Pepper Beef Stir Fry – Savory, Spicy, and Sizzling Perfection in Every Bite!

Looking for a quick and satisfying dinner idea? This pepper beef stir-fry combines tender slices of velveted beef, crunchy vegetables, and a savory, peppery sauce that’s irresistibly flavorful. Packed with protein and fresh veggies, it’s a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something deliciously hearty. Serve it over a steaming bowl of rice, and you’ll have a meal that’s better than takeout!

Did you know that velveting beef is a traditional Chinese cooking technique that ensures the meat stays tender and juicy, even with high-heat stir-frying? It’s a game-changer for this pepper beef stir-fry, giving it that silky, restaurant-quality texture. Combined with crisp vegetables like capsicum and green beans, this dish is not only delicious but also nutrient-packed. Black pepper takes the spotlight here, adding a bold kick that enhances every bite. For the best results, choose fresh, high-quality vegetables and don’t skip the sesame oil—it gives the dish its signature depth of flavor.



















Recipe:  Pepper Beef Stir Fry

Serving Size: Serves 4

 

Ingredients

 

For the Beef:

  • 500g (1.1 lbs) chuck steak, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda (for velveting)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

 

For the Stir-Fry:

  • 4 tablespoons oil (vegetable or canola)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • 2 onions, chopped into thick slices
  • 1 capsicum (bell pepper), sliced
  • 200g (7 oz) green beans

 

For the Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon cornflour (cornstarch)
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
  • 1½ teaspoons white sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese Shaoxing wine
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup (120ml) water
  • 1 beef stock cube

 

Instructions

 

  1. Velvet the Beef:
    • Toss the beef with baking soda and let it sit for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly under cold water, then drain and pat dry.
    • Marinate the beef with salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper for 10 minutes.
  2. Cook the Beef:
    • Heat 3 tablespoons of oil and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large pan or wok over high heat.
    • Add the beef and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until browned. Remove the beef and set it aside.
  3. Cook the Vegetables:
    • In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, minced garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
    • Add the onions and capsicum and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened. Add the green beans and stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
  4. Prepare the Sauce:
    • In a small bowl, mix cornflour with 2 tablespoons of water to form a slurry.
    • Add oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar, Shaoxing wine, black pepper, remaining water, and the beef stock cube. Stir well.
  5. Combine:
    • Pour the sauce into the pan and let it simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
    • Return the beef to the pan and toss to coat everything in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  6. Serve:
    • Serve hot over rice for a complete meal.

Beef Cuts Suitable for Stir-Fry: Tender Options for Perfect Results

  1. Round Steak (Top Round or Bottom Round):
    • A leaner option that works well when thinly sliced and velveted.
    • Best for those looking to reduce fat content while retaining good flavor.
  2. Sirloin:
    • Tender and flavorful, making it a premium choice for stir-fries.
    • Quick to cook and doesn't require as much tenderizing as chuck.
  3. Flank Steak:
    • Known for its robust flavor, flank steak is ideal when cut against the grain into thin strips.
    • Slightly chewier but works wonderfully in stir-fries.
  4. Rump Steak (Round Steak in the USA):
    • Affordable and versatile, this cut benefits from velveting for a tender texture.
    • Great for those cooking on a budget.
  5. Brisket (Flat Cut):
    • Adds a rich, beefy flavor when thinly sliced.
    • Requires longer marination or velveting for tenderness.

Tips for the Dish

  • Ingredient Substitutions:
    • Use chicken or tofu instead of beef for a different protein.
    • Substitute Shaoxing wine with dry sherry or omit it for an alcohol-free option.
  • Vegetable Variations:
    • Add broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for more variety.
  • Make Ahead:
    • Prep the beef and sauce ingredients ahead of time to save effort on busy nights.
  • Storage:
    • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Wrap-Up

This pepper beef stir-fry is a crowd-pleaser that’s quick to make and loaded with bold flavors. Whether you’re impressing dinner guests or just treating yourself, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your version in the comments or tag me on Instagram @CookWithJuyea. Let’s stir up some deliciousness together!


Keywords: beef stir fry recipe, pepper beef stir fry, quick stir fry recipe, easy beef recipes
키워드: 소고기 볶음, 후추 소고기 볶음, 간단한 볶음 요리


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