Here’s a full, detailed recipe for Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry, including ingredients, preparation steps, cooking instructions, and tips for success. This is a classic Chinese-style stir-fry with tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a bold black pepper sauce.
🥩 Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
🍽️ Servings: 3–4
⏱️ Total Time: ~30 minutes (15 min prep, 15 min cooking)
🧄 Ingredients
For the Beef:
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400g (14 oz) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp oyster sauce
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1 tsp cornstarch
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1 tsp sesame oil
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1/4 tsp baking soda (optional – helps tenderize)
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1 tsp vegetable oil (for coating before frying)
For the Stir-Fry Sauce:
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2 tbsp oyster sauce
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1 tbsp light soy sauce
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1 tbsp dark soy sauce (for color; optional)
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1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
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1 tsp sugar
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1 tsp cornstarch
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3 tbsp water or low-sodium chicken broth
Vegetables (optional but recommended):
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1 small onion, sliced
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1 bell pepper (red, green, or yellow), sliced
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1 stalk celery, sliced diagonally
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2–3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp ginger, minced
For Cooking:
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2–3 tbsp vegetable oil (high smoke point like canola or peanut oil)
🔪 Preparation
1. Prepare the Beef:
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Slice the beef thinly against the grain into bite-sized strips.
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In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with:
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp oyster sauce
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1 tsp cornstarch
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1/4 tsp baking soda (optional but helps with tenderness)
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1 tsp sesame oil
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Mix well and let it marinate for 15–20 minutes while you prep the rest.
2. Mix the Stir-Fry Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine:
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2 tbsp oyster sauce
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1 tbsp light soy sauce
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1 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional)
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1 tbsp coarsely ground black pepper
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1 tsp sugar
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1 tsp cornstarch
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3 tbsp water or broth
Stir well and set aside.
3. Prep the Veggies:
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Slice onion, bell pepper, and celery.
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Mince garlic and ginger.
🍳 Cooking Instructions
Use a wok or large nonstick skillet over high heat for best results.
Step 1: Sear the Beef
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Heat 1–2 tbsp oil in the wok over high heat until shimmering.
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Add the marinated beef in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches).
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Sear for 1 minute undisturbed, then stir-fry another 1–2 minutes until just browned but not fully cooked.
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Remove beef from pan and set aside.
Step 2: Stir-Fry the Aromatics & Veggies
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In the same wok, add another 1 tbsp oil if needed.
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Add garlic and ginger – stir-fry for 15–30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add onion, bell pepper, and celery.
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Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
Step 3: Combine and Sauce
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Return the beef to the wok.
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Stir the sauce once more (cornstarch may settle) and pour over the beef and veggies.
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Stir-fry everything together for 1–2 minutes until:
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Beef is cooked through
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Sauce thickens and coats everything
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Step 4: Finish and Serve
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Taste and adjust seasoning: more black pepper for heat, more soy for salt.
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Optionally, drizzle a few drops of sesame oil at the end.
🍚 Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with:
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Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice
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Fried rice or noodles
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Garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds (optional)
🔥 Tips for Success
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High Heat is Key: Stir-fry quickly to avoid overcooking.
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Prep Everything First: Stir-frying moves fast – have all ingredients ready.
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Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Use coarse grind for bold flavor.
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Tender Beef: Marinating and slicing thinly ensures tenderness.
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Avoid Overcrowding: Sear beef in batches to keep it from steaming.