These tender beef strips, coated in a glorious honey and black pepper sauce, are not only mouthwatering but also bursting with flavors that your family will adore. You can whip up this cozy Beef Stir Fry in under 20 minutes, providing a quick dinner solution on even the busiest nights.
There’s something undeniably comforting about a stir fry, isn’t there? Growing up, my kitchen was always filled with the enticing scent of sizzling garlic and fresh ingredients. This Beef Stir Fry with Honey and Black Pepper Sauce has become a staple in my home, bringing back those fond memories while creating new ones with my family around the dinner table. Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a special gathering, this dish offers warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

Beef Stir Fry with Honey and Black Pepper Sauce
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Tender beef strips coated in a honey and black pepper sauce, offering a quick and flavorful dinner solution in under 20 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce (or Hoisin)
- 1 1/2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (or Mirin, dry sherry)
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tsp coarsely crushed black pepper (or 1/2 tsp ground black pepper)
- 2 tbsp peanut oil (or vegetable/canola oil)
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- 1/2 onion, peeled and sliced
- 500g/1 lb thinly sliced beef (tenderloin, flank, sirloin, Porterhouse, strip, or suitable cut)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, Chinese cooking wine, water, and black pepper to create the sauce.
- Heat peanut oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until it begins to smoke.
- Add sliced onion and minced garlic; sauté for about a minute until translucent, stirring constantly.
- Add thinly sliced beef and stir-fry for about a minute until cooked to liking. Transfer beef to a bowl.
- Reduce heat to medium-high, pour the sauce into the wok, and simmer for about a minute until thick and syrupy.
- Return the beef and any juices back into the wok with the onions; toss until heated through.
- Serve immediately over rice or cauliflower rice.
Notes
Slice beef thinly against the grain for best tenderness. Adjust black pepper according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
The Allure of a Quick Beef Stir Fry
The simplicity of this recipe makes it a go-to for anyone looking to provide a delicious, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. In just a matter of minutes, you can present a gourmet-style dish that’s packed with flavor and sure to impress. Plus, it’s a wonderful balance of sweet and spicy — making it a true crowd-pleaser!
Cooking Up Beef Stir Fry with Honey and Black Pepper Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 tbsp soy sauce (Note 1)
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce (or Hoisin)
- 1 1/2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (or Mirin, dry sherry) (Note 2)
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tsp coarsely crushed black pepper (or 1/2 tsp regular ground black pepper)
- 2 tbsp peanut oil (or vegetable/canola oil)
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- 1/2 onion, peeled and sliced
- 500g/1 lb thinly sliced beef (tenderloin, flank, sirloin, Porterhouse, strip, or any cut suitable for stir frying) (Notes 3)
Directions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, oyster sauce, Chinese cooking wine, water, and black pepper to create the sauce.
- Heat the peanut oil in a wok or a large heavy-based skillet over high heat until it begins to smoke.
- Add the sliced onion and minced garlic; sauté for about a minute, or until the onions turn translucent. Be sure to keep everything moving so the garlic does not burn.
- Add the thinly sliced beef to the pan and stir-fry for about a minute just until it’s cooked to your liking. Then, transfer the beef into a bowl.
- Reduce the heat to medium-high and pour the sauce into the wok. It will start to simmer quickly! Let it bubble and cook for about a minute until it thickens and turns syrupy, with larger bubbles forming.
- Return the beef and any juices back into the wok with the onions and toss until everything is heated through, about a minute. Take care not to overcook the beef , tender is key!
- Serve immediately over rice, or for a healthier option, enjoy it with cauliflower rice.
Serving Suggestions for Beef Stir Fry Delight
Enjoy this Beef Stir Fry typically over a bed of steaming white or brown rice. For those wanting to indulge in a low-carb option, I recommend trying it with cauliflower rice, which adds a delightful texture while keeping the dish light.
Storing the Leftovers of This Hearty Dish
If you find yourself with any leftovers (though I doubt there will be any!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Tips for Making This Lip-Smacking Dish Even Better
- Be sure to slice your beef thinly against the grain. This ensures it remains tender after cooking.
- You can adjust the level of black pepper to suit your taste. If you prefer less heat, go with the regular ground black pepper.
- Prep your ingredients ahead of time for an even quicker dinner rush.
Variations to Explore in Your Stir Fry
Feel free to customize your stir fry! You can add a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or even broccoli for a colorful and nutritious twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different protein instead of beef?
Absolutely! Chicken, shrimp, or even tofu are great alternatives. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.
2. What can I substitute for oyster sauce?
You can replace oyster sauce with hoisin sauce for a slightly sweeter flavor.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While stir fry is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and slice your ingredients earlier in the day for quicker assembly at mealtime.
Now grab your wok, and let’s bring the flavors of this Beef Stir Fry with Honey and Black Pepper Sauce into your home — where comfort food is just a stir away!