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.
- Author: Lucas
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Black Pepper Beef, Stir Fry, Quick Dinner, Asian Cuisine, Easy Recipe, Weeknight Meal, Beef Stir Fry, Gluten Free