Black Pepper Beef Stir Fry Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s my go-to for a quick yet satisfyingly flavorful meal that feels like a restaurant-style dish at home. The way the tender beef combines with the vibrant peppers and aromatic ginger-garlic mix is a taste sensation that never disappoints and always impresses my friends.

I pack my Black Pepper Beef Stir Fry with protein, and I prepare it fast. I savor the soy- and oyster-sauce flavors that infuse the thinly sliced beef sirloin—which I cut against the grain before marinating—for a few minutes.

The fresh bell peppers (both red and green) give this dish their splendid crunch. And I not-so-patiently wait while garlicky, gingerly goodness wafts through the kitchen, enticing me to the table.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a black pepper beef stir fry without the recently ground black pepper that’s featured in the dish. Over cooked rice, this is a balanced meal that hits all the right notes between flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients

Sirloin or flank steak: A beef cut that provides lots of protein, with benefits that almost directly translate to muscle mass and muscle health.

Adds umami; enhances overall flavor: Soy sauce.

Oyster sauce: Delivers savory depth and a slightly sweet taste.

Black pepper: Provides a piquant spice, and antioxidant qualities.

Bell peppers in red and green: High in vitamins C and A, they add a delightful crunch.

Garlic: Enhances immune health, contributes a strong scent.

Ginger: Assists in digestion, provides warmth and zest.

Sesame oil: Aroma of nuts; has healthful fatty acids.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon rice wine or Shaoxing wine
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt to taste
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the beef slices with soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, black pepper, and cornstarch.

Marinate for at least 15 minutes.

2. In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry it until it is browned and just cooked through, which should take you around 2-3 minutes. Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

3. In the same skillet, add the last tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the sliced onion and stir-fry for about 1 minute until it’s just starting to soften.

4. Incorporate the red and green bell peppers and keep stir-frying for another 2 minutes until the vegetables reach a state of tenderness that is just shy of complete.

5. Place the minced garlic and ginger in the skillet and stir-fry them for approximately 30 seconds until they become aromatic.

6. Put the beef back in the skillet along with any juices that have collected. Stir it back together.

7. Add the rice wine or Shaoxing wine and continue to stir-fry for another minute to blend the flavors.

8. Sesame oil should take a separate road.

Drizzle it over the stir-fry, and toss well to coat. The presence of toasted sesame oil calls for the stir-fry not to be too hot. Indeed, it can be used as a drizzle over many dishes.

9. Adjust seasoning as necessary.

10. Sliced green onions make a good garnish. Serve this dish over cooked rice. Offer it steaming hot. Your tablemates will gratefully devour this Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry.

Equipment Needed

1. Mixing bowl
2. Measuring spoons
3. Large skillet or wok
4. Spatula or wooden spoon
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Plate or bowl for setting aside cooked beef

FAQ

• What type of beef is best for this stir fry?For optimal outcomes, use beef sirloin or flank steak since they are tender and full of flavor.
• Can I substitute any of the sauces?In the absence of dark soy sauce, you can use additional regular soy sauce, but the flavor and hue may vary somewhat.
• Why use cornstarch in the recipe?The beef is tenderized, and the sauce is thickened and provides a glossy finish with cornstarch.
• Can I add other vegetables to the stir fry?Absolutely! Broccoli, snow peas, or carrots would complement this dish perfectly.
• How can I make the dish spicier?If you want to make it even spicier, add sliced chili peppers or a pinch of chili flakes while stir-frying.
• Is there an alternative to Shaoxing wine?If you cannot find Shaoxing wine, it is possible to use dry sherry as a substitute.
• How do I ensure the beef is tender?To keep the beef tender, cut it thinly against the grain and avoid overcooking.

Substitutions and Variations

Sirloin or flank steak: Substitute with chicken breast or tofu for a different protein option.
Oyster sauce: If you don’t have any on hand, try using hoisin sauce or vegetarian oyster sauce as a substitute that brings a similar flavor profile to your meal.
Substitute dark soy sauce with regular soy sauce combined with a small amount of molasses to achieve the desired sweetness and color.
Shaoxing wine or rice wine: Use dry sherry or mirin instead. If using mirin, reduce other sweet ingredients in the dish to balance.
Sesame oil: For a nutty flavor, substitute a drizzle of walnut oil or garnish with very finely chopped toasted sesame seeds.

Pro Tips

1. Tenderize the Beef For extra tender beef, slice it against the grain before marinating. This helps break down the muscle fibers and ensures a more tender texture when cooked.

2. Marination Time If possible, marinate the beef for longer than 15 minutes, ideally up to 1-2 hours. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply and enhances the overall taste of the dish.

3. High Heat Stir-Frying Make sure your skillet or wok is sufficiently hot before adding the beef and vegetables. Cooking over high heat ensures that the ingredients are seared quickly, preserving their texture and flavor.

4. Balance the Flavor Adjust the seasoning by adding a pinch of sugar or a splash of lime juice if desired. This can help balance the savory flavors and add a subtle layer of complexity to the dish.

5. Crunchy Vegetables To maintain the crunchiness of the bell peppers, avoid overcooking them. Stir-fry them just enough so they remain vibrant and slightly crisp, adding a great texture contrast to the tender beef.