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a skillet with black pepper beef made with green and red bell peppers, but white spoon in the skillet.
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Black Pepper Beef

Easy to make black pepper steak made with lean steak, bell peppers, and a few simple pantry staples. Perfect weeknight dinner to serve the family with a side of rice. Ready in less than 30 minutes.
Prep Time13 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time28 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Lactose
Skill Level: Beginner
Servings: 4
Author: Rena Awada

Ingredients

  • 1 pound beef steak thinly sliced against the grain
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 bell peppers cut into strips
  • 3-4 garlic cloves chopped
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Instructions

  • Place the sliced 1 pound beef steak in a bowl together with the 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, and 2 tablespoons soy sauce. Stir well to coat, then let it sit on the counter for 10-15 minutes.
    seasoned pepper beef uncooked on a plate.
  • Meanwhile, in a small jug, whisk all the stir-fry sauce ingredients.
  • Heat a large pan over medium heat. Drizzle with the 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and add the beef in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes undisturbed, then flip and continue to cook for 1-2 minutes more. Set aside on a plate.
    steak slices cooked in a skillet.
  • Add the sliced 2 bell peppers and stir-fry for about 5 minutes. Stir in the 3-4 garlic cloves (minced) and cook for 30 seconds.
    Cooking bell peppers in a skillet.
  • Return the beef to the pan and sprinkle everything with the 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Add the 1 tablespoon rice vinegar and a generous sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper.
    combining pepper and cooked seasoned beef in a skillet.
  • Add a splash of filtered water and stir everything together for 1 minute. Remove from heat and serve while hot.
    cooked peppers and steak in a skillet.

Notes

  • Other cuts of beef that will work just fine are Flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak.
  • Instead of bell peppers, use broccoli florets, zucchini, or any other veggies of your choice. 
  • Store leftovers for up to 3 days. You can freeze for up to 2 months. 
  • Instead of beef, you can use chicken or shrimp.

Nutrition

Calories: 372kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 566mg | Potassium: 468mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1883IU | Vitamin C: 77mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 3mg