Black Pepper Beef is a delicious and savory dish that’s a favorite in many Asian cuisines.
This dish combines tender beef with vibrant vegetables and a rich, peppery sauce, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe by @derekkchen is straightforward and easy to follow.
Let’s dive into how to make this delightful dish.
Ingredients
Before we get started with the cooking process, let’s gather all the ingredients we need.
This recipe is divided into three main parts: the beef and its marinade, the sauce, and the rest of the ingredients.
Beef and Marinade
- 1.5 lbs beef filet mignon (cut into bite-sized cubes)
- 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine (a type of Chinese rice wine that enhances the flavor)
- 1 tsp soy sauce (for a salty and umami flavor)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (helps to tenderize the beef)
- 1 tbsp neutral oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup beef stock (adds depth to the sauce)
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp dark soy sauce (for color and richness)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (adds a slightly sweet and savory flavor)
- 1 tbsp ketchup (for a hint of sweetness and tang)
- 1 tsp sugar (to balance the flavors)
- 1/4 tsp MSG (optional, for enhancing the umami taste)
- 2 tbsp black pepper (freshly ground for the best flavor)
- 1/2 tsp Sichuan peppercorn powder (adds a unique, slightly numbing spice)
- 1/2 tsp white pepper (for an additional layer of heat)
- 2 tsp cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
Rest of the Ingredients
- 4 tbsp neutral oil (divided)
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 green bell pepper (chopped into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 onion (cut into petals)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp ginger (minced)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (for finishing the dish)
Instructions
Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s move on to the cooking process.
This dish is prepared in a few simple steps: marinating the beef, preparing the vegetables, making the sauce, and then cooking everything together.
Step 1: Marinate the Beef
- Cut the Beef: Start by cutting the beef filet mignon into bite-sized cubes. This ensures that the beef cooks evenly and is easy to eat.
- Marinate: In a bowl, combine the beef cubes with 2 tablespoons of Shaoxing wine, 1 teaspoon of soy sauce, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon of neutral oil. Mix well to ensure all the beef pieces are evenly coated. Let the beef marinate for at least 15-20 minutes. This step tenderizes the beef and infuses it with flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- Chop the Vegetables: While the beef is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Chop the red and green bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. Cut the onion into petals by slicing it in half and then into quarters, separating the layers.
- Mince Garlic and Ginger: Finely mince the garlic and ginger. These aromatics will add a wonderful depth of flavor to the dish.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of beef stock, 1 tablespoon of light soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of dark soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of ketchup, 1 teaspoon of sugar, 1/4 teaspoon of MSG (if using), 2 tablespoons of black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon of Sichuan peppercorn powder, 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper, and 2 teaspoons of cornstarch. Stir until well combined. This sauce will be the star of the dish, providing a bold and peppery flavor.
Step 4: Cook the Dish
- Sear the Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil in a hot wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear the beef for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until it develops a nice crust. Remove the beef from the wok and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same wok, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of neutral oil. Add the minced garlic and ginger and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the chopped bell peppers and onion petals. Sauté the vegetables for about 2 minutes until they start to become slightly translucent but still retain their crunch.
- Combine Everything: Return the seared beef to the wok. Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well to coat the beef and vegetables. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
- Finish with Sesame Oil: Drizzle 1 teaspoon of sesame oil over the dish and give it a final stir. This adds a lovely nutty aroma and flavor to the finished dish.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your Black Pepper Beef is now ready to be served! Transfer it to a serving plate and enjoy it with steamed rice or noodles. The tender beef, crunchy vegetables, and rich, peppery sauce make this dish an absolute delight.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or carrots to the dish for added nutrition and color.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of black pepper and Sichuan peppercorn powder to your preferred spice level.
- Marinating Time: For even more flavorful and tender beef, marinate the meat for up to an hour in the refrigerator.
Black Pepper Beef is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.
Enjoy the bold flavors and the delightful combination of textures in every bite!