Black Pepper Angus Steak
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My black pepper Angus steak recipe features wok-seared Angus steak and tender veggies swimming in a peppery sauce. Ready in 20 minutes!
Black Pepper Angus Steak is my go-to weeknight stir-fry
We are a family of stir-fry lovers, and my black pepper Angus steak recipe is up there with our other Panda Express dupes (looking at you, black pepper chicken!).
Also known as Shanghai steak, it’s made with tender Angus steak and stir-fried veggies; it’s the savory umami sauce that really kicks this dish into high gear. Well, that and a generous dash of black pepper. This is why I make it on repeat:
- The sauce is the star. It’s savory, peppery, and perfect for spooning rice over.
- Dinner in 10 minutes. Once the beef has been marinated, everything cooks quickly.
- Better than takeout. It’s lighter and more affordable, and I use simple, everyday ingredients.
- Easy to customize. Swap the vegetables, use a different protein, or adjust the black pepper to suit your taste.
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need, along with my kitchen notes. Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
- Angus sirloin steak. Angus beef is my preferred choice because of its marbling, which keeps the steak tender and flavorful. If you can’t find it, sirloin steak or flank steak work well too. I avoid very lean cuts since they can turn chewy in a quick-cooking stir-fry.
- Soy sauce. Depending on your preferences, you can use light, dark, or low-sodium soy sauce. I prefer the light kind because dark can be a little overpowering.
- Dry sherry. A popular cooking wine used in Asian-inspired dishes. If you don’t have any on hand or don’t want to use alcohol, use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.
- Cornstarch. Thickens the sauce.
- Beef broth. Choose a good-quality beef broth (or chicken stock), not beef bouillon cubes.
- Sesame oil. For essential Asian flavor. A little goes a very long way.
- Sugar. Just a pinch to balance the salty, strong flavors.
- Black pepper. The key ingredient. Freshly cracked black pepper makes a noticeable difference here.
- Vegetables. I used red bell peppers, green bell peppers, yellow onion, and garlic, but this recipe is very forgiving if you’d like to swap in other vegetables.
- Oil. Choose an oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut or vegetable oil.
Recipe variations
- Swap the protein. Use sliced pork, shrimp, or tofu.
- Use different veggies. White button mushrooms, baby broccoli, or green beans are all great options.
- Give it a little heat. Add a dash of red pepper flakes.
- Make it gluten-free. Use gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos.
How to make black pepper Angus steak
Step 1- Marinate the meat. Add the sliced steak to a bowl and add the marinade ingredients over the top. Let it sit to thicken.
Step 2- Pan fry the beef. Add oil to a wok or non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef (keep the excess sauce/marinade) and sear on all sides. Transfer the beef to a bowl.
Step 3- Sauté the veggies. Clean the pan, add more oil, and add the peppers and onions. Saute for 3-4 minutes, then add them to the bowl of beef.
Step 4- Stir fry. Return the wok to the heat and let it start to smoke. Once smoking, add the steak, vegetables, garlic, and ginger. Cook for several minutes, then add the leftover sauce. Garnish with extra black pepper.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Marinate the beef as long as possible. I find 10 minutes is fine, but if I plan ahead, I’ll leave it overnight. The beef becomes noticeably more tender and flavorful.
- Slice the steak against the grain. This is the easiest way to guarantee tender bites of beef (look for the long muscle fibers and slice across them). If you cut with the grain, the steak can end up chewier than it should be.
- Prep everything before you start cooking. Stir fries should move quickly, so I always have the sauce mixed and veggies chopped before the pan hits the heat.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables. You want them tender but still crisp- the contrast between the juicy beef and slightly crunchy veggies is what makes this dish so good.
More easy stir-fries
Black Pepper Angus Steak
Ingredients
- 1 pound Angus steak sliced against the grain
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup dry sherry * See notes
- 1/3 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 bell peppers sliced
- 1 medium onion sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons ginger minced
- 1 tablespoon oil to fry
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, add the sliced beef, soy sauce, dry sherry (or apple cider vinegar), beef broth, sesame oil, sugar, ground black pepper, and cornstarch. Let it sit for 10 minutes or marinate for up to 24 hours.
- Add oil to a wok or non-stick pan and place it over medium heat. Once hot, add the beef (reserve the remaining sauce) and sear on all sides. Remove from the pan.
- Clean the pan, add more oil, then add the bell peppers and onions. Saute for 3-4 minutes, before removing them off the heat and adding them to the beef.
- Return the wok to the heat and let it start to smoke. Once smoking, add the seared steak, vegetables, garlic, and ginger. Cook for several minutes, then toss through the leftover sauce from the beef. Cook everything together for 1-2 more minutes.
- Remove the stir-fry off the heat and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published June 2022
BOMB!!!!!!! Must try. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing the photos of this recipe on social media, Royleta- I’m so glad the family enjoyed it!
This is TOO good!!!
I normally don’t comment on recipes but let me tell y’all, this was EXACTLY like panda express recipe (if not better)! It was amazing! My family was very pleased! Thank you for posting this recipe!
Can chuck steak be used?
I don’t see why not!
I have noticed that you have also used sugar in this recipe along with Cornflower
I am surprised that you are using Cornstarch, 2 table spoons at that..I am sorry but this dish with Cornflour is not a Keto meal. Have you made a mistake in this recipe?