Black Pepper Beef, Mushroom & Green Bean Stir-Fry is a bold, savory dish packed with tender slices of beef, crisp green beans, and earthy mushrooms tossed in a garlicky, peppery sauce. This stir-fry comes together in under 30 minutes and delivers serious flavor with every bite. It’s one of those meals I reach for when I want something quick, hearty, and full of umami.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this dish hits all the right notes—tender beef, crunchy veggies, and a sauce that’s bold without being overpowering. The black pepper gives the sauce a spicy edge that pairs perfectly with the mushrooms and green beans. It’s quick enough for weeknights but tastes like takeout-level comfort. Plus, it’s made in one pan and goes great over rice, noodles, or on its own.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- Fresh green beans, trimmed
- Mushrooms (cremini, button, or shiitake), sliced
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- Soy sauce
- Oyster sauce
- Cornstarch
- Black pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)
- Sugar
- Sesame oil or vegetable oil
- Water or beef broth
- Optional: red chili flakes or sliced green onions for garnish
Directions
- I start by tossing the sliced beef in a mixture of soy sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of black pepper, then let it marinate for about 10 minutes while prepping the vegetables.
- In a hot skillet or wok, I heat oil and stir-fry the beef in batches until browned and just cooked through, then set it aside.
- In the same pan, I add more oil if needed and sauté the green beans for about 3–4 minutes until they start to soften but still have crunch.
- I toss in the mushrooms and cook until they’re golden and tender, then add the garlic (and ginger if using) and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- I return the beef to the pan and pour in a quick sauce made from soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, water, and plenty of freshly ground black pepper.
- I stir everything together and let the sauce bubble and thicken slightly—about 1–2 minutes.
- I finish it off with a drizzle of sesame oil and garnish with red chili flakes or green onions if I’m feeling fancy.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 and takes about 25–30 minutes total, including prep and cooking. It’s ideal for a quick weeknight dinner and pairs perfectly with steamed rice or noodles.
Variations
Sometimes I add red bell peppers or snap peas for more color and crunch. For a lower-sodium option, I use low-sodium soy sauce and skip the oyster sauce. If I want it extra spicy, I add a bit of sriracha or chili oil to the sauce. I’ve also swapped the beef for chicken or tofu and it works beautifully.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat, I do it in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep the sauce loose. The microwave works too, but I prefer the stovetop to keep the veggies crisp.
FAQs
What’s the best cut of beef for this stir-fry?
I usually use flank steak or sirloin because they’re tender and quick-cooking when sliced thin against the grain.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I often prep the beef and vegetables in advance and cook everything fresh when I’m ready to eat. It comes together fast once everything is prepped.
Is there a substitute for oyster sauce?
I’ve used hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a bit of brown sugar in a pinch. It won’t taste exactly the same but still gives a nice depth.
Can I use frozen green beans?
Fresh is best for that crisp texture, but I’ve used frozen in a pinch—just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
How can I make this gluten-free?
I use gluten-free soy sauce (or tamari) and a gluten-free oyster sauce alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Conclusion
Black Pepper Beef, Mushroom & Green Bean Stir-Fry is a go-to in my kitchen when I want something bold, satisfying, and ready in a flash. With its rich, peppery sauce and fresh textures, it’s everything I crave in a stir-fry—savory, a little spicy, and packed with flavor. Whether I serve it over rice, noodles, or on its own, it never disappoints.
PrintBlack Pepper Beef, Mushroom & Green Bean Stir-Fry
Black Pepper Beef, Mushroom & Green Bean Stir-Fry is a bold, savory one-pan meal made with tender beef, crisp green beans, and umami-packed mushrooms tossed in a garlicky, peppery sauce. It’s a quick, hearty dish perfect for weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Low Lactose
Ingredients
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 1/2 cups mushrooms (cremini, button, or shiitake), sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium if preferred)
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (more to taste)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth
- Optional: red chili flakes or sliced green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss sliced beef with 1 tbsp soy sauce, cornstarch, and a pinch of black pepper. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Stir-fry beef in batches until browned and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining oil if needed, then sauté green beans for 3–4 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Add mushrooms and cook until golden. Stir in garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return beef to the pan. Add remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, water or broth, and remaining black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Let the sauce bubble and thicken slightly, about 1–2 minutes. Drizzle with sesame oil if desired.
- Garnish with red chili flakes or green onions before serving. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Add bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce and omit oyster sauce for a lower-sodium option.
- Swap beef with chicken, pork, or tofu as desired.
- To make gluten-free, use tamari and a gluten-free oyster sauce substitute.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
