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Black Pepper Beef

A flavorful stir-fry dish with tender beef sirloin, aromatic spices, and crunchy vegetables, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Calories: 290
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced For tenderness and flavor. Look for high-quality meat; grass-fed is a great option.
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil For sautéing. You can substitute with sesame oil for a nuttier flavor.
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced Adds sweetness and crunch. Yellow onions are preferable for this dish.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances overall flavor (fresh is best!).
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced Adds zest and warmth.
Sauce Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp black pepper, freshly ground The star of the show offering heat and depth.
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce Use low-sodium soy sauce to balance the flavors.
  • 1/4 cup beef broth Enhances the sauce and keeps it rich.
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce Provides a savory, umami punch; can be omitted for a vegetarian version.
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch Helps thicken the sauce.
  • 2 tbsp water Combine with cornstarch to form a slurry.
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions For garnish and refreshing flavor.
  • Salt to taste Don’t forget to adjust according to your preference.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Begin by heating 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Make sure the oil is shimmering but not smoking.
  2. Add the thinly sliced beef sirloin to the skillet in a single layer. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until browned. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
  3. In the same skillet, add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle in 2 tbsp of freshly ground black pepper and stir-fry for another minute to release the spices’ essential oils.
Cooking
  1. Pour in the soy sauce, beef broth, and oyster sauce. Stir well and let it simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
  2. Return the cooked beef to the skillet. In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water to create a slurry. Pour it into the skillet, stirring until the sauce thickens (about 2-3 minutes).
  3. Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

Make sure to slice the beef against the grain for maximum tenderness. Keep an eye on the heat—too high and your beef will become tough. You can slice the vegetables and beef a day ahead and store them in airtight containers in the fridge for ease. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.