Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry: A Flavorful Asian Classic with a Spicy Kick
If you’re craving something quick, savory, and full of bold flavors, a Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry is the perfect dish to whip up at home. This recipe combines tender strips of beef, crunchy vegetables, and a peppery sauce that delivers both heat and richness. The best part? It comes together in less than 30 minutes — ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you want an impressive meal without too much fuss.
What Is Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry?
Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry is a popular Asian dish, especially in Chinese cuisine. It features thinly sliced beef, typically sirloin or flank steak, stir-fried with colorful vegetables and tossed in a glossy sauce infused with freshly cracked black pepper, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and garlic. The result is a delicious balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors that coat every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Beef Marinade:
- 1 pound (450 g) beef sirloin, flank, or tenderloin — thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (divided)
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for extra richness)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup water (to thicken)
- 1½ teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Start by cutting your beef into thin slices against the grain — this ensures tenderness. Place the slices into a bowl and add soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, and black pepper.
Mix well until the beef is evenly coated, then let it marinate for at least 15–20 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in and tenderizes the meat.
Step 2: Mix the Stir-Fry Sauce
In a small bowl, combine oyster sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), sugar, black pepper, and the cornstarch-water mixture. Stir until smooth and set aside.
This sauce will thicken during cooking and cling beautifully to the beef and vegetables.
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