If you’ve ever craved the rich, savory taste of a restaurant-style dish in the comfort of your own home, this Black Pepper Beef Recipe promises to deliver just that. Packed with punchy flavors from freshly ground black pepper and a harmonious blend of sauces, this dish is a quick and delightful dinner option that combines tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and a luscious sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe brings a flavorful restaurant-quality meal to your table in just 30 minutes.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of black pepper, garlic, and ginger creates a symphony of tastes that will delight your palate.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak with different vegetables or even switch up the protein if you’re in the mood for variety.
- Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for dinner parties or family gatherings, as it’s both impressive and delightful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Black Pepper Beef Recipe lies in its simplicity—relying on essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in achieving that authentic flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish:
- Thin Steak: Choose a tender cut like sirloin, slicing it thinly and against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: This is where the dish gets its signature bold flavor, so don’t skimp—use freshly ground for the best taste.
- Sunflower and Sesame Oil: Combining these oils adds a subtle nuttiness and the perfect frying texture.
- Colorful Bell Peppers: Not just for crunch, these add a sweetness that balances the peppery heat.
- Onions, Garlic, and Ginger: These aromatics form the flavorful base of the dish.
- Dark Soy Sauce and Oyster Sauce: These sauces provide depth and umami, creating a savory, satisfying sauce.
- Beef Stock and Cornflour: This combination ensures a rich, velvety sauce that coats each piece of meat beautifully.
Variations
Consider this Black Pepper Beef Recipe a canvas, ready for your culinary artistry. It’s incredibly versatile and can be easily adapted to fit your preferences or dietary needs. Here’s how you can make it your own:
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap out the beef for tofu or tempeh, adjusting cooking times as necessary to create a delightful vegetarian version.
- Spicy Kick: Love heat? Add thinly sliced chilies or a dash of chili oil to ramp up the spice level.
- Different Proteins: If beef isn’t your favorite, try chicken or pork for an equally mouthwatering dish.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace soy sauce with tamari, keeping all the flavor with none of the gluten.
How to Make Black Pepper Beef Recipe
Step 1: Season the Steak
Start by tossing your thinly sliced steak with freshly ground black pepper and a touch of salt. This simple seasoning allows the meat to develop a robust flavor distinct to this dish.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
Heat a mix of sunflower and sesame oil in a wok until shimmering, then lay the beef in to brown beautifully. Move it around the pan to ensure each slice receives an even sear, then remove and set aside.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Veggies
Introduce your onion and bell pepper slices to the hot pan, cooking until they’re just beginning to soften. They should remain crisp for that perfect texture contrast to the tender beef.
Step 4: Whip Up the Sauce
While the vegetables are cooking, mix the cornflour with soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, and beef stock in a small jug. This mixture will transform into a glossy sauce once added to the pan.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the beef to the pan, pouring over your prepared sauce. Stir and let everything simmer gently, then serve atop a bed of fluffy boiled rice. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making Black Pepper Beef Recipe
- Perfect Sear Technique: Ensure your wok is piping hot before adding the beef for an excellent sear that locks in juices.
- Even Cuts Matter: Slice all your vegetables and beef evenly for uniform cooking and a balanced presentation.
- Taste the Sauce: Adjust your sauce ingredients before adding to the beef, as some soy sauces differ in saltiness.
- Stock Selection: A high-quality beef stock elevates the sauce, enhancing the overall flavor.
How to Serve Black Pepper Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Black Pepper Beef with fresh scallions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for an added crunch and a burst of vibrant color.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs perfectly with simple steamed broccoli or a vibrant cucumber salad that complements the savory richness of the beef.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic touch, serve it in a large bowl with the beef layered over rice, or go for elegance by plating the beef and veggies in a ring mold for a structured presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftover beef in an airtight container for up to three days, ensuring it remains flavorful and fresh.
Freezing
Your Black Pepper Beef can be frozen for future meals—simply store in a sealed container and consume within one month for optimal taste.
Reheating
Warm your beef slowly on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef stock or water to revive the sauce and maintain moisture.
FAQs
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Can I use another type of meat for this Black Pepper Beef Recipe?
Absolutely! While beef provides a robust flavor, chicken, pork, or even a plant-based meat alternative will work beautifully.
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What if I don’t have Chinese rice wine?
No worries! You can substitute it with dry sherry or even skip it entirely if you’re in a pinch.
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How can I make this dish less spicy?
Simply reduce the amount of black pepper used, or use a milder pepper such as white pepper for a gentler heat.
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What type of rice pairs best with this Black Pepper Beef Recipe?
Jasmine or basmati rice are excellent choices due to their aromatic qualities that complement the dish’s flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been on the hunt for a hearty and flavor-packed dinner solution, look no further than this Black Pepper Beef Recipe. Quick to prepare yet complex in taste, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. So, grab your wok and dive into this wonderful world of savory, peppery delight!
Print
Black Pepper Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This flavorful Black Pepper Beef recipe features tender slices of beef stir-fried with a spicy black pepper sauce, complemented by colorful bell peppers and onions. Quick to prepare and packed with bold flavors, it’s perfect served over steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Black Pepper Steak:
- 450 g (1 lb) thin steak sliced thinly, against the grain (sirloin recommended)
- 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp sunflower oil
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 medium-sized onions peeled and chopped into thick slices
- 1 green bell pepper deseeded and sliced
- 1 red bell pepper deseeded and sliced
- 2 tbsp cornflour (cornstarch)
- 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp Chinese rice wine (or dry sherry)
- 120 ml (1/2 cup) beef stock
- 2 cloves garlic peeled and minced
- 1 tsp minced ginger
To Serve:
- Boiled rice
Instructions
- Prepare Steak: Toss the thinly sliced steak with 1 tsp of black pepper and ¼ tsp salt until evenly coated.
- Heat Oil: Heat 3 tbsp sunflower oil and 1 tsp sesame oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat until very hot.
- Cook Steak: Add the steak slices to the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking, until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Stir-fry Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tbsp sunflower oil to the wok. Add sliced onions and bell peppers, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Prepare Sauce: In a small jug, combine 2 tbsp cornflour, 2 tbsp dark soy sauce, 2 tbsp oyster sauce, 1 tbsp Chinese rice wine, 120 ml beef stock, and the remaining 1 tsp black pepper. Stir well and set aside.
- Add Aromatics: Return to the wok, add minced garlic and ginger to the vegetables, and cook for 1 minute, stirring often.
- Add Sauce and Simmer: Pour the prepared sauce into the wok, stirring until combined. Bring to a gentle simmer, adding water if the sauce is too thick.
- Combine Steak and Serve: Return the cooked steak to the wok, stirring to coat with the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through. Serve hot over boiled rice.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of black pepper for spice preference.
- Use flank or sirloin steak for best results.
- You can add other vegetables like snap peas or mushrooms for variation.
- Ensure the wok is very hot to achieve a good stir-fry sear.
- Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 350 g including rice)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
