If you’re craving a sizzling, flavor-packed dish that’s both satisfying and impressively quick, meet your new favorite: *Quick & Easy Black Pepper Beef*. This vibrant dish is not just a treat for the taste buds, but also a visual delight with colorful bell peppers and tender slices of marinated beef.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor Explosion: With the pungent kick of black pepper and savory depth of the sauces, every bite is a burst of bold flavors.
- Quick to Make: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something delicious yet speedy.
- Vibrant & Nutritious: The mix of colorful bell peppers not only adds visual appeal but also a good dose of vitamins and nutrients.
- Customizable: Whether you prefer a hint more spice or want to try a different cut of meat, it’s easy to tailor to your taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Quick & Easy Black Pepper Beef is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from the tender steak to the sweet bell peppers, crafting a balanced, mouthwatering meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Flank Steak: Offers a tender texture; ensure it’s thinly sliced for quick cooking.
- Red and Green Bell Peppers: Provide sweetness and color, complementing the spicy beef nicely.
- Onion: Adds a touch of sweetness and subtle crunch.
- Garlic: Enhances overall flavor with its aromatic profile.
- Soy Sauce: A mix of regular and dark soy sauce infuses the dish with umami richness.
- Shaoxing Wine: Brings an authentic Chinese flavor, though Dry Sherry works if not available.
- Black Pepper: The star of the show, giving the dish its distinctive heat.
Variations
Feel free to make this Quick & Easy Black Pepper Beef your own. It’s ultra-customizable, adapting seamlessly to what you have on hand or your specific dietary preferences.
- Vegetarian Twist: Swap the beef for firm tofu or tempeh for a plant-based alternative that still satisfies.
- Spice It Up: Add sliced chilies or a dash of chili oil for a fiery kick.
- Colorful Crunch: Throw in other veggies like snap peas or baby corns for extra crunch.
How to Make Quick & Easy Black Pepper Beef
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
Start by giving the flank steak a flavorful soak. In a large bowl, combine the beef with minced garlic, soy sauces, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, sugar, and a sprinkle of black pepper. Let it sit for 15 minutes to absorb the flavors. This quick marinade not only tenderizes the beef but also amps up its flavor profile.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Basics
Heat up a touch of vegetable oil in a sizzling hot wok or skillet. Add the marinated steak slices and sear until golden and just cooked through. Remove them to keep their juices intact, then add the onions and bell peppers. Cook these just until they’re tender but still maintain a vibrant crunch.
Step 3: Sauce it Up
In the same pan, pour in the pre-mixed sauce, letting it bubble and thicken, which should take about 1 to 2 minutes. Return the beef to the wok, tossing everything together so that the steak is thoroughly coated in the rich, peppery sauce. Serve it hot and enjoy this savory delight!
Pro Tips for Making Quick & Easy Black Pepper Beef
- Perfect Cut: Keep the flank steak slices thin—this ensures they cook quickly and stay tender.
- Heat Control: Use high heat while stir-frying to lock in the beef’s juices and give a lovely sear.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce isn’t thickening, add a touch more cornstarch mixed with water.
- Batch Cooking: To avoid crowding the pan, cook the beef in batches for an even sear.
How to Serve Quick & Easy Black Pepper Beef
Garnishes
You can freshen up your plate of Quick & Easy Black Pepper Beef with a sprinkle of sliced green onions or sesame seeds, adding a pop of color and a subtle nutty flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve this dish over a bed of steamed jasmine rice to soak up all the delicious sauce, or pair it with fried rice or noodles for a heartier meal. Stir-fried greens like bok choy can also complement the beef nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving in a rustic cast-iron skillet or beautifully modern square dining plates to create an eye-catching presentation. Get creative with plating arrangements by artfully layering beef, vegetables, and rice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. This flavorful dish will keep well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
Freezing
Quick & Easy Black Pepper Beef can be frozen for up to a month. Freeze portions in sealed containers, and ensure to cool the beef completely before freezing to maintain its texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the beef in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm it gently in a skillet on medium heat. Add a splash of water or stock if needed to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying.
FAQs
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Can I use a different cut of beef?
Absolutely! While flank steak is preferred for its texture, sirloin or ribeye can also be used—just ensure they are thinly sliced for quick cooking.
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What can I substitute for Shaoxing wine?
If Shaoxing wine is unavailable, Dry Sherry makes a great substitute, providing a similar depth of flavor.
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How spicy is the dish?
The dish has a pleasant peppery heat without being overwhelming. Adjust the amount of black pepper to your liking to make it spicier or milder.
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Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the beef with firm tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable stock to keep it vegetarian-friendly while retaining great flavor.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll fall in love with the vibrant flavors and simplicity of this *Quick & Easy Black Pepper Beef*. It’s a delightfully satisfying dish that promises to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Give it a try and share your savory success with friends and family!
Print
Quick & Easy Black Pepper Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Stir-fry
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese-inspired
Description
This Quick & Easy Black Pepper Beef recipe is a flavorful stir-fry that combines tender slices of beef with colorful vegetables and a savory black pepper sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1/2 lb flank steak thinly sliced (or substitute with any beef steak of choice)
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoon regular soy sauce
- 2 teaspoon dark soy sauce
- 2 teaspoon Shaoxing wine or Dry Sherry wine
- 1.5 teaspoon cornstarch or potato starch or tapioca starch
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon white sugar or brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Vegetables
- 1/2 large red bell pepper diced
- 1/2 large green bell pepper diced
- 1/2 medium onion julienned
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon regular soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Shaoxing wine or Dry Sherry wine
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch or potato starch or tapioca starch
- 1/2 cup chicken stock or beef stock or vegetable stock
Instructions
- Marinate the beef: In a large bowl, combine the sliced flank steak with garlic, soy sauces, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, black pepper, sugar, baking soda, and vegetable oil. Mix well and let sit for 15 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavors.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, soy sauces, black pepper, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and stock until smooth and set aside.
- Cook the beef: Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the marinated beef slices and cook until browned and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.
- Stir-fry vegetables: In the same wok, add a little more oil if needed. Fry the onions and bell peppers for about 30 seconds, then cook until tender but still crisp, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Add sauce and thicken: Pour the prepared sauce into the wok with vegetables. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Combine beef and serve: Return the cooked beef to the wok, tossing to coat with the sauce. Cook for another minute to combine flavors, then serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add sliced fresh chili peppers to the stir-fry.
- You can substitute beef with chicken or tofu for different protein options.
- Adjust vegetable types and quantities based on preference or what’s available.
- Ensure the wok or skillet is preheated properly to prevent sticking and achieve a good sear.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (around 300g)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
