Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry
This Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry is a quick and easy meal featuring tender beef strips cooked with vibrant bell peppers and onions in a bold, savory black pepper sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, making it a nutritious and satisfying dish ideal for busy weeknights or any time you crave a flavorful Asian-inspired stir-fry.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Beef and Marinade
- 300g flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1–2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into bite-sized strips
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into bite-sized strips
- 1 medium onion, sliced into strips
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1/4 cup water or broth
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (cornstarch slurry)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1–2 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
- Prep the Ingredients: Slice the beef thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. Chop the bell peppers and onions into bite-sized strips, and mince the garlic and ginger. Measure out all sauces and seasonings so everything is ready to go.
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, toss the beef with a splash of soy sauce, a pinch of cornstarch, and a generous amount of freshly cracked black pepper. Marinate for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors penetrate the meat deeply.
- Stir-fry the Beef: Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat with a little oil. Quickly sear the beef strips until browned but still tender, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside to avoid overcooking.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add a bit more oil to the pan and stir-fry the garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the bell peppers and onions and stir-fry until just tender-crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine and Make the Sauce: Return the beef to the pan. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, water or broth, and black pepper. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, giving the stir-fry a glossy finish.
- Finish with Sesame Oil and Serve: Drizzle sesame oil over the stir-fry for aroma, mix well, and remove from heat. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles and enjoy!
Notes
- Slice beef thinly for quick cooking and tenderness.
- Cook on high heat to achieve a good sear and keep veggies crisp.
- Use freshly cracked black pepper for the boldest flavor.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if needed for best caramelization.
- Marinate the beef for at least 10 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: black pepper beef, beef stir-fry, quick beef recipe, Asian stir fry, savory beef dish, gluten free stir fry