Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry

Step 3: Heat the Wok

Heat a large wok or skillet over high heat. When it’s hot, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Swirl the oil around the pan to coat it evenly.
Add the marinated beef in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes without stirring to get a nice caramelized surface. Then stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes until the beef is mostly cooked through. Remove it from the wok and set aside.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

In the same wok, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the sliced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until they start to soften but still retain a crisp texture.
Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked beef to the wok. Give the prepared sauce a quick stir (to prevent cornstarch from settling at the bottom) and pour it over the beef and vegetables.
Stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes, making sure everything is well coated in the sauce. The sauce should thicken slightly and become glossy.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once the sauce has thickened and the beef is tender, remove the wok from heat. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top and give everything a final toss.
Serve your Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry immediately over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or with noodles for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Stir-Fry

1. Use high heat: Stir-frying is all about quick cooking. A hot wok prevents the ingredients from steaming and helps them caramelize properly.
2. Don’t overcrowd the pan: If your wok is small, cook the beef in batches so it browns nicely instead of boiling.
3. Use freshly ground black pepper: It’s key to the dish’s flavor — pre-ground pepper just doesn’t pack the same punch.
4. Slice beef thinly: Freezing the beef for 20 minutes before slicing makes it easier to cut thinly and evenly.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with steamed rice or fried rice for a hearty meal.
• Add a side of stir-fried broccoli or bok choy for extra greens.
• Sprinkle a few sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili oil if you enjoy more heat.

Conclusion

The Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create big, bold flavors. With its tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and a spicy-sweet sauce that’s irresistible, this dish is a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with authentic Asian flavor — the ultimate comfort stir-fry for any occasion.

Would you like me to include a version of this recipe with noodles instead of rice?