Black Pepper Beef Stir Fry

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love a savory, slightly spicy stir fry, this Black Pepper Beef is for you! The combination of tender sirloin steak, fresh peppers, and a delicious black pepper sauce makes every bite rich and satisfying. Unlike traditional stir-fries that rely on chili for heat, this recipe uses black pepper for a milder, yet equally warming flavor. The sauce is perfectly balanced with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a hint of rice wine, making it a great dish for those who love Asian-inspired flavors. Plus, it’s quick to make—ready in just 30 minutes!

this Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 450g (1 lb) thin sirloin steak, sliced against the grain

• 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

• ¼ tsp salt

• 4 tbsp sunflower oil

• 1 tsp sesame oil

• 2 medium-sized onions, peeled and sliced

• 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 (½ cup) beef stock

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp minced ginger

Directions

1. Toss the steak strips with 1 tsp of black pepper and the salt.

2. Heat 3 tbsp of sunflower oil and sesame oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat until hot. Add the steak and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned, then transfer to a bowl.

3. In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tbsp of sunflower oil and stir-fry the onions, peppers, garlic, and ginger for about 2-3 minutes.

4. In a small bowl, mix the cornflour, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine, and beef stock to create the sauce. Pour it into the pan and bring to a boil, stirring to thicken.

5. Add the cooked steak back into the pan, stirring to coat the steak in the sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until heated through.

6. Serve the black pepper beef stir fry over boiled rice or your preferred side dish.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the steak with tofu or seitan for a vegetarian-friendly version.

• Spicy Kick: Add a few sliced chilies to the stir fry for an extra spicy kick.

• Different Vegetables: Feel free to swap the bell peppers for other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the stir fry in a pan over medium heat until warmed through. Add a splash of water or beef stock if the sauce thickens too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use other tender cuts like flank steak or rib-eye, but be sure to slice them thinly against the grain for the best texture.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prep the steak and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just cook the stir fry when you’re ready.

3. Can I use frozen vegetables?

Fresh vegetables are recommended for this recipe to ensure the best texture and flavor, but you can use frozen vegetables if necessary. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the stir fry.

4. What other sauces can I use in this recipe?

If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can replace it with hoisin sauce or a soy sauce and sugar mix for a similar flavor.

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe is not gluten-free due to the soy sauce. However, you can use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

6. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! This dish is very versatile, so you can add more veggies like carrots, snow peas, or even baby corn.

7. How do I make the sauce thinner?

If you prefer a thinner sauce, simply add a little more beef stock or water when adding the steak back to the pan.

8. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! If you like your food spicier, you can add more black pepper or even some red chili flakes to the sauce.

9. Can I substitute rice wine?

Yes, you can substitute rice wine with dry sherry or even a splash of white wine if you don’t have rice wine on hand.

10. Can I serve this with noodles instead of rice?

Yes, noodles would be a great alternative to rice. You can serve this stir fry over egg noodles or your favorite type of Asian noodles.

Conclusion

This Black Pepper Beef Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. The tender steak, colorful vegetables, and rich black pepper sauce come together for a satisfying meal that will become a family favorite. It’s versatile and easy to make, and it pairs beautifully with rice or noodles. Whether you’re a fan of spicy stir-fries or just looking for a new recipe to try, this one is sure to impress!