This Black Pepper Beef is a quick and flavorful stir fry featuring tender steak strips, onions, peppers, and a warming black pepper sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner served over rice. With its gentle heat and robust flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Beef Stir Fry:

450 g (1 lb) thin steak (sirloin preferred), sliced thinly against the grain
2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
¼ tsp salt
4 tbsp sunflower oil
1 tsp sesame oil
2 medium onions, peeled and thickly sliced
1 green bell pepper, deseeded and sliced
1 red bell pepper, deseeded and sliced

For the Sauce:

2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
2 tbsp dark soy sauce
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp Chinese rice wine (or dry sherry)
120 ml (½ cup) beef stock
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp minced ginger

Directions

Prepare the Beef:

Toss the steak slices with 1 tsp of black pepper and salt.
Heat 3 tbsp sunflower oil and sesame oil in a wok over high heat.
Add the steak and fry for 2–3 minutes, stirring to brown evenly.
Remove the steak from the wok and set aside.

Cook the Vegetables:

Add 1 tbsp sunflower oil to the wok.
Stir fry onions and bell peppers for 3–4 minutes until they start to soften.

Prepare the Sauce:

In a small jug, mix cornflour, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, beef stock, and the remaining 1 tsp of black pepper. Stir until combined.

Combine and Serve:

Add garlic and ginger to the vegetables in the wok. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently.
Pour the sauce into the wok, stir well, and bring to a gentle simmer.
Return the steak to the wok and stir to coat in the sauce. Cook for 2 minutes to heat through.
Serve hot over boiled rice.

Nutrients (Per Serving, Excluding Rice)

Calories: 441 kcal
Carbohydrates: 15 g
Protein: 25 g
Fat: 31 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Cholesterol: 69 mg
Sodium: 1,198 mg
Potassium: 545 mg
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 5 g
Vitamin A: 1,065 IU
Vitamin C: 66 mg
Calcium: 38 mg
Iron: 3 mg

This Black Pepper Beef is a simple yet luxurious stir fry that pairs perfectly with a bowl of steaming rice. Customize with your favorite vegetables for a delightful dinner!

Why Black Pepper Beef?

Black Pepper Beef is a classic dish in many Asian cuisines, loved for its bold flavors and simplicity. Here’s what makes it special:

Tender, Juicy Beef
Thinly sliced steak cooked quickly over high heat ensures a tender and succulent texture that absorbs the flavors of the sauce beautifully.
Warming Black Pepper Sauce
The sauce, infused with freshly ground black pepper, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a hint of ginger and garlic, provides a rich, slightly spicy, and umami-packed base.
Crisp and Vibrant Vegetables
Bell peppers and onions add a burst of color, crunch, and natural sweetness that balances the richness of the beef.
Quick and Versatile
Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy evenings. It’s also versatile—you can swap out vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.

The Perfect Flavor and Texture Combination

The magic of Black Pepper Beef lies in its harmonious balance of flavors and textures. Each bite delivers a delightful mix of savory, spicy, and sweet, complemented by a variety of textures:

Savory and Spicy Sauce
The black pepper sauce is the star of the dish, with its earthy heat and layers of umami. Freshly ground black pepper provides depth, while soy sauce, oyster sauce, and beef stock create a robust base.
Tender Steak
Slicing the steak thinly against the grain ensures tenderness. The quick stir-fry method locks in the juices, resulting in perfectly cooked, flavorful beef.
Crunchy Vegetables
The bell peppers and onions are stir-fried to retain their crunch, providing a refreshing contrast to the soft beef and velvety sauce.
Silky Sauce Coating
The addition of cornflour creates a silky, glossy sauce that clings to the beef and vegetables, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

Nutritional Benefits

While Black Pepper Beef is an indulgent dish, it also offers several nutritional benefits:

High-Quality Protein
The steak is a rich source of protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health.
Rich in Vitamins and Antioxidants
Bell peppers contribute a wealth of vitamins A and C, which support immune health and skin vitality. Onions provide antioxidants and compounds that promote heart health.
Iron and Zinc
Beef is a good source of iron and zinc, minerals crucial for energy production and immune function.
Low in Carbohydrates
The dish is relatively low in carbs, making it suitable for low-carb diets when served with alternatives like cauliflower rice.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Black Pepper Beef’s versatility makes it suitable for a variety of occasions:

Weeknight Dinners
Its quick preparation time and simple ingredients make it a lifesaver on busy evenings.
Family Meals
The bold flavors and colorful presentation are a hit with both adults and kids, ensuring it’s a family-friendly choice.
Entertaining Guests
Serve Black Pepper Beef with rice and side dishes for an easy yet impressive dinner party option.
Meal Prep
This stir fry reheats beautifully, making it ideal for preparing in advance and enjoying throughout the week.

Customizing Your Black Pepper Beef

One of the best things about this dish is its adaptability. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Protein Alternatives
- Substitute the beef with chicken, pork, or shrimp for a different flavor profile.
- For a vegetarian option, use tofu, tempeh, or seitan.
Vegetable Swaps
- Add broccoli, snap peas, zucchini, or mushrooms to increase the vegetable content.
- Use a mix of colorful bell peppers for added visual appeal.
Spice Level
- Increase the black pepper for a spicier kick, or add chili flakes or fresh chilies for extra heat.
- Tone down the spice for a milder version that’s kid-friendly.
Sauce Adjustments
- Replace beef stock with chicken or vegetable stock for different flavors.
- Add a splash of hoisin sauce or honey for a touch of sweetness.
Serving Options
- Pair with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles for a classic combination.
- Opt for cauliflower rice or quinoa for a healthier twist.

Tips for Perfect Stir Fry Every Time

To achieve the best results with Black Pepper Beef, follow these tips:

Prepare Ingredients in Advance
Stir frying happens quickly, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready before you start cooking.
Use High Heat
High heat is essential for achieving a quick sear on the beef and preserving the crunch of the vegetables.
Thinly Slice the Beef
Cutting the steak thinly against the grain ensures tenderness and quick cooking.
Don’t Overcook the Vegetables
Stir fry the vegetables just until they start to soften to maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture.
Taste and Adjust
Before serving, taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more black pepper, soy sauce, or a squeeze of lime for balance.

Why Black Pepper Beef is a Crowd-Pleaser

There’s something universally appealing about Black Pepper Beef. Its bold flavors, simplicity, and versatility make it a favorite for many:

Universal Appeal: The savory and slightly spicy flavor profile caters to a wide range of tastes.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: This dish rivals takeout in taste and quality, with the added bonus of being made fresh at home.
Budget-Friendly: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this stir fry is an affordable yet satisfying meal option.

Conclusion: A Bold and Flavorful Classic

Black Pepper Beef is a stir fry that delivers on all fronts—flavor, texture, and simplicity. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this dish is approachable, delicious, and rewarding to make. Its rich black pepper sauce, tender beef, and vibrant vegetables come together in perfect harmony, creating a meal that’s sure to impress.