Ingredients:

• 1 pound beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons black peppercorns, coarsely crushed
• Salt, to taste
• Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:
• In a bowl, mix the thinly sliced beef with baking soda. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes. This process helps tenderise the beef.
• After 20-30 minutes, rinse the beef thoroughly under cold water to remove the baking soda taste. Pat dry with paper towels.
2. Marinate the Beef:
• In a separate bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch. Add the beef slices to the marinade and toss to coat. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes.
3. Cooking:
• Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add sliced onions and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
• Add minced garlic and crushed black peppercorns. Stir-fry for another 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add Beef:
• Add the marinated beef slices to the skillet. Spread them out into a single layer to ensure even cooking.
• Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the beef is cooked through and slightly caramelised. Adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
5. Serve:
• Transfer the black pepper beef to a serving dish.
• Garnish with sliced green onions.
• Serve hot with steamed rice.

Tips:

• Cutting the beef thinly against the grain ensures tenderness.
• Crushing the peppercorns coarsely adds a nice texture and robust flavor.
• Adjust the amount of black pepper according to your preference for spiciness.