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- 8 oz udon noodles - 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced - 2 tablespoons black pepper, freshly ground - 3 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon oyster sauce - 1 tablespoon sesame oil - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1-inch piece ginger, grated - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 cup broccoli florets - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) - Sesame seeds (for garnish) Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. Udon noodles are thick wheat noodles that are chewy and satisfying. Choose a good quality beef sirloin for the best flavor. Freshly ground black pepper adds a spicy kick. Soy sauce and oyster sauce provide depth and umami to the dish. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor that makes everything pop. Don't forget garlic and ginger for their aromatic qualities, and colorful veggies like red bell pepper and broccoli for texture and nutrition. The green onions and sesame seeds are for garnish, giving your dish a beautiful finish. Each ingredient plays a key role in making your Beef Black Pepper Udon flavorful and fun to eat. {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook the udon noodles, start by boiling water in a large pot. Add the noodles and follow the package instructions. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Cook until they are tender but still firm. After cooking, drain the noodles and set them aside. This helps keep them from getting sticky. Next, prepare the beef marinade. In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced beef, one tablespoon of soy sauce, one tablespoon of black pepper, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix well to coat the beef. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes. This step adds great flavor to the meat. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over high heat. When the oil is hot, add the marinated beef. Stir-fry for about 3 to 4 minutes. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside. This keeps the beef juicy and flavorful. In the same pan, add the broccoli florets and sliced red bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 3 to 5 minutes. You want the vegetables to be tender yet still crisp. This helps keep their bright colors and fresh taste. Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables. Add the cooked udon noodles, the rest of the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and remaining black pepper. Toss everything together. Make sure everything mixes evenly and heats through. Serve it hot for the best flavor. When serving the Beef Black Pepper Udon, garnish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This adds a nice touch to your dish. Serve it in large bowls for a great presentation. Pair it with chopsticks or a fork for easy eating. Enjoy your delicious meal! Freshly ground black pepper is key for great taste. It adds a strong, spicy kick. You can easily grind black pepper at home. Just use a pepper mill or a mortar and pestle. This step makes a big difference. Choosing high-quality sauces also matters. Look for good soy and oyster sauces. They should have rich flavors. A premium sauce can elevate your dish a lot. Always check the label for quality ingredients. Timing is essential when cooking udon noodles. Follow the package instructions closely. Usually, they cook in about 8-10 minutes. You want them tender but firm. Overcooking leads to mushy noodles, which nobody wants. To avoid mushiness, drain the noodles right away. Rinse them under cold water. This stops the cooking process. It also helps keep them separate when you mix them later. Storing leftovers properly is crucial. Let the dish cool down first. Then place it in an airtight container. It can stay in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, use a pan on low heat. Add a little water to keep it moist. Stir often to heat evenly. This method helps keep the flavors fresh and tasty. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality beef will enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your dish. Control the Heat: When stir-frying, make sure your pan is hot enough to sear the beef quickly, locking in juices and flavor. Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the amount of black pepper to suit your taste; you can start with less and add more as needed. Perfectly Cooked Udon: Be careful not to overcook the udon noodles; they should be tender but still have a slight bite to them (al dente). {{image_2}} You can easily make Beef Black Pepper Udon vegetarian. Just swap the beef for tofu or tempeh. Both options soak up flavor well and add protein. If you choose tofu, use firm or extra-firm varieties. Press it to remove excess water for better texture. For veggies, get creative! Add mushrooms, snap peas, or carrots. Feel free to mix your favorites. Adjust the cooking time as needed to keep them tender yet crisp. This way, you keep the dish colorful and tasty. If you want to spice things up, add chili flakes or sriracha. You can also use fresh chili peppers for a bold kick. Try adding a sliced jalapeño or Thai bird chili during cooking. For warmth, consider using spices like cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. These spices not only add heat but also depth to the flavor. Just remember to taste as you go to find your perfect level of spice! You can explore different cuisines by adding unique ingredients. Try using hoisin sauce for sweetness or fish sauce for umami. These swaps can give your udon a new twist. You can also add Asian greens like bok choy or Napa cabbage for a fresh crunch. If you want a fusion dish, toss in some Italian herbs like basil or oregano. This makes your Beef Black Pepper Udon truly your own! To keep your Beef Black Pepper Udon fresh, cool it down first. Place it in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. Your leftovers will stay good for about 3-4 days. Check for any odd smells or changes in texture before eating. You can freeze this dish for longer storage. Divide the udon into portions. Place them in freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to squeeze out any air. This will help prevent freezer burn. For the best taste, use it within 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. When reheating, avoid the microwave if you can. It can make the noodles mushy. Instead, use a pan on low heat. Add a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist. Stir often to heat evenly. It should take about 5-7 minutes. If you use a microwave, heat on low for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can use several noodles if you can't find udon. Here are some options: - Soba noodles: These are buckwheat noodles. They cook fast and have a nutty taste. - Rice noodles: These are great for a gluten-free option. They cook quickly too. - Spaghetti or fettuccine: If you're in a pinch, regular pasta works well. Cooking times may vary. Soba noodles usually take 4-6 minutes. Rice noodles can take about 5 minutes. Spaghetti typically cooks in 8-10 minutes. Yes, you can prep this dish in advance. Here are some tips: - Cook the noodles: You can cook the udon noodles a day before. Store them in the fridge. - Marinate the beef: You can marinate the beef overnight. This makes it tastier. Storing the dish may affect the flavor and texture. The noodles can become soft. The beef may lose some of its freshness. If the dish is too spicy for you, try these suggestions: - Reduce black pepper: Use less black pepper in the recipe. Start with 1 tablespoon instead of 2. - Add sugar: A pinch of sugar can balance the heat. For alternative seasonings, consider using garlic powder or sweet soy sauce. These can add flavor without the spice. This recipe works well for meal prep. Here are some considerations: - Portion sizes: Divide the dish into single servings. This makes it easy to grab and go. - Storage: Use airtight containers to keep the food fresh. Best practices for storing meals include labeling containers with dates. This helps you keep track of freshness. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Beef Black Pepper Udon brings bold flavors and satisfying textures. You learned how to cook udon, marinate beef, and stir-fry fresh veggies. You now have tips for best taste and storage. You can make this dish your own with fun options like spicy or vegetarian twists. Embrace this recipe in your meal plans, and impress everyone at the table. Enjoy crafting this tasty dish that fits any occasion.

Savory Beef Black Pepper Udon

A delicious stir-fried udon noodle dish with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a spicy black pepper sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz udon noodles
  • 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons black pepper, freshly ground
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
  • to taste sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Boil water in a large pot, add udon noodles, and cook according to package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes). Once cooked, drain and set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine sliced beef, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of black pepper, garlic, and ginger. Toss well and let it marinate for about 10 minutes.
  • Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
  • In the same pan, add the broccoli and sliced red bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet crisp.
  • Return the cooked beef to the pan with the vegetables. Add the cooked udon noodles, remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and the rest of the black pepper. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
  • Serve the Beef Black Pepper Udon hot, garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top.

Notes

For extra heat, add more black pepper or chili flakes.
Keyword beef, black pepper, stir-fry, udon