Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry

 

Bold, Spicy, and Better Than Takeout: Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry 🥩🌶️🍚

There’s something irresistibly satisfying about a sizzling stir-fry — the aroma, the speed, the flavor punch. And when it comes to weeknight dinners that feel gourmet but take less than 30 minutes, Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry is an absolute winner.

Savory, juicy strips of beef coated in a glossy black pepper sauce with just the right amount of heat — this dish is bursting with bold flavors and comes together in a flash. If you love Asian takeout but want something fresher, faster, and customizable, this recipe is your new go-to.

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the beef:

• 1 lb (450g) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain

• 2 tsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp cornstarch

• 1 tsp sesame oil

For the stir-fry:

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)

• 1 small onion, sliced

• 1 bell pepper (red or green), sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper (more if you like it spicy)

For the sauce:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce

• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)

• 1 tsp sugar

• 1 tsp cornstarch

• ¼ cup water or beef broth

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👩‍🍳 How to Make It

1. Marinate the beef

In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes while you prep the rest of your ingredients.

2. Make the sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin (if using), sugar, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.

3. Stir-fry the beef

Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the beef in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.

4. Cook the veggies

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Toss in the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.

5. Combine everything

Return the beef to the pan. Add the sauce and the cracked black pepper. Stir-fry everything together for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is well-coated.

6. Serve hot

Serve immediately over steamed jasmine rice or noodles. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

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🍽️ Why You’ll Love This Dish

• Quick & Easy: Ready in 25 minutes or less

• Better than takeout: Fresh ingredients, no mystery sauces

• Customizable: Add mushrooms, snap peas, broccoli, or whatever veggies you have on hand

• Bold flavors: That cracked black pepper adds a signature kick you won’t forget

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💡 Pro Tips for Success

• Use a hot pan: Stir-frying is all about high heat and speed. Don’t crowd the pan or you’ll steam the beef instead of searing it.

• Slice thinly: Cutting the beef against the grain and into thin strips makes it extra tender.

• Freshly cracked black pepper: It’s the star of the dish — don’t skimp!

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📝 Final Thoughts

This Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry is the kind of recipe that turns ordinary ingredients into something truly crave-worthy. It's fast, flavorful, and flexible — perfect for busy nights or impressing dinner guests with minimal effort.

Serve it with rice, wrap it in lettuce, or spoon it over noodles — however you plate it, expect zero leftovers.