This Beef Black Pepper Stir-Fry is a flavorful and satisfying dish featuring tender strips of beef cooked with vibrant vegetables in a rich, peppery sauce. The blend of oyster sauce, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce creates a perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet notes, making it a comforting meal that pairs beautifully with steamed rice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The beef turns out incredibly tender thanks to the baking soda marination technique.
• The sauce is rich, glossy, and perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness and spice.
• It’s quick and easy to prepare, ideal for weeknight dinners.
• The colorful vegetables make it both nutritious and visually appealing.
• Customizable with your favorite vegetables or spice level.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 400g beef (thinly sliced)
• 150ml water
• 1 tsp baking soda

For the Marinade:

• 2 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp sweet soy sauce
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

For the Stir-Fry:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1 large chili, sliced
• 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced

For the Sauce:

• 200ml water
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sweet soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp black pepper (freshly cracked)

Thickener:

• Cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water)

Directions

1. In a bowl, combine beef, 150ml water, and baking soda. Let marinate for 15 minutes to 2 hours to tenderize. Rinse and drain well.
2. Mix beef with oyster sauce, sweet soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Marinate for 10–30 minutes.
3. Heat oil in a pan or wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the marinated beef until it’s about 75% cooked. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same pan, sauté minced garlic and sliced onion until fragrant. Add chili and bell peppers; cook for 2–3 minutes.
5. Pour in 200ml water, soy sauce, sweet soy sauce, oyster sauce, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
6. Return the beef to the pan and mix to coat evenly with the sauce.
7. Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables nicely.
8. Adjust seasoning if needed, then serve hot with steamed rice.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus marination time)
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 30 minutes (excluding marination)

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add more chili or a dash of chili flakes for extra heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute beef with firm tofu or tempeh.
• Sauce Twist: Add a teaspoon of sesame oil for a nutty aroma.
• Extra Veggies: Include broccoli, snow peas, or baby corn for added texture.
• Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip the added sugar if preferred.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in a pan over medium heat or microwave until warm. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breast or thigh for a lighter variation.

2. What cut of beef works best for this recipe?

Flank steak, sirloin, or tenderloin are ideal as they cook quickly and stay tender.

3. Is the dish spicy?

It has a mild kick from the black pepper and chili, but you can adjust to your preference.

4. Can I skip the baking soda step?

It’s recommended for tenderizing the beef, but you can skip it if using a naturally tender cut.

5. What type of soy sauce should I use?

A mix of regular and sweet soy sauce gives the best balance of flavor and color.

6. How can I make the sauce thicker?

Add a bit more cornstarch slurry until it reaches your desired consistency.

7. Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes, you can marinate the beef a day before and store it in the fridge until ready to cook.

8. What side dishes go well with Beef Black Pepper Stir-Fry?

Serve with steamed jasmine rice, fried rice, or noodles.

9. How do I make it less salty?

Use reduced-sodium sauces and taste the sauce before adding extra seasoning.

10. Can I cook this without Worcestershire sauce?

Yes, you can omit it or replace it with a bit more oyster sauce for similar depth.

Conclusion

Beef Black Pepper Stir-Fry is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dish that delivers restaurant-quality taste at home. With its tender beef, colorful vegetables, and rich, peppery sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser perfect for any mealtime. Serve it hot with a bowl of rice and enjoy a comforting, delicious experience.

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