heating 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil along with the teaspoon of sesame oil until it almost starts to smoke. This high heat is essential to searing the beef quickly, locking in all that juicy goodness.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Add the beef slices to the sizzling oil and keep them moving by stirring constantly. This prevents sticking and ensures even browning in about 2 to 3 minutes. The result is steak pieces with a gorgeous caramelized crust. Remove them from the pan and set aside to rest while you turn your attention to the veggies.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Into the pan, add the last tablespoon of sunflower oil. Toss in those thick slices of onion and the vivid green and red bell peppers. Stir-fry them for 3 to 4 minutes until they start to soften but still maintain some crunch—this contrast adds incredible texture to the dish.

Step 5: Whip Up the Sauce

While the veggies cook, combine the cornflour, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, Chinese rice wine, beef stock, and remaining teaspoon of ground black pepper in a small jug or bowl. Stir it all together well—the cornflour here works as the thickening agent to give the sauce that perfect clingy consistency.

Step 6: Aromatics Time

Add the minced garlic and ginger into the wok, stirring them through the vegetables for a minute. The sizzling aromatics create an intoxicating base, boosting the dish’s depth and complementing the bold black pepper beautifully.

Step 7: Bring on the Sauce

Pour the sauce mixture into the wok. Lower your heat just enough to let it simmer gently, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and coat the vegetables perfectly. If it starts to get too thick, a splash of water can loosen it up so every bite stays saucy and delicious.

Step 8: Finish with the Beef

Return the seared steak slices to the wok, stirring well to coat all the meat in the glossy sauce. Allow everything to cook together for about 2 minutes, making sure the beef is warmed through and bursting with that peppery, savory flavor.

Step 9: Serve Hot Over Rice

The classic finish: plate your black pepper beef right on a bed of hot boiled rice. The fluffy grains soak up the sauce, balancing the peppery punch and turning every forkful into a satisfying bite of comfort.

How to Serve Black Pepper Beef Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate this Black Pepper Beef Recipe even further, try garnishing with freshly chopped green onions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. These add freshness and subtle crunch, making each mouthful more exciting and visually inviting.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides such as steamed jasmine rice or fried rice to soak up the flavorful sauce. If you want to add more veggies, a crisp Asian-style slaw or steamed bok choy with garlic would bring bright freshness and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the beef in warm lettuce cups for lettuce wraps that add a refreshing crunch and make it perfect for casual, hands-on dining. Alternatively, pile it on a bed of noodles or inside a warm flatbread for a fusion-style meal that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Black Pepper Beef Recipe keeps really well when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The beef remains tender and the sauce stays rich, making it a perfect next-day meal.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, portion the beef and sauce into freezer-safe containers. It will keep up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture of the bell peppers might soften slightly upon thawing, but the sauce and beef will remain delicious.

Reheating

Reheat gently over medium heat in a pan, adding a splash of water or beef stock to refresh the sauce’s consistency. Avoid microwaving directly without stirring to maintain the beef’s tenderness and prevent the sauce from becoming dry.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While sirloin is recommended for its tenderness and flavor, flank steak or ribeye sliced thinly against the grain can also work wonderfully, just adjust cooking times slightly for thickness.

Is this dish spicy or can I adjust the heat?

This Black Pepper Beef Recipe has a gentle to medium peppery kick due to the freshly ground black pepper. If you prefer more heat, you can add sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili oil when stir-frying.

What can I substitute Chinese rice wine with?

If you don’t have Chinese rice wine, dry sherry is an excellent substitute that provides similar acidity and complexity to the sauce. Avoid sweet wines as they might alter the dish’s balance.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters without compromising flavor. Cornflour is naturally gluten-free, so no worries there.

How long can I marinate the beef ahead of time?

You can toss the beef with black pepper and salt and refrigerate it for up to 1 hour before cooking. Longer marinating isn’t necessary as the steak cooks quickly and benefits from just a light seasoning.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that delivers a restaurant-worthy experience at home, this Black Pepper Beef Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its perfect mix of peppery heat, tender beef, and crunchy veggies combined with an irresistible sauce will make it a staple in your recipe box. Give it a try tonight and watch it become a favorite you’ll keep coming back to with a smile!

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