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Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry

Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry

Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender beef slices coated in a bold black pepper marinade, stir-fried with vibrant bell peppers and onions. Ready in under 30 minutes, this savory meal balances spicy, aromatic notes with fresh crunch, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Marinade

  • 300g sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tsp freshly cracked or coarsely ground black pepper (plus more for garnish)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
  • 1 tsp sesame oil (for marinade)

Vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Cooking Oils & Optional

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
  • Optional: ¼ tsp chili flakes or sliced fresh chili (for extra heat)
  • Optional: toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef thinly against the grain for tenderness. In a bowl, combine the beef with soy sauce, freshly ground black pepper, minced garlic, minced ginger, and a dash of sesame oil. Marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.
  2. Chop Vegetables: While the beef marinates, slice the bell peppers and onion into bite-sized strips. Chop green onions for garnish and keep all vegetables ready for quick stir-frying.
  3. Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until hot. Add the marinated beef in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes, searing until almost cooked through. Remove the beef and set aside to prevent overcooking.
  4. Cook the Vegetables: Add more vegetable oil if needed, then stir-fry the onions and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes until they soften but remain slightly crisp, maintaining texture.
  5. Bring It All Together: Return the beef to the pan. Sprinkle additional freshly ground black pepper to intensify the flavor and mix well. Stir everything for 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Add extra soy sauce or chili flakes as desired for seasoning and heat.
  6. Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat and drizzle a little sesame oil over the stir-fry. Garnish with chopped green onions and optional toasted sesame seeds or sliced red chilies. Serve immediately with steamed rice, noodles, or as desired.

Notes

  • Use high heat to cook quickly, keeping beef juicy and vegetables crisp.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming.
  • Marinate beef briefly (10–15 minutes) to enhance flavor without toughening.
  • Freshly cracked black pepper significantly improves aroma and spiciness.
  • Prepare and chop all ingredients before cooking to ensure smooth workflow.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat gently on medium heat with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.

Nutrition

Keywords: black pepper beef stir-fry, quick beef stir-fry, Asian beef recipe, spicy beef stir-fry, weeknight dinner