Black Pepper Beef & Green Beans

 

Black Pepper Beef & Green Beans: A Zesty Stir-Fry Sensation! 🥩🌶️🥢

1. Introduction

Looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal? Look no further than this incredible black pepper beef recipe, featuring tender beef strips and crisp green beans in a rich, peppery sauce. This beef and green beans stir-fry is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering restaurant-quality taste in the comfort of your own home. Imagine sinking your teeth into perfectly cooked beef, infused with the pungent aroma of black pepper, all while enjoying the satisfying crunch of fresh green beans. Whether you call it black pepper beef stir fry or a spicy beef stir fry, its sure to become a family favorite. You can easily adapt it to your spice preference.
For instance, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra kick, or if you prefer a sweeter edge, include a touch of honey. This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy and well-rounded dish. If you are looking for other dinner ideas, check out this dinner recipe category! Let’s dive into the simple steps to create this culinary delight!

2. Ingredients Needed

• 1 pound beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt to taste

3. Preparing the Ingredients

Before you start cooking this delectable black pepper beef recipe, it’s crucial to prep all your ingredients. Slice the beef sirloin thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. This seemingly simple step can drastically improve the texture of your dish! Trim the green beans and wash them thoroughly. Mince the garlic and measure out your spices and sauces. Having everything ready to go will make the cooking process smooth and efficient. Proper prepping avoids last-minute scrambles and keeps your cooking process fun and efficient!

4. Marinating the Beef

To enhance the flavor and tenderness of the beef, marinate it before cooking. In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and let it sit for at least 15 minutes. For an even deeper flavor profile, consider adding a teaspoon of grated ginger to your marinade. This step is essential for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes this black pepper beef stir fry so irresistible. If you have more time, let it marinate longer, even up to a few hours in the refrigerator!

5. Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Blanch the Green Beans

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the trimmed green beans and blanch for 2-3 minutes until they turn bright green but are still crisp. Drain the green beans and immediately rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. This ensures they retain their crunch in the final dish. Overcooked green beans can become mushy and lose their vibrant color, so timing is key! A crucial part of a good beef and green beans recipe!

2. Sear the Beef

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the marinated beef and sear for 2-3 minutes, until browned on all sides. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure the beef browns properly. Searing in small batches ensures the beef gets a beautiful crust instead of steaming. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside. If you’re looking for another ground beef recipe, check out this quick tater tot casserole recipe!

3. Sauté the Garlic and Add Flavor

Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter and unpleasant taste to the whole dish! Add the seared beef back to the skillet and stir in the ground black pepper. Don’t be shy about using plenty of black pepper – it’s the star of this dish! This is where the spicy beef stir fry gets its distinctive kick! Looking for other quick and weeknight dinners? Browse this lunch ideas.

4. Combine and Finish Cooking

Add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sugar. Stir well to combine. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the green beans are tender-crisp. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. The result is a delightful black pepper beef stir fry that bursts with flavor. For a richer sauce, consider adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) in the last minute of cooking. For another easy recipe, you can also view this chicken and potato casserole recipe.

6. Serving Suggestions

Serve this flavorful black pepper beef recipe hot over steamed rice or noodles. The rice will soak up all the delicious sauce! Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch of elegance. This dish is also great on its own for a low-carb option. Pair with a side of spring rolls for a full meal. For a healthier spin, use brown rice or quinoa. Find more recipes here.

7. Tips and Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil.
• If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute with hoisin sauce or simply omit it.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to customize your stir-fry. Adding colorful bell peppers will also provide additional nutrients!
• To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Consider adding a splash of rice vinegar for a tangy kick.

Check out this similar recipe from itslivb.com for another take on peppered beef and green beans.

8. Health Benefits

Besides being incredibly tasty, this beef and green beans recipe offers several health benefits. Beef is a great source of protein and iron, while green beans are rich in vitamins and fiber. The black pepper adds antioxidants and can aid digestion. If you’re interested in other quick recipes check out this crack chicken casserole recipe. This makes it a nutritious and satisfying meal choice. Opting for lean beef cuts further enhances the health benefits.

9. Conclusion

This black pepper beef recipe is a surefire winner for anyone looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy meal. With its tender beef, crisp green beans, and flavorful sauce, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this spicy beef stir fry is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. For a different twist, you can also find inspiration from this hamburger potato casserole recipe. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a fantastic culinary experience!

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