Stir-Fried Shaken Beef with Black Pepper and Garlic

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

Tender cubes of beef quickly stir-fried with garlic and black pepper, served with a caramelized crust and fresh greens. This vietnamese-inspired beef ready in about 30 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes beef sirloin, soy sauce, fish sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Vietnamese cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toss 1 lb 1-inch beef sirloin cubes with 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp fish sauce, and 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper in a bowl. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat until shimmering. Add 4 finely minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add marinated beef cubes in a single layer and let sear without stirring for 2 minutes to develop a caramelized crust.
  4. Step 4: Stir and shake the pan to turn beef, cooking an additional 3-4 minutes until beef is medium rare to medium and caramelized on all sides.
  5. Step 5: Add 1 tbsp butter and 2 sliced scallions, tossing to coat the beef in the buttery sauce for 1 minute.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and serve immediately over 2 cups fresh mixed greens or steamed rice.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 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 Shaken Beef with Black Pepper and Garlic?

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 soy sauce from drying out.

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

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 Shaken Beef with Black Pepper and Garlic for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Shaken Beef with Black Pepper and Garlic?

Vietnamese 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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