Black Pepper Beef is a classic Chinese dish that combines tender beef slices, crunchy vegetables, and a bold black pepper sauce. This quick and easy stir-fry is bursting with flavor and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its smoky, peppery taste paired with tender beef makes it a favorite for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish ready in under 30 minutes.
WHY THIS BLACK PEPPER BEEF RECIPE IS SO GOOD
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Bold Flavors: The black pepper sauce is rich, savory, and peppery without being overwhelming.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
- Healthy: Packed with protein and colorful vegetables, it’s a balanced, nutrient-dense meal.
INGREDIENTS
Beef and Marinade:
- Beef sirloin or flank steak: Thinly sliced for quick cooking.
- Soy sauce: Adds umami and seasoning to the beef.
- Cornstarch: Coats the beef for a silky texture.
- Vegetable oil: For marinating and cooking.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- Onion: Sliced thinly for sweetness and texture.
- Bell peppers: (1 red, 1 green) Julienned for a pop of color and crunch.
- Garlic: Minced for aromatic flavor.
Black Pepper Sauce:
- Black pepper: Coarsely ground for bold, spicy flavor.
- Oyster sauce: Adds a rich, savory base.
- Soy sauce: Enhances the umami flavor.
- Sugar: Balances the heat and savoriness.
- Water: To dilute and blend the sauce.
- Cornstarch slurry: To thicken the sauce.
HOW TO MAKE CHINESE BLACK PEPPER BEEF
- Prepare the Beef:
- In a mixing bowl, combine sliced beef, soy sauce, cornstarch, and vegetable oil. Let marinate for 20 minutes.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix black pepper, oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, and water. Set aside.
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 1 tbsp oil and stir-fry beef until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables:
- In the same pan, add another 1 tbsp oil. Stir-fry garlic until fragrant. Add onions and bell peppers, and cook until slightly softened.
- Combine and Simmer:
- Return the beef to the pan. Pour in the sauce and stir well. Add the cornstarch slurry and let simmer until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
- Serve:
- Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with additional cracked black pepper. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Black Pepper Beef
This Black Pepper Beef recipe is a quick and flavorful Chinese stir-fry featuring tender slices of beef, vibrant bell peppers, and a bold black pepper sauce. This classic Asian dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, delivering restaurant-quality taste in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce divided
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp oil divided
- 1 medium onion thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 3 tbsp water
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water for slurry
Instructions
- Marinate the beef in 1 tbsp soy sauce, cornstarch, and 1 tbsp vegetable oil for 20 minutes.
- Mix black pepper, oyster sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, sugar, and water in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok over high heat. Stir-fry beef until browned and remove from pan.
- In the same pan, add 1 tbsp oil. Stir-fry garlic until fragrant, then add onions and bell peppers. Cook until slightly softened.
- Return beef to the pan. Pour in the sauce and stir. Add the cornstarch slurry and simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
Recipe Tips
Storage Recommendations
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked beef and vegetables (without rice) for up to 2 months.
Cooking Tips
- For the most tender beef, slice against the grain.
- Adjust the pepper level to your taste preference.
Substitutions
- Swap bell peppers for broccoli, snap peas, or carrots.
- Use tamari for a gluten-free version.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 28g
-
Carbohydrates: 14g
- Sugars: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
-
Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 850mg
These values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used and portion sizes.Â
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @wokwithsam on Instagram and hashtag it #wokwithsam.
