Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Black Pepper

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Quick-cooked flank steak slices with a savory garlic and black pepper sauce, perfect for weeknight dinners. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs flank steak, soy sauce, rice vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp honey, and 1 tbsp cornstarch. Add 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak and toss to coat; set aside for 10 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant and golden.
  3. Step 3: Add marinated steak and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until browned but still tender, stirring constantly.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 tsp black pepper and 3 sliced green onions, cook for 1 more minute until onions are bright green, then serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Black Pepper take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Black Pepper?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep flank steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Black Pepper?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Black Pepper for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Stir-Fried Beef with Garlic and Black Pepper?

Asian beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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