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Black Pepper Beef Stir Fry

Black Pepper Beef Stir Fry

A quick and easy Black Pepper Beef Stir Fry featuring tender beef strips, freshly cracked black pepper, and vibrant vegetables tossed in a savory umami-rich sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this flavorful dish is perfect for busy weeknights and offers a satisfying balance of heat, texture, and simplicity.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Marinade

  • 300g flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), sliced into thin strips
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce & Oils

  • 1½ tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 2 tbsp water (splash for sauce)
  • 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper (extra)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or canola oil)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef and Marinade: Slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness. In a bowl, combine the beef strips with soy sauce, cornstarch, and freshly cracked black pepper. Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes to infuse flavor and retain juiciness during cooking.
  2. Chop the Vegetables: While the beef marinates, slice bell peppers and onion into thin strips to ensure quick cooking and maintain a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the tender beef.
  3. Heat the Pan and Cook the Beef: Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat and add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. Stir-fry the beef strips in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
  4. Stir-fry the Vegetables: Add a bit more oil if needed. Stir-fry the minced garlic and sliced onions first until fragrant and translucent. Add the bell peppers and cook for 2–3 minutes, keeping them crisp yet tender.
  5. Combine and Finish with Sauce: Return the beef to the pan. Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, a splash of water, and more freshly cracked black pepper. Stir quickly over high heat until the beef is fully cooked and the sauce thickens slightly. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil to add a toasted, nutty aroma.

Notes

  • Freeze the beef for 20 minutes before slicing to make cutting easier and more precise.
  • Use high heat to quickly sear the beef and keep vegetables crisp-tender.
  • Cook beef in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure a caramelized exterior.
  • Grind black pepper fresh for the best flavor impact.
  • Add vegetables that require different cooking times accordingly to maintain texture balance.

Nutrition

Keywords: Black Pepper Beef, Stir Fry, Quick Dinner, Asian Cuisine, Easy Recipe, Weeknight Meal, Beef Stir Fry, Gluten Free