🍛 Savory Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry with Garlic and Onions
🥩 Ingredients
➡️ For the Beef Marinade:
◾️ 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
◾️ 1 tsp soy sauce
◾️ 1 tsp oyster sauce
◾️ ½ tsp sugar
◾️ ½ tsp cornstarch
◾️ 1 tsp oil
◾️ Pinch of baking soda (optional, for tenderness)
➡️ For the Stir-Fry Sauce:
◾️ 2 tbsp oyster sauce
◾️ 1 tbsp soy sauce
◾️ 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (for rich color)
◾️ 1 tbsp coarsely ground black pepper
◾️ 1 tbsp sugar
◾️ 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
◾️ 1 tsp sesame oil
➡️ For the Stir-Fry:
◾️ 2 tbsp neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
◾️ 4 cloves garlic, minced
◾️ 1 small onion, sliced
◾️ 1 green or red bell pepper, sliced (optional)
🔪 Instructions
✅️ Step 1: Marinate the Beef
↪️ In a bowl, mix the beef with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, cornstarch, oil, and baking soda (if using).
↪️ Stir well until the beef is evenly coated.
↪️ Let it marinate for 15–30 minutes at room temperature (or up to 1 hour in the fridge).
✅️ Step 2: Prepare the Stir-Fry Sauce
↪️ In a small bowl, combine oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, black pepper, sugar, Shaoxing wine, and sesame oil.
↪️ Mix well and set aside.
✅️ Step 3: Sear the Beef
↪️ Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large wok or pan over high heat until just smoking.
↪️ Add the marinated beef in a single layer.
↪️ Let it sear undisturbed for 30–45 seconds, then stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes until browned but still juicy.
↪️ Remove the beef and set aside.
✅️ Step 4: Cook the Aromatics
↪️ In the same wok, add the remaining 1 tbsp oil.
↪️ Add minced garlic and stir-fry for 10–15 seconds until fragrant.
↪️ Add onions (and bell pepper, if using) and stir-fry for about 1–2 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
✅️ Step 5: Combine Everything
↪️ Return the beef to the wok.
↪️ Pour in the stir-fry sauce.
↪️ Toss everything together over high heat for 30–60 seconds until the beef is evenly coated and the sauce becomes glossy.
✅️ Step 6: Serve
↪️ Transfer to a plate and sprinkle a bit more freshly cracked black pepper on top.
↪️ Serve immediately with steamed jasmine rice or fried rice.
💡 Chef’s Tips
✅️ Coarsely ground black pepper gives a bold, aromatic kick.
✅️ For extra tenderness, don’t skip the baking soda in the marinade.
✅️ Add scallions or mushrooms for more texture and flavor.
✅️ Want it saucier? Add 2 tbsp of water or beef stock when combining everything.
