Sizzling Black Pepper Beef with Onions and Peppers is a classic and flavorful stir-fry dish that showcases tender pieces of beef coated in a rich, savory black pepper sauce, served sizzling hot alongside sautéed onions and bell peppers. This dish is characterized by its bold, peppery flavor, the slight sweetness of caramelized onions and peppers, and the satisfyingly tender texture of the beef. It’s a popular choice in many Asian-inspired cuisines and is known for its quick cooking time and impactful taste. The beef used is often a tender cut like sirloin or flank steak, which is typically sliced thinly against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness. The preparation involves marinating the beef in a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce (optional), sugar, cornstarch, and sometimes a touch of oil to help it stay moist during cooking. The marinade not only tenderizes the beef but also infuses it with a savory base flavor. The vegetables, usually onions and bell peppers (in various colors like green, red, and yellow), are sliced into strips or chunks and stir-fried until they are tender-crisp and slightly caramelized, adding a touch of sweetness and a pleasant bite to the dish. The star of the show is the black pepper sauce, which is typically made with freshly ground black pepper (and often a generous amount), soy sauce, oyster sauce (again, optional but adds depth), garlic, and sometimes a thickening agent like cornstarch. The sauce is often added towards the end of the stir-fry, coating the beef and vegetables in its rich, pungent flavor. The dish is often served immediately while still sizzling hot, sometimes on a cast-iron skillet or a hot plate to maintain its temperature and enhance the dining experience. Garnishes can include a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a drizzle of sesame oil for added aroma. Sizzling Black Pepper Beef with Onions and Peppers is a robust and satisfying dish that offers a delightful balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, making it a favorite for those who enjoy a bit of heat and bold taste in their stir-fries.
The texture of Sizzling Black Pepper Beef with Onions and Peppers is a delightful combination of tender, slightly chewy beef, crisp-tender onions and bell peppers, all coated in a rich and often slightly thickened sauce. The “sizzling” aspect implies that the dish is served hot, which can also contribute to the overall textural experience.
The flavor profile is dominated by the bold, pungent, and slightly spicy taste of black pepper, which is balanced by the savory notes of soy sauce and oyster sauce (if used). The onions and bell peppers contribute a subtle sweetness and a fresh, vegetal flavor. The marinade adds a foundational savory and sometimes slightly sweet undertone to the beef. Garlic often plays a key aromatic role in the sauce.
Sizzling Black Pepper Beef with Onions and Peppers is a popular dish in various Asian restaurants and is often enjoyed as a main course served with rice. Its robust flavor and satisfying texture make it a great choice for those who enjoy a hearty and flavorful meal. It’s also a dish that is well-suited for sharing.
The preparation of Sizzling Black Pepper Beef with Onions and Peppers involves marinating the beef, stir-frying the vegetables, making a black pepper sauce, and then combining everything together in a hot wok or skillet. First, the beef (such as sirloin or flank steak) is thinly sliced and marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce (optional), sugar, cornstarch, and sometimes oil. The onions and bell peppers are sliced into strips or chunks. A black pepper sauce is prepared, typically by combining freshly ground black pepper, soy sauce, oyster sauce (optional), minced garlic, sugar, and sometimes cornstarch mixed with water or broth to thicken. A wok or large skillet is heated until very hot, and oil is added. The marinated beef is stir-fried quickly until browned and cooked through. Then, the onions and bell peppers are added and stir-fried until tender-crisp. Finally, the black pepper sauce is poured into the wok and cooked until it thickens slightly, coating the beef and vegetables. The dish is then served immediately, often while still sizzling hot.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced into strips
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vegetable oil (for marinade)
- 2-3 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water (for sauce)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for finishing)
- Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Equipment:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl (for marinade)
- Wok or large skillet
- Stir-frying spatula
Instructions:
- Marinate the Beef: In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sugar, cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil. Mix well and let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes, or up to 30 minutes.
- Prepare Vegetables and Garlic: Slice the onion and bell peppers into strips. Mince the garlic.
- Prepare Black Pepper Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), 2-3 tablespoons of freshly ground black pepper, and beef broth or water. Set aside.
- Heat the Wok/Skillet: Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat until it is very hot. Add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Stir-Fry the Beef: Add the marinated beef to the hot wok and stir-fry quickly for 2-3 minutes, or until it is browned and just cooked through. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the wok and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp and slightly softened. Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the black pepper sauce into the wok with the vegetables. Bring it to a simmer and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the stir-fried beef to the wok with the sauce and vegetables. Toss everything together to coat well.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the sesame oil (if using). Transfer the sizzling black pepper beef with onions and peppers to a serving plate. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired. Serve immediately with hot rice.
Enjoy this flavorful and aromatic Sizzling Black Pepper Beef with Onions and Peppers!