If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors, tender textures, and a peppery kick that wakes up your taste buds, you absolutely must try this Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry Recipe. It’s a vibrant, satisfying meal that combines juicy strips of flank steak with a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests with your Asian-inspired culinary skills, this recipe delivers an irresistible punch that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with a base layer of fluffy white rice, topped with a second layer of dark brown cooked beef pieces mixed with orange-red bell pepper chunks and translucent cooked onion slices, all coated in a glossy sauce. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a pair of black chopsticks resting nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry Recipe uses a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating the dish’s incredible harmony of flavor, texture, and color. From the aromatic garlic to the crisp bell peppers, every component elevates the final plate.

Flank steak (1½ pounds, thin strips): The star protein that remains tender and juicy when cooked quickly over high heat.
Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps tenderize the beef for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Soy sauce, low sodium (2 tablespoons + 2 tablespoons): Adds umami and saltiness without overpowering the dish.
Sesame oil (1 teaspoon + extra for drizzling): Brings a toasty, nutty aroma that rounds out the flavors perfectly.
White pepper (½ teaspoon): Offers a subtle earthy heat that complements the black pepper.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon + 1 tablespoon): Used for the marinade and the sauce, it helps thicken the stir-fry and create a luscious coating on the beef.
Oyster sauce (¼ cup): Gives a deep savory sweetness and richness to the sauce base.
Sichuan peppercorn (1 teaspoon, ground): Adds a unique citrusy numbing sensation that livens up every bite.
Black pepper (2 teaspoons, coarsely ground): The defining spice of the dish, ensuring its bold character.
Shaoxing wine (3 tablespoons): A Chinese cooking wine that intensifies the flavor profile with subtle acidity and sweetness.
Dark soy sauce (1 teaspoon): Provides color and a slightly sweeter depth.
Sugar (1 teaspoon): Balances the savory and spicy notes to keep the flavors harmonious.
Vegetable oil (⅓ cup): For stir-frying and achieving that perfect sear on the beef.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with warm, pungent aroma and taste.
Onions (2 medium, cut into 1-inch pieces): Add sweetness and crunch to complement the tender beef.
Red bell pepper (1 large, cut into 1-inch pieces): Delivers vibrant color and fresh, crisp texture.

How to Make Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Begin by mixing the flank steak with baking soda, soy sauce, sesame oil, white pepper, and cornstarch. This simple but essential marinade tenderizes the meat and infuses it with layers of flavor, ensuring each bite is juicy and well-seasoned. Cover the mixture and refrigerate it for 20 minutes to let the magic happen.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

While the beef marinates, combine oyster sauce, ground Sichuan peppercorn, coarsely ground black pepper, Shaoxing wine, additional soy sauces, dark soy sauce, sugar, and cornstarch in a small bowl. This sauce ties the dish together with its balanced complexity — a blend of heat, sweetness, and umami that clings beautifully to every piece of beef and vegetable.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Beef

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Cook half the beef strips for 2 to 3 minutes until they’re golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges. Remove them and repeat with the remaining beef. This method ensures maximum caramelization and robust flavor. Drain excess oil, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the wok for the next step.

Step 4: Cook the Garlic and Vegetables

Add the minced garlic to the wok over medium-high heat and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Toss in the onions and red bell peppers, cooking just long enough to soften slightly while keeping their crunch and vivid color intact. This quick cooking preserves the vegetables’ natural sweetness and texture, perfectly complementing the beef.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the cooked beef to the wok, pour in the prepared black pepper sauce, and toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through. Drizzle with a bit of extra sesame oil to enhance the aroma and richness. Your Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed immediately, ideally served over steaming white rice.

How to Serve Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry Recipe

Two glass bowls placed on a white marbled surface are shown side by side. The left bowl has raw red meat strips arranged unevenly around the sides, with white powdery flour and light brown liquid sauce in the center. The right bowl shows the same raw red meat strips mixed well with the sauce and flour, creating a consistent deep red and brown color all over with a slightly shiny texture. Both bowls have smooth, clear glass walls with reflections from the light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To amp up both the visual and flavor appeal, sprinkle chopped scallions or freshly chopped cilantro over the stir-fry. Toasted sesame seeds add delightful crunch and an extra nutty layer, making the dish feel extra special and inviting at the table.

Side Dishes

This stir-fry pairs wonderfully with fluffy jasmine or basmati rice to absorb every drop of the savory sauce. For additional texture and freshness, serve it alongside steamed or stir-fried greens like bok choy or broccoli, balancing the meal with vibrant vegetables.

Creative Ways to Present

For a modern twist, try serving the Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry Recipe over cauliflower rice or crispy egg noodles for a different textural contrast. Alternatively, wrap the stir-fry in warm lettuce leaves to make hand-held bites that are fun and light, perfect for casual dinners or entertaining guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the beef and vegetables are fully cooled before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the stir-fry in portion-sized containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. It freezes well, but for the best taste and texture, avoid freezing the dish with rice — freeze the stir-fry and rice separately.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. Avoid microwaving if possible, as reheating in a pan helps retain the dish’s signature texture and flavor punch.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Absolutely! While flank steak is ideal because of its tenderness and quick cooking time, you can substitute with skirt steak or sirloin strips. Just be sure to slice thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.

Is this stir-fry spicy?

This Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry Recipe has a moderate heat level thanks to the black pepper and Sichuan peppercorn. If you love spicy food, feel free to add extra pepper or some chili flakes to taste.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives, which are widely available. These swaps won’t compromise the flavor but will keep it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

What can I substitute for Shaoxing wine?

If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, dry sherry or a mild rice wine vinegar diluted with water can work as a replacement. Another option is simply to omit it, but the wine does add complexity to the dish.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely. You can marinate the beef up to one day in advance and have the sauce pre-mixed. Vegetables should be cut just before cooking to keep them fresh and vibrant.

Final Thoughts

This Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dishes when I want something that is both comforting and exciting. It’s a perfect marriage of bold spices, tender beef, and crisp vegetables cooked with love and simplicity. I encourage you to give it a try — your taste buds will thank you, and it might just earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection!