Black Pepper Beef is a quick and flavorful stir-fry that features tender beef strips in a rich, savory black pepper sauce. It’s a classic dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you’re craving something hearty and delicious. With the kick of freshly cracked black pepper and the depth of soy and oyster sauce, this dish brings a burst of bold flavors with every bite. Serve it with rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp black pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Salt to taste
How to Make Black Pepper Beef:
This Black Pepper Beef recipe comes together quickly with just a few easy steps. The beef is stir-fried to tender perfection, and the black pepper sauce is both savory and peppery, making for an irresistible combination.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced beef sirloin to the skillet in a single layer. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until the onion is softened and the garlic and ginger are fragrant.
3. Add the Black Pepper: Sprinkle 2 tbsp of freshly ground black pepper into the skillet. Stir-fry for another minute, allowing the black pepper to release its flavor and coat the aromatics.
4. Add the Sauces: Pour in 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup beef broth, and 1 tbsp oyster sauce. Stir everything together to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
5. Thicken the Sauce: Return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir to coat it with the sauce. Mix the cornstarch with 2 tbsp of water to create a slurry and pour it into the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the beef is heated through.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once the sauce has thickened, sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped green onions over the beef. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Helpful Tips:
- Thinly Slice the Beef: For the most tender results, slice the beef thinly against the grain. This will help it cook quickly and remain tender.
- Use Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper gives the best flavor and a more robust kick, but pre-ground black pepper will work in a pinch.
- Vegetable Additions: For a more complete meal, you can add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas to the stir-fry along with the onions.
Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Notes:
- Adjust Pepper to Taste: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of black pepper. For more heat, you can increase the pepper or add crushed red pepper flakes.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, other tender cuts such as flank steak or ribeye can be used in place of sirloin. Just ensure they are thinly sliced for even cooking.
2. Can I make this dish gluten-free? To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or soy sauce, and ensure the oyster sauce is gluten-free.
3. What can I serve with Black Pepper Beef? This dish is traditionally served with steamed white rice or noodles. You can also serve it alongside sautéed vegetables or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
4. Can I add vegetables to the stir-fry? Absolutely! Vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli make great additions and can be stir-fried along with the onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftover Black Pepper Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much during storage, add a splash of water or beef broth to loosen it up when reheating.
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Black Pepper Beef
Description
Black Pepper Beef is a quick and flavorful stir-fry that features tender beef strips in a rich, savory black pepper sauce. It’s a classic dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you’re craving something hearty and delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp black pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Beef: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced beef sirloin to the skillet in a single layer. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until the onion is softened and the garlic and ginger are fragrant.
3. Add the Black Pepper: Sprinkle 2 tbsp of freshly ground black pepper into the skillet. Stir-fry for another minute, allowing the black pepper to release its flavor and coat the aromatics.
4. Add the Sauces: Pour in 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup beef broth, and 1 tbsp oyster sauce. Stir everything together to combine and bring the sauce to a simmer.
5. Thicken the Sauce: Return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir to coat it with the sauce. Mix the cornstarch with 2 tbsp of water to create a slurry and pour it into the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened and the beef is heated through.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once the sauce has thickened, sprinkle 1/4 cup chopped green onions over the beef. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- Adjust Pepper to Taste: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of black pepper. For more heat, you can increase the pepper or add crushed red pepper flakes.
- This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary.