Savory Black Pepper Beef Stir-Fry

Sapi Lada Hitam (Black Pepper Beef)

If you’re in the mood for a delightful, aromatic dish that marries the savory richness of beef with the pungent kick of black pepper, Sapi Lada Hitam, or Black Pepper Beef, is the perfect choice. This classic Indonesian dish features tender slices of beef sautéed with fragrant garlic, ginger, and a medley of vegetables, all brought together with a delectable sauce. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 150-200 grams of thinly sliced beef (sirloin or tenderloin works best)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cm piece of ginger, thinly sliced
• ½ small onion (yellow or white), thinly sliced
• ½ red bell pepper, cut into chunks
• ½ green bell pepper, cut into chunks (or substitute with 2 large red chilies for extra heat)
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (Chinese rice wine)
• 2-3 tablespoons sweet soy sauce (kecap manis)
• ¾ tablespoon oyster sauce
• Salt, to taste
• Ground black pepper, to taste (both fine and coarsely ground)
• Cooking oil (for stir-frying)
• A splash of water, if needed

Instructions:

1. Heat the Oil: Begin by heating a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add a generous amount of cooking oil and let it warm up.

2. Sauté Aromatics: Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and thinly sliced ginger. Stir-fry for about 1 minute, or until they become aromatic and slightly golden.

3. Cook the Beef: Add the thinly sliced beef to the pan. Stir-fry the beef until it changes color and is nearly cooked through.

4. Add Sauces and Vegetables: Pour in the Shaoxing wine, sweet soy sauce, and oyster sauce. Stir well to coat the beef with the sauces. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers (or red chilies if you prefer more heat). Continue to cook until the vegetables are just tender and the beef is fully cooked.

5. Adjust Consistency and Seasoning: If the sauce is too thick or you prefer a bit more sauce, add a splash of water. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir to combine.

6. Finish Cooking: Allow the mixture to simmer for a few more minutes, until the onions are still crisp and the flavors meld together beautifully.

7. Serve: Transfer the Black Pepper Beef to a serving dish and enjoy hot with steamed rice or noodles.

This flavorful and aromatic dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests. The combination of Shaoxing wine and sweet soy sauce creates a rich, savory sauce that perfectly complements the tender beef and crisp vegetables.