Beef Stir-Fry with Black Pepper Sauce: Quick and Savory

Welcome to my WordPress blog, where we explore the culinary world together. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe that is both quick and delicious – Beef Stir-Fry with Black Pepper Sauce. This dish is not only a favorite in many households but also a staple in many Chinese restaurants. It’s perfect for those who love a bit of spice and a rich, savory flavor.

Ingredients

To prepare this dish, you will need the following ingredients:

1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or tenderloin, thinly sliced against the grain
3 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch fresh ginger, grated
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 cup broccoli florets
2 tbsp black pepper sauce
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt to taste
Optional: 1 tsp sugar for balancing the flavors

Preparation

Before we start cooking, let’s marinate the beef. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Add the thinly sliced beef and toss well to ensure all pieces are coated evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for better flavor absorption.

While the beef is marinating, prepare your vegetables. Slice the bell peppers and onion into thin strips. Cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets. If you’re using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water.

Next, let’s make the black pepper sauce. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of black pepper sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of sugar (if using). Set this aside for later.

Cooking Process

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated beef and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the beef is just cooked through and slightly browned. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil. Increase the heat to high and add the garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until they become slightly soft.

Now, add the broccoli florets to the pan. Continue to stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and crisp-tender. Be careful not to overcook the broccoli as it can become mushy.

Once the vegetables are ready, return the cooked beef to the pan. Pour in the black pepper sauce mixture and stir everything together. Cook for another minute or two, ensuring all ingredients are well combined and heated through.

Serving Suggestions

This Beef Stir-Fry with Black Pepper Sauce is best served immediately after cooking while still hot. You can serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. For added texture and flavor, garnish with some chopped green onions or sesame seeds.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to enhance your cooking experience:

Marination Time: The longer you marinate the beef, the more flavorful it becomes. However, even a shorter marination time of 30 minutes can work well.
Vegetable Options: Feel free to use other vegetables like carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of black pepper sauce according to your preference. For a milder version, reduce the quantity or omit the sugar entirely.
Substitute Meat: If you prefer chicken or pork, you can substitute the beef with these meats. Ensure they are also thinly sliced and cooked quickly to maintain tenderness.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (assuming 4 servings), this dish contains approximately:

Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 700mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Conclusion

Beef Stir-Fry with Black Pepper Sauce is a delightful dish that combines the richness of beef with the aromatic spices of black pepper. Its simplicity makes it a perfect weeknight dinner, yet its depth of flavor ensures it never disappoints. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out for you! Stay tuned for more exciting recipes on my blog.