Delicious Beef Pepper Rice

This flavor-packed beef pepper rice is my go-to for a speedy but special dinner It hits all the sweet smoky and savory notes you crave from Pepper Lunch but is totally doable at home in just one pan I love watching the butter sizzle and the sauce caramelize right before tossing everything together for that signature taste

The first time I made this at home I could not believe how much it tasted like the restaurant version It was so fun to recreate and the whole family dove in before I even finished garnishing

Ingredients

• Ribeye steak: thinly sliced for best tenderness and flavor Choose well marbled cuts and ask your butcher to slice or freeze slightly before cutting to keep the slices super thin
• Half an onion: thinly sliced for sweetness and depth Opt for fresh bright onions that feel firm and heavy
• Frozen corn: for that sweet juicy pop Yellow corn is classic but feel free to use white or blend both
• Rice: preferably day old for perfect texture and fry ability Use short or medium grain for slight stickiness but any leftover rice works
• Cold butter: for richness and silky mouthfeel Use high quality real butter for maximum flavor and creaminess
• Garlic: both minced and grated to infuse the beef and sauce Choose plump cloves and crush just before cooking for boldest aroma
• Soy sauce: in the beef pepper sauce for that deep savory umami Look for naturally brewed or low sodium versions
• Oyster sauce: brings a glossy slightly sweet savory note Choose a brand with real oyster extract for true flavor
• Honey: adds a subtle hit of sweetness balancing the salt and savory
• Sesame oil: for roasted nuttiness Go for toasted sesame oil for more aroma
• Black pepper: freshly cracked for signature heat and bite
• Green onions: for garnish Choose bright green firm stalks and slice fresh for best crunch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients:

Thinly slice your ribeye Steak freezes more easily to cut so pop it in the freezer for a quick chill if needed Slice onion into even strips Have all your ingredients lined up for quick cooking and ensure your rice is day old and fluffed to prevent clumping

Make the Beef Pepper Sauce:

In a small bowl whisk together soy sauce oyster sauce honey sesame oil black pepper and grated garlic Whisk until smooth and set aside This blend is what gives the dish its signature flavor

Heat and Sear:

Preheat a large skillet or wok well over medium high heat A hot pan helps create that delicious crust Drizzle a little oil in then add onions Sauté until translucent and beginning to caramelize about three to four minutes Slide onions to the side and add garlic stirring for one minute taking care not to burn

Add Corn Rice and Beef:

Place frozen corn and day old rice into separate areas of the pan Leave room for beef Add thin beef slices in a single layer Sear undisturbed for about three minutes Letting it brown builds flavor and locks in juices

Butter and Sauce It:

Once beef gets a good crust add cold butter on top and pour the beef pepper sauce all over After a moment everything will start to bubble and smell irresistible

Toss and Serve:

With a sturdy spatula toss beef rice veggies sauce and butter together until the rice is coated and glossy Taste and adjust seasoning if you like Transfer to plates and sprinkle generously with chopped green onions Serve piping hot

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The ribeye here is my absolute favorite cut for this dish The way its marbling melts into the rice after searing is pure magic The first time my kitchen filled with the aroma of sizzling buttered beef my kids gathered around the stove grinning and could not wait to dig in

Storage Tips

Pop leftovers in an airtight container into the fridge for up to three days Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or in the microwave so the rice does not dry out If freezing spread into a thin layer to help preserve texture and freeze for up to one month

Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily swap in chicken or pork if beef is not your thing Try tofu or mushrooms for a plant based spin If you are out of oyster sauce mix more soy sauce with a touch of brown sugar Tamari can stand in for soy sauce to make things gluten free

Serving Suggestions

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone but feels right at home next to a simple cucumber salad pickled veggies or even a quick miso soup Extra black pepper and a drizzle of chili oil are delicious if you love heat

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The Story Behind Beef Pepper Rice

Pepper Lunch started in Japan and became wildly popular across Asia for letting diners cook thin steak sizzling atop rice and corn with a butter soy sauce pepper combo My version recreates that magic at home with simple but bold flavors that always remind me of lively food courts and family gatherings

Recipe FAQs

→ What cut of beef works best for this dish?

Ribeye or sirloin are ideal, as their tenderness and marbling complement high-heat searing for juicy results.

→ Why use day-old rice?

Day-old rice is drier, helping each grain remain distinct and preventing a mushy texture during stir-frying.

→ How do I slice beef thinly?

Briefly freezing the steak makes it easier to cut thin, even strips essential for quick, even cooking.

→ Can I substitute fresh corn for frozen?

Yes, fresh or even canned corn will work; just add it at the same stage as you would frozen corn.

→ Do I need a cast iron skillet?

While a cast iron skillet develops great crust, any large skillet or wok will work well with high heat.