A quick and tasty recipe for Chinese Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry featuring tender beef and vibrant vegetables in a savory black pepper sauce.
Author:Lorenzo Bonucci
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:15 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Stir-Fry
Cuisine:Chinese
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon baking soda (optional, for tenderizing)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium onion, cut into wedges
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/2 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar
2 green onions, chopped
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the beef: Slice the beef thinly against the grain. In a bowl, combine the beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and baking soda if using. Mix well and let marinate for 15–20 minutes.
Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, cornstarch, black pepper, and rice vinegar. Set aside.
Sear the beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the beef in batches and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned. Avoid overcrowding the pan. Transfer to a plate.
Cook the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the onion and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Combine everything: Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour in the prepared black pepper sauce and toss well.
Thicken the sauce: Cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.
Adjust the flavor: Add more freshly cracked black pepper if you prefer a stronger peppery taste.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Use sirloin or flank steak for tender, flavorful beef.
Always slice against the grain to make the beef easier to chew.
Freeze the beef for 15–20 minutes before slicing for thinner, more even pieces.
Cook the beef in small batches to achieve a good sear.
Use freshly cracked black pepper for a stronger, more aromatic flavor.