Ah, the savory, aromatic delight of a Black Pepper Beef Recipe! This dish is one of those culinary gems that can elevate any meal with its rich flavors and satisfying textures. Perfectly seared beef slices mingling with brightly colored vegetables, all wrapped in a joyous sauce that dances with hints of soy and a peppery kick. Ready to dive into creating this delectable masterpiece?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: The black pepper provides a zesty kick that complements the savory sauces.
- Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize with different proteins or vegetables based on what you have available.
- Elevated Home Cooking: Surprising friends with restaurant-quality flavors couldn’t be easier!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s take a closer look at what makes this Black Pepper Beef Recipe so delightful. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering the fantastic flavors and textures you’ll experience.
- Steak: Opt for a cut like sirloin, which offers the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Provides that anticipated peppery punch, the star of our dish.
- Sunflower and Sesame Oil: These oils lend a smooth, nutty taste that elevates the stir-fry experience.
- Bell Peppers and Onions: These add vibrant color and sweetness that beautifully contrast with the spicy notes.
- Cornflour, Soy Sauce, and Oyster Sauce: These form the rich, savory sauce that coats every ingredient perfectly.
- Garlic and Ginger: Fresh aromatics that elevate the dish’s overall aroma and taste complexity.
Variations
This Black Pepper Beef Recipe is incredibly versatile. It’s easy to tweak and twist to suit your mood, dietary needs, or simply the contents of your refrigerator!
- Protein Swap: Try using chicken or pork in place of the beef for a different taste and texture.
- Vegetable Flexibility: Incorporate carrots, broccoli, or snap peas for extra nutrition and color.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip the added salt for a heart-healthier version.
How to Make Black Pepper Beef Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Beef
Begin by tossing the thin steak slices with one teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper and a hint of salt. This initial coating sets the stage for the flavor profile of the dish.
Step 2: Sauté the Beef
Heat most of your sunflower oil combined with sesame oil until hot. Cook the beef slices swiftly, ensuring they brown evenly but stay tender. Then, set them aside to capture all those searing juices.
Step 3: Stir-Fry Vegetables
Increase the aroma by introducing sliced onions and peppers to the remaining oil in the wok, stirring over medium heat until they begin to soften. This adds a sweet crunch to your dish.
Step 4: Mix Your Sauce
As the vegetables cook, combine cornflour, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, beef stock, and that last teaspoon of black pepper. This luscious mixture is your savory elixir!
Step 5: Bring it All Together
Return the cooked beef to the wok, stirring it through the sauce and vegetables until coated beautifully. Allow the mixture to simmer lightly to meld the flavors for a few minutes.
Pro Tips for Making Black Pepper Beef Recipe
- Optimal Sear: Ensure your pan is hot enough for the steak to develop a deep, caramelized flavor.
- Prep Ahead: Have all ingredients chopped and ready to keep the cooking process smooth.
- Sauce Consistency: Use a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much, maintaining that silky finish.
- Fresh Pepper Use: Freshly ground pepper adds an assertiveness you just can’t get from pre-ground options.
How to Serve Black Pepper Beef Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the presentation of your Black Pepper Beef Recipe with finely chopped spring onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Not only do they add a touch of elegance, but they also offer a subtle crunch and freshness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a bowl of steamy jasmine rice or your favorite noodles. The neutral flavors of these side dishes allow the rich, peppery sauce to shine in every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more refined presentation, consider serving the beef atop a bed of rice, ringed with vibrant vegetables. Alternatively, for a casual family feast, lay it out on a large platter for a striking table centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers of the Black Pepper Beef Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. This dish maintains its delicious flavor well when properly stored.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the beef in suitable containers or freezer bags. When freezing, make sure to leave room for expansion and consume within a month for best taste and quality.
Reheating
Reheat the dish gently over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently. Add a splash of beef stock or water to refresh the sauce, ensuring the beef remains moist and tender.
FAQs
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What cut of beef is best for this recipe?
Sirloin is highly recommended due to its flavor and tenderness, but other cuts like rump or flank can work if sliced thinly against the grain.
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Can I make this dish spicier?
Absolutely! Increase the amount of black pepper or add some red chili flakes for extra heat.
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Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, swap out the beef for firm tofu or seitan, and adapt the seasoning to taste. It’s just as delicious without the meat!
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Can I add more vegetables?
Of course! This recipe works well with a variety of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or even mushrooms. Just ensure all veggies are cut to similar sizes for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something full of flavor with minimal prep time, the Black Pepper Beef Recipe is your culinary soulmate. It’s easy to whip up and guaranteed to become a staple in your home, as it has in mine. So why wait? Get those ingredients together and treat your taste buds to a delicious adventure today!
Print
Black Pepper Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stir-Fry
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Black Pepper Beef is a flavorful and quick stir-fry dish featuring tender slices of beef cooked with fragrant black pepper, colorful bell peppers, and onions in a savory sauce. Perfectly served over steamed rice, it offers a satisfying combination of heat, umami, and crunch in every bite, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or entertaining dish.
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 the steak: Toss the sliced steak with 1 tsp of black pepper and the salt. Ensure the meat is well coated for flavor.
- Cook the steak: Heat 3 tbsp of sunflower oil and the sesame oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat until very hot. Add the steak slices and fry for 2-3 minutes, stirring or moving around the pan to prevent sticking and ensure even browning. Once cooked, transfer the steak to a bowl and set aside, leaving any residual oil in the pan.
- Sauté the vegetables: Lower the heat to medium, add the remaining 1 tbsp of sunflower oil to the wok. Add the sliced onions and peppers. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften but still retain some crunch.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small jug, combine the cornflour, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, Chinese rice wine, beef stock, and 1 tsp black pepper. Stir well to blend and set aside.
- Cook aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the vegetables in the wok. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the wok. Bring it to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly. Add a splash of water if it becomes too thick.
- Combine steak with sauce: Return the cooked steak to the wok. Stir well to coat the beef in the sauce and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the beef is heated through.
- Serve: Spoon the black pepper beef over steamed boiled rice and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Can I make it ahead? It tastes best freshly cooked, but can be prepared ahead. Keep in mind that reheated vegetables will be softer, and beef may lose some tenderness.
- To reheat, cook over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring often, adding a splash of water or beef stock to loosen the sauce.
- Ingredient swaps: Substitute beef with thin strips of pork or chicken. Add quick-cook vegetables like carrots, snow peas, bean sprouts, or shredded cabbage for extra nutrition and color.
- Scaling: Doubling or halving the recipe is straightforward; cook in batches if necessary to avoid crowding the pan, which could lead to steaming rather than frying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (including rice)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
