Introduction
Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry is a classic Asian dish known for its bold flavors, quick cooking time, and satisfying taste. The spicy aroma of freshly cracked black pepper paired with tender slices of beef and crisp vegetables makes this dish a favorite in many households and restaurants worldwide.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3–4 green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp black pepper (freshly cracked)
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- Cooked rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Marinate Beef: Mix beef with cornstarch and 1 tsp soy sauce. Set aside for 10–15 minutes.
- Make Sauce: Combine remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Cook: Heat oil in a wok or large skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add beef and cook until browned.
- Add Veggies: Stir in sliced onion and green onions. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly tender.
- Sauce It: Pour in the prepared sauce and stir-fry until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
- Serve: Serve hot over steamed rice.
Method
This dish uses a classic stir-fry method that involves high heat cooking, quick movements, and layering flavors in steps. The key to success is to prepare all ingredients beforehand and cook quickly over high heat.
History
The roots of stir-frying go back to ancient China, where this technique was developed to save fuel and time. The Black Pepper Beef variant became popular across Asia, especially in Cantonese cuisine, and has been embraced globally for its bold and spicy profile.
