Simple Black Pepper Beef Udon

Tender beef, chewy udon, and a rich black pepper sauce come together in this Simple Black Pepper Beef Udon recipe. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy lunch at home. The dish’s standout qualities lie in its bold flavor and satisfying textures, making it a delightful choice for various occasions, from casual meals to impressing guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 20 minutes of total cooking time, this dish is ideal for busy evenings.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of beef, garlic, and black pepper creates a savory experience that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Dish: You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level.
• Authentic Taste: Enjoy the essence of Asian cuisine right at home without needing advanced cooking skills.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smoother, having the right tools is essential. These items will help you create the perfect Simple Black Pepper Beef Udon.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Wok
• Large pot
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Chopping board

Importance of Each Tool

• Wok: A wok distributes heat evenly, allowing for excellent stir-frying.
• Large pot: Essential for boiling udon noodles quickly without overcrowding.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for marinating the beef and mixing sauces efficiently.

Ingredients

Noodles and Vegetables

• 2 packs udon noodles
• Chinese cabbage (or whatever leafy green)

Aromatics and Seasonings

• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 1 white onion, sliced
• Salt to taste
• Sugar to taste

Protein

• 200 g fresh beef, thinly sliced
• 1 clove garlic, minced

Sauces and Oils

• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp corn starch or potato starch + water (for slurry)
• 1 tsp Chinese white rice vinegar
• 3 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 2 tsp fresh ground black pepper
• 3 tbsp water
• 1/2 tsp potato starch

How to Make Simple Black Pepper Beef Udon

Step 1: Marinate the Beef

Whisk minced garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, oyster sauce, vinegar, and cornstarch slurry in a bowl. Coat thinly sliced beef with this mixture and let it sit for 10 minutes while prepping other ingredients. This step allows the beef to absorb flavors and become tender.

Step 2: Cook the Udon Noodles

In a large pot of boiling water, cook the udon noodles for 1-2 minutes until they are slightly loosened but not overcooked. Drain them and set aside. Remember not to overcook; you want them to retain that delightful bouncy chew!

Step 3: Prepare the Black Pepper Sauce

Scrape all marinade dregs into a small bowl along with dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, water, and potato starch. Mix well.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Ingredients

Heat a wok on medium heat. Add oil and stir-fry garlic and onions until soft. Cook the marinated beef in the wok for 2-3 minutes until browned. Then add your prepared black pepper sauce. Stir over low heat until it thickens and becomes glossy.

Step 5: Combine Everything Together

Add the cooked udon noodles and Chinese cabbage to the wok with the sauce. Toss everything together gently to coat all ingredients evenly before serving hot.

Enjoy your homemade Simple Black Pepper Beef Udon!

How to Serve Simple Black Pepper Beef Udon

Serving Simple Black Pepper Beef Udon can elevate your meal and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some creative ways to present this delicious dish.

With Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with scallions – Chopped scallions add a fresh flavor and a pop of color.
• Sprinkle cilantro – Fresh cilantro can brighten the dish and enhance its Asian flair.

Add a Side Salad

• Cucumber salad – A light cucumber salad with vinegar dressing complements the richness of the beef udon.
• Seaweed salad – Seaweed salad provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty udon noodles.

Include Extra Toppings

• Sesame seeds – Toasted sesame seeds offer a nutty flavor and a nice crunch when sprinkled on top.
• Chili flakes – For those who like heat, adding chili flakes can give an extra kick to the dish.

Serve with Rice

• Steamed jasmine rice – Pairing it with jasmine rice provides additional texture and makes the meal more filling.

Offer Dipping Sauces

• Soy sauce dip – A small bowl of soy sauce allows guests to customize their flavor experience.
• Spicy mayo – Mixing mayonnaise with sriracha creates a creamy, spicy dip that complements the dish well.

How to Perfect Simple Black Pepper Beef Udon

To make your Simple Black Pepper Beef Udon even better, follow these tips for perfect results every time.

• Use high-quality beef – Selecting good quality beef ensures tenderness and enhances overall flavor.
• Don’t overcook the udon – Cooking the noodles just right keeps them chewy and prevents them from becoming mushy.
• Marinate longer if possible – Allowing the beef to marinate longer than 10 minutes boosts flavors significantly.
• Adjust pepper to taste – Feel free to modify the amount of black pepper depending on how spicy you want your dish.
• Customize vegetables – You can add or replace vegetables based on your preference, making it versatile for different tastes.
• Serve immediately – Enjoying this dish right after cooking ensures optimal texture and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Simple Black Pepper Beef Udon

Pairing side dishes with Simple Black Pepper Beef Udon can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Edamame – Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt makes for a healthy and fun appetizer.
2. Vegetable spring rolls – Crispy spring rolls filled with fresh veggies provide a delightful crunch alongside the udon.
3. Miso soup – A warm miso soup is comforting and pairs nicely with Asian-inspired meals.
4. Pickled vegetables – Tangy pickled veggies can cleanse the palate between bites of savory beef udon.
5. Steamed bok choy – Lightly steamed bok choy adds nutrition and balances out the richness of the dish.
6. Fried tofu bites – Crispy tofu provides protein and texture, complementing your beef udon perfectly.
7. Sweet potato fries – Sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast that pairs beautifully with savory flavors.
8. Asian slaw – A crunchy slaw made with cabbage and carrots adds freshness and texture to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Simple Black Pepper Beef Udon, a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to help ensure your dish turns out perfectly.

• Overcooking the Noodles: Cooking udon noodles for too long will make them mushy. Follow the package instructions and cook just until slightly tender.
• Skipping Marination: Neglecting to marinate the beef can lead to less flavorful meat. Allow it to sit for at least 10 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold ingredients to a hot wok can lower the cooking temperature. Always let your ingredients come close to room temperature before cooking.
• Not Adjusting Seasonings: Failing to taste and adjust seasonings may result in a bland dish. Always check the flavor before serving and add salt or sugar as needed.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Overloading your wok can steam rather than stir-fry. Cook in batches if necessary to achieve that ideal stir-fried texture.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Let it cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Simple Black Pepper Beef Udon

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Make sure it’s completely cooled before freezing.

Reheating Simple Black Pepper Beef Udon

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until warmed evenly.
• Stovetop: In a skillet, add a splash of water and heat on medium until steaming, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I customize Simple Black Pepper Beef Udon?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition. Tofu can also be substituted for beef if you prefer a vegetarian option.

Can I use other types of noodles?

Yes, while udon is traditional, you can substitute with soba or even rice noodles based on your preference.

Is Simple Black Pepper Beef Udon spicy?

This recipe is not overly spicy but has a mild heat from black pepper. You can adjust the amount according to your taste.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

Final Thoughts

Simple Black Pepper Beef Udon is a delightful dish that combines tender beef with chewy noodles in a savory sauce. This recipe is not only quick but also versatile; feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Try it tonight for an easy yet satisfying meal!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Simple Black Pepper Beef Udon

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Simple Black Pepper Beef Udon, a quick and satisfying dish that brings the essence of Asian cuisine right to your kitchen. With tender beef, chewy udon noodles, and a rich black pepper sauce, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy lunches. In just 20 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering meal that impresses both family and guests alike. Plus, it’s easily customizable—add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Enjoy this savory stir-fry that’s sure to become a staple in your home!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 200g fresh beef, thinly sliced
• 2 packs udon noodles
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 1 white onion, sliced
• Chinese cabbage (or another leafy green)
• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Dark soy sauce
• Fresh ground black pepper
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp corn starch or potato starch + water (for slurry)
• 1 tsp Chinese white rice vinegar
• 3 tbsp water
• 1/2 tsp potato starch
• Salt to taste
• Sugar to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Marinate the sliced beef with garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, oyster sauce, vinegar, and cornstarch slurry for 10 minutes.
2. Boil udon noodles in a large pot for 1-2 minutes until slightly tender; drain.
3. Prepare the black pepper sauce by mixing marinade dregs with dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, water, and potato starch.
4. Heat oil in a wok and stir-fry garlic and onions until soft. Add marinated beef and cook until browned.
5. Pour in the black pepper sauce and let it thicken before adding udon noodles and Chinese cabbage. Toss to combine.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stir-frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg