Name: Black Pepper Beef Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 pound flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain); 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons water; 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon sugar; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 green bell pepper (sliced); 1 red bell pepper (sliced); 1 small onion (sliced); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon ginger (minced)

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This Black Pepper Beef Recipe is absolute magic in a skillet: tender slices of beef sizzling with crisp bell peppers, fragrant garlic, and a deep, peppery sauce that clings to every bite. In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a vibrant main course that’s bursting with bold flavors, worthy of takeout dreams but made entirely in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish delivers a satisfying punch of umami and heat that everyone will be raving about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Black Pepper Beef Recipe is the way a handful of everyday ingredients unite for a seriously restaurant-worthy finish. Every item in this lineup brings its own personality, whether that’s tenderness, crunch, or extra savory depth—so don’t skip a thing if you want the ultimate flavor payoff!

Flank steak (1 pound, thinly sliced against the grain): Choose flank for its rich beefy taste and tender bite when sliced thin.
Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds deep umami and essential saltiness to both the marinade and sauce.
Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Brings an unmistakable savory sweetness for that authentic taste.
Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): With its sweet, tangy notes, hoisin sauce creates delicious complexity in the sauce.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Not only does this tenderize the beef, it thickens the sauce to silky perfection.
Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Gives the dish a fresh pop of acidity, lifting all the flavors.
Water (2 tablespoons): Loosens the sauce and keeps it glossy without overpowering the dish.
Freshly ground black pepper (1 tablespoon): The star! Use freshly ground for a stronger aromatic punch.
Sugar (1 teaspoon): A tiny bit balances savory and spicy notes beautifully.
Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons): Use just enough to keep everything sizzling with a glossy sheen.
Green bell pepper (1, sliced): Adds crisp sweetness and vibrant color.
Red bell pepper (1, sliced): Offers even more sweetness and a beautiful visual contrast.
Onion (1 small, sliced): Onions bring mellow sweetness and a lovely bite.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Essential for that savory, mouthwatering fragrance.
Ginger (1 teaspoon, minced): Adds a tingly warmth and classic Asian flair.

How to Make Black Pepper Beef Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Start by tossing your beautifully sliced flank steak with cornstarch and just a tablespoon of soy sauce in a medium bowl. This little marinade is the secret to that heavenly, tender texture (and guarantees the beef soaks up amazing flavor in minutes). Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes while you prep the rest—easy and worth every second!

Step 2: Mix Up the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, water, freshly ground black pepper, and sugar. This glossy mixture is the backbone of our Black Pepper Beef Recipe—fiery and savory with a touch of sweetness. Don’t worry, it smells incredible even before it hits the pan!

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your marinated beef in a single layer, letting it sear undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until beautifully browned. Once all sides have that caramelized look, scoop the beef out and set it aside so it’s not overcooked.

Step 4: Stir-Fry Vegetables

In the same skillet, splash in the rest of your vegetable oil. Toss in the garlic, ginger, onion, and those jewel-toned bell peppers. Stir-fry for about 3 to 4 minutes—let the veggies soften just a little but keep their crisp bite. This is where your kitchen starts to smell absolutely mouthwatering!

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the seared beef to your skillet. Pour the magical sauce over the top and stir everything together. Watch as the sauce thickens, glosses up, and coats every morsel. In just 2 minutes, your Black Pepper Beef Recipe is transformed into a glossy, saucy, irresistible main dish. Serve it hot over steamed rice and you’re golden.

How to Serve Black Pepper Beef Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh scallions or cilantro on top adds a cooling, green pop. If you love crunch, thinly sliced fresh chili or even a scatter of toasted sesame seeds make this Black Pepper Beef Recipe extra eye-catching—plus, it’s an easy way to add flavor and flair.

Side Dishes

This dish truly shines with a simple bowl of fluffy steamed rice to soak up all that glorious sauce. If you want to go further, serve alongside some crisp cucumber salad or a plate of sautéed greens—these refreshing sides complement the spicy richness of the beef beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn dinner into a fun build-your-own rice bowl bar, or spoon the beef and peppers onto crisp lettuce leaves for a lighter take. For dinner parties, serve the Black Pepper Beef Recipe in a large shallow platter with lime wedges and chopped herbs—it looks (and tastes) sensational.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool before transferring to an airtight container. The flavors of this Black Pepper Beef Recipe actually deepen overnight, so tomorrow’s lunch is sure to be a treat! Keep in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well. Divide cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for best texture.

Reheating

When you’re ready for round two, gently warm the beef in a skillet over medium heat until hot throughout. If it seems a little thick, add a small splash of water as it reheats to loosen the sauce and bring back its shine.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this Black Pepper Beef Recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak is classic for its texture and flavor, sirloin or ribeye work beautifully and are just as easy to slice thinly. The key is to slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.

How spicy is the final dish?

The pepperiness here comes from the freshly ground black pepper, which delivers a bold, warm heat without burning your tastebuds. If you love it extra spicy, toss in some chili flakes or a diced hot pepper during the stir-frying step.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely! Mushrooms, snap peas, or thinly sliced carrots are all fantastic in this Black Pepper Beef Recipe. Just make sure not to overcrowd the pan so every veggie gets a little sear and stays crisp-tender.

Is there a gluten-free version?

You can easily make this dish gluten-free by using tamari or liquid aminos instead of soy sauce, and double-check that your hoisin and oyster sauces are labeled gluten-free.

What’s the best way to get that restaurant-style sear?

Use a large skillet or wok, get it very hot before adding the beef, and don’t crowd the pan—this helps the meat brown instead of steaming. Sear in batches if you need to!

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a home-cooked meal that hits all the right notes—tender, zippy, satisfying, and lightning-fast—this Black Pepper Beef Recipe delivers with every single bite. Don’t wait for takeout night to enjoy it: whip it up and see your dinner table light up with smiles!

Black Pepper Beef Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Black Pepper Beef recipe is a quick and flavorful Asian stir-fry dish that is perfect for a delicious weeknight meal. Tender slices of beef are cooked with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a savory black pepper sauce, creating a dish that is both satisfying and bursting with flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinated Beef:

1 pound flank steak (thinly sliced against the grain)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch

Sauce:

1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon sugar

Vegetables:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 green bell pepper (sliced)
1 red bell pepper (sliced)
1 small onion (sliced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon ginger (minced)

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Instructions

Marinate Beef: Toss sliced flank steak with cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Marinate for 10–15 minutes.
Prepare Sauce: Whisk together remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, water, black pepper, and sugar.
Cook Beef: Sear marinated beef in oil until browned. Set aside.
Stir-fry Vegetables: Cook garlic, ginger, onion, and bell peppers until slightly tender.
Combine: Return beef to the pan, add sauce, and cook until thickened. Serve over rice.