introduction
Black Pepper Beef is a classic dish that brings together tender slices of beef and vibrant vegetables, all tossed in a savory sauce flavored with black pepper. This dish is loved for its bold taste and quick cooking time, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It’s easy to make at home, and when served hot over rice or noodles, it becomes a comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.
why make this recipe
Making Black Pepper Beef at home allows you to control the flavors and ingredients, ensuring a dish that meets your taste preferences. It’s a delightful combination of protein and vegetables, making it a balanced meal in itself. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also very adaptable, letting you easily swap in your favorite veggies or adjust the spice level. Preparing this dish from scratch means you can skip the takeout and enjoy a delicious and homemade dinner.
how to make Black Pepper Beef
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Directions:
In a bowl, combine the beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper. Let marinate for 15 minutes. This step is essential, as it infuses the meat with flavor and helps in tenderizing it.
Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is hot enough—this will help the beef sear properly and get a nice brown color.
Add the marinated beef to the pan and stir-fry until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook the beef in batches to sear it nicely.
Once the beef is browned, add the minced garlic and ginger, sliced onion, bell pepper, and broccoli to the pan.
Stir-fry for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the beef is cooked through. The vegetables should retain some crunch while becoming vibrant in color.
Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. The rice or noodles soak up the flavor from the beef and veggies, making for a delicious meal.
how to serve Black Pepper Beef
For the best serving, place a generous portion of the Black Pepper Beef over a bed of fluffy white rice or your favorite noodles. You can garnish it with some chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation. Pairing it with a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables can also enhance the meal’s nutrition and appeal. This dish is great to serve family-style, where everyone can help themselves.
how to store Black Pepper Beef
To store Black Pepper Beef, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’d like to store it for a longer period, you can freeze the cooked beef in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
tips to make Black Pepper Beef
- Choose the right cut: Beef sirloin is a great choice because it’s tender and cooks quickly. You can also use flank steak or even ribeye for a richer flavor.
- Marinate longer for more flavor: If you have extra time, marinating the beef for 30 minutes or even overnight will enhance the flavors even more.
- Adjust the spice: If you prefer your dish less spicy, reduce the amount of black pepper. Alternatively, if you enjoy a bit of heat, consider adding some crushed red pepper flakes.
- Prep your ingredients: Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking, as stir-frying is a quick process.
- Customize your vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute with your favorite vegetables. Carrots, snap peas, or baby corn are great additions.
variation
You can easily customize the Black Pepper Beef recipe based on your preference:
- Add different proteins: Swap out the beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a delicious change.
- Switch up the sauce: You can add oyster sauce or hoisin sauce for a different flavor profile.
- Make it vegetarian: Use a plant-based protein like tempeh or seitan, and add a variety of vegetables to create a delicious plant-based meal.
FAQs
What type of beef is best for stir-frying?
Beef sirloin, flank steak, and ribeye are great choices for stir-frying due to their tenderness and flavor. The key is to slice the beef thinly against the grain.
Can I make Black Pepper Beef ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Marinate the beef a few hours in advance or even the night before for more flavor. Cook it fresh when you’re ready to serve.
How spicy is Black Pepper Beef?
The spiciness of Black Pepper Beef largely depends on the amount of black pepper you use. The standard recipe is mildly spicy, but you can adjust the pepper to your preference. Feel free to taste and adjust as you cook!
This straightforward and hearty recipe for Black Pepper Beef is a delightful option for easy meal preparation, offering a great balance of flavor and nutrition. Enjoy this delicious dish with your family or friends and feel free to get creative with the ingredients!
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Black Pepper Beef
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A classic dish with tender beef and vibrant vegetables tossed in a savory black pepper sauce, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated beef to the pan and stir-fry until browned, about 3-4 minutes.
- Once browned, add garlic, ginger, onion, bell pepper, and broccoli to the pan.
- Stir-fry for an additional 5-7 minutes, until vegetables are tender and beef is cooked through.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
For added flavor, consider garnishing with chopped green onions or sesame seeds. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg