Black Pepper Beef Noodles
These black pepper beef noodles are a fast, restaurant-style noodle dish made with tender sliced beef, chewy noodles, and a bold, peppery sauce. Ready in about 30 minutes, this easy black pepper beef noodle recipe delivers savory depth, glossy texture, and just the right amount of heat—perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- Beef & Noodles
- 1½ pounds flank steak or sirloin thinly sliced against the grain
- 12 ounces fresh noodles or dried wheat noodles cooked al dente
- 1 large bell pepper thinly sliced
- ½ medium onion thinly sliced
- Neutral oil for cooking
- Sauce & Seasoning
- 1½ –2 teaspoons coarsely ground black pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce divided
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon dark soy sauce optional, for color
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- ¼ cup water or beef broth as needed
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss sliced beef with cornstarch, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and a pinch of black pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, brown sugar, and remaining black pepper.
- Cook noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add oil.
- Add beef in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Sear 2–3 minutes per side until just cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add onion and bell pepper. Stir-fry 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the sauce mixture and simmer 1–2 minutes until glossy.
- Return beef and noodles to the pan. Toss over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until well coated and heated through.
- Finish with sesame oil, toss once more, and remove from heat.
Notes
- Slice beef very thinly against the grain for tenderness.
- Add black pepper gradually—taste and adjust.
- Avoid overcooking noodles; they should stay slightly chewy.
- If noodles look dry, add water or broth 1–2 tablespoons at a time.