Stir-Fried Beef with Scallions and Black Pepper
Tender slices of beef stir-fried with fresh scallions and cracked black pepper for a bold, peppery flavor in every bite. This asian-inspired beef ready in about 18 minutes pairs flank steak, vegetable oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 3, 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz, thinly sliced against the grain flank steak
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 4 sliced into 2-inch pieces fresh scallions
- 2 tsp cracked black pepper
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp mixed with 1 tbsp water cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat until smoking lightly. Add 12 oz thinly sliced flank steak and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but still tender.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 4 sliced scallions (2-inch pieces), continuing to stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant and scallions are slightly softened.
- Step 3: Sprinkle 2 tsp cracked black pepper evenly over the beef mixture, then pour in 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp oyster sauce, and 1 tsp brown sugar. Stir well to combine.
- Step 4: Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and 2 tbsp additional water, then pour into the wok. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and scallions.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Beef with Scallions and Black Pepper take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 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 Scallions 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 Scallions 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 Scallions and Black Pepper for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Scallions 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This recipe saved my weeknight dinners! The scallion aroma and crispy beef made it restaurant-quality at home.
- ★★★★★
The beef turned out perfectly tender and the black pepper punch was just right. My kids asked for seconds!
- ★★★★☆
Flavorful overall but the beef needed more marinade time. Next time I'll add a splash of soy sauce to boost the umami.
