Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the marinated beef in a single layer.
Let it sear undisturbed for about 1–2 minutes, allowing a light caramelization to form. Then, stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes until the beef is about 80% cooked.
Remove the beef from the pan and set aside — it will finish cooking later when combined with the sauce.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and stir-fry for a few seconds until fragrant.
Next, add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry over high heat for 2–3 minutes, keeping them crisp-tender — you want them to maintain a bit of crunch.

Step 5: Combine and Season

Return the seared beef to the wok. Pour in the prepared stir-fry sauce and stir everything together quickly.
Sprinkle in the coarsely ground black pepper, adjusting the amount to your spice preference. Stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats all the ingredients beautifully.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, add the cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and toss until glossy.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Once the sauce is thick and aromatic, remove from heat. Garnish with freshly ground black pepper or sesame seeds for an extra touch.
Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice or noodles. For a low-carb option, you can pair it with sautéed vegetables or cauliflower rice.

Tips for the Perfect Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry

1. Use tender cuts: Flank, sirloin, or ribeye work best for quick stir-frying.
2. Slice thinly: Cutting against the grain ensures tenderness.
3. High heat is key: Stir-frying is all about speed and heat — it locks in flavor and keeps the texture crisp.
4. Freshly ground pepper: Coarsely cracked black pepper gives the dish its signature kick and aroma.
5. Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the beef in batches if necessary to maintain that perfect sear.

Final Thoughts

This Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry is bold, savory, and full of character — a quick yet satisfying dish that can be made in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving a takeout-style meal with homemade freshness.

Every bite bursts with tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and that irresistible black pepper sauce — making it a timeless favorite for spice lovers and comfort food fans alike.

Would you like me to include a short nutrition breakdown (calories, protein, etc.) for this dish too?