Craving a delicious, restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices or lengthy cooking time? Then look no further! This black pepper beef recipe is your answer. It's incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is a staple in our household, and we know it will quickly become a favorite in yours too. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade cooking with this simple yet satisfying dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Shaoxing rice wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp black pepper, freshly ground (more to taste)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Marinate the Beef:
- In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced sirloin steak, cornstarch, soy sauce, and Shaoxing rice wine (if using). Gently toss to coat the beef evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. This step helps tenderize the meat and ensures it absorbs the flavorful marinade.
Stir-fry the Aromatics:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced onion, stir-frying for about a minute until fragrant. The heat should be high enough to quickly sauté the aromatics without burning them.
Cook the Beef:
- Add the marinated beef to the wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the beef is browned and slightly seared. Avoid overcrowding the pan; work in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
Add the Vegetables and Sauce:
- Add the sliced red bell pepper to the wok and stir-fry for another 2 minutes. Pour in the beef broth, black pepper, and brown sugar. Stir well to combine all ingredients and create a delicious sauce.
Simmer and Serve:
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Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more black pepper or brown sugar to your preference.
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Garnish with freshly sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional) before serving. This simple garnish adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal.
Tips for the Best Black Pepper Beef:
- Thinly sliced beef: Using thinly sliced beef is crucial for quick cooking and tender results. Ask your butcher to slice it for you if needed.
- Freshly ground pepper: Using freshly ground black pepper significantly enhances the flavor of this dish. Pre-ground pepper loses its aroma and potency over time.
- Don't overcook the beef: Overcooking will result in tough and dry beef. Aim for a tender, slightly pink center.
Variations:
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, or mushrooms.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
- Use different cuts of beef: While sirloin is recommended, you can experiment with other cuts like flank steak or ribeye. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This black pepper beef recipe is a fantastic example of healthy meals and quick dinner ideas that are both delicious and easy to prepare. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying dish, perfect for any occasion! We hope you love this recipe as much as we do. Let us know in the comments how it turned out!