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.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: black pepper beef stir-fry, quick beef stir-fry, Asian beef recipe, spicy beef stir-fry, weeknight dinner