If you’re craving a quick and flavorful stir-fry, this Black Pepper Beef Stir Fry is just what you need! Marinated beef strips, packed with savory and slightly sweet notes, are stir-fried to tender perfection with crisp bell peppers, red onion, and a kick of freshly ground black pepper. This dish is incredibly versatile—enjoy it over noodles, with steamed rice, or simply as is for a lighter option. Perfect for busy weeknights, it brings bold, satisfying flavors to the table in no time!

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

• 12 oz top sirloin steak, cut into small strips
• vegetable cooking oil, as needed
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 bell peppers, sliced, any colors
• ¼ red onion, sliced
• ½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• Marinade:
• 1.5 tbsp. oyster sauce
• ½ tbsp. light soy sauce
• ¼ tsp. ground pepper
• ¼ tsp. sugar
• ½ tbsp. mirin
• 2 tsp. corn starch
• 1 tsp. sesame oil

Equipment I Used

• Frying Pan
• Cutting Board
• Mixing Bowl
• Measuring Spoons
• Spatula

How to Make It

Prepare the Beef and Marinade

Start by cutting the beef steak into thin strips. In a medium bowl, combine the oyster sauce, light soy sauce, ground pepper, sugar, and Mirin with the beef strips. Mix well to coat, then add the cornstarch and toss until evenly coated. Let the beef marinate for about 15 minutes. Just before cooking, mix in the sesame oil to add a light, nutty flavor.

Prepare the Vegetables

While the beef marinates, slice the bell peppers into thin strips and cut the onion into thin slices. Mince the garlic cloves and set everything aside.

Cook the Beef

In a large pan or wok, heat a thin layer of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the beef strips in a single layer. Allow them to sear undisturbed for about 5-6 seconds, then gently stir to cook the beef evenly until it changes color, about 1-2 minutes. Remove the beef from the pan, leaving about 1 tablespoon of oil in the pan.

Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

Add the minced garlic to the pan and stir-fry for a few seconds until it becomes aromatic. Then, add the sliced bell peppers and red onion. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened but still crisp. Add a small pinch of salt to enhance their flavor.

Combine and Season

Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables. Stir well to combine everything, then sprinkle in the freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together to ensure the pepper evenly coats the beef and vegetables.

Serve

Serve the black pepper beef stir fry hot, either over steamed rice, with noodles, or enjoy it as is for a flavorful, low-carb option.