What kind of black pepper should I use for black pepper beef?

Freshly cracked or coarsely ground black pepper is best. It provides the bold, aromatic pepper flavor that makes this dish distinctive. Avoid finely powdered black pepper when possible.

Is Black Pepper Ground Beef spicy?

Black pepper creates a warm, peppery heat rather than the sharp heat you would get from chilies. Three teaspoons gives this dish a noticeable black pepper flavor. You can reduce the amount slightly for a milder version.

Can I make Black Pepper Ground Beef spicy?

Yes. Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic and ginger or finish the dish with chili crisp.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely. Broccoli, mushrooms, snap peas, zucchini or thinly sliced carrots would all work well. Keep in mind that adding a lot of vegetables may increase the cooking time.

Why isn't my black pepper sauce thickening?

Make sure the sauce reaches a gentle simmer after adding it to the skillet. Cornstarch needs heat to thicken. Also, whisk the sauce immediately before adding it because the cornstarch will settle at the bottom of the bowl.

Black Pepper Ground Beef | Charlotte Fashion Plate

Name: Black Pepper Ground Beef
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian/American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, preferably 85/15 or 90/10; 1/2 medium onion, minced; 1/2 red bell pepper, diced; 1/2 green bell pepper, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger; 2 green onions, sliced, divided, optional for finishing; 1 3/4 cups beef stock; 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce, optional; 3 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon rice vinegar; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 2 teaspoons cornstarch

Description

Easy Black Pepper Ground Beef with peppers and onions simmered in a savory, peppery sauce. A quick one-pan dinner perfect over rice.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef, preferably 85/15 or 90/10
1/2 medium onion, minced
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
2 green onions, sliced, divided, optional for finishing

For the Black Pepper Sauce:

1 3/4 cups beef stock
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon dark soy sauce, optional
3 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 teaspoons cornstarch

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Instructions

In a bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the beef stock, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, dark soy sauce, black pepper, rice vinegar, sesame oil and cornstarch. Set aside.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart as it browns.
Once browned, add the onions, red bell pepper and green bell pepper, garlic and ginger. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes to soften the vegetables.
Whisk the prepared black pepper sauce again to redistribute the cornstarch. Pour the sauce into the skillet with the beef and vegetables.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Cook for several minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has reduced slightly and thickened enough to coat the ground beef.
Stir in half of the sliced green onions, if using.
Taste and add additional freshly cracked black pepper, if desired.
Spoon the Black Pepper Ground Beef and plenty of sauce over steamed rice.
Garnish with the remaining green onions and serve immediately.
ENJOY!

Equipment

Caraway Sauté Pan

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Large Glass Measuring Cup

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Meat Chopper

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Notes

Give the ground beef time to develop some color before adding the vegetables. Those browned bits add a lot of flavor to the finished sauce.
Use freshly cracked or coarsely ground black pepper for the best flavor.
Drain excess grease from the beef before adding the peppers and onions, if necessary.
Whisk the sauce again immediately before pouring it into the skillet to redistribute the cornstarch.
Allow the sauce to simmer for several minutes so it can reduce and thicken.
Do not add additional salt until tasting the finished dish. Soy sauce and oyster sauce both contain salt.
Green onions are optional, but add freshness and color when serving.
For additional heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or chili crisp.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Easy
Cuisine: Asian/American