Tender beef, chewy udon noodles, and crisp vegetables come together in a rich black pepper sauce. This easy Black Pepper Beef Udon is filled with savory flavor and just the right amount of peppery heat. It is a quick and satisfying noodle dinner that is ready in only 20 minutes.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time10 minutesmins
Total Time20 minutesmins
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Asian, Japanese-Inspired
Keyword: beef stir fry, beef udon noodles, Black Pepper Beef Udon, black pepper noodles, quick noodle dinner
1tspcornstarchor potato starch, mixed with water to make a slurry
3tbspdark soy sauce
2tspfreshly ground black pepper
3tbspwater
1/2tsppotato starch
Instructions
Add the minced garlic clove, sesame oil, soy sauce, 1 teaspoon oyster sauce, Chinese white rice vinegar, and starch slurry to a small bowl. Mix well.
Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade. Toss until coated and let it sit for about 10 minutes.
In another bowl, combine the dark soy sauce, remaining 1 teaspoon oyster sauce, black pepper, water, and 1/2 teaspoon potato starch. Stir until smooth.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the udon noodles and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, just until loosened.
Drain the noodles and set them aside. Do not overcook them.
Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a wok or large frying pan over medium heat.
Add the marinated beef and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until browned. Transfer the beef to a plate.
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, and sliced onion to the same pan. Stir-fry until fragrant and slightly softened.
Return the beef to the pan. Add the noodles, prepared black pepper sauce, Chinese cabbage, salt, and sugar.
Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through. Serve immediately.
Notes
Slice the beef very thinly so it cooks quickly and stays tender.
Do not overcook the udon because the noodles cook again when tossed with the sauce.