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Black Pepper Udon

Quick and Flavorful Beef Black Pepper Udon

This Black Pepper Udon stir-fry is everything a quick weeknight dinner should be—fast, flavorful, and totally satisfying. Tender beef slices, chewy udon noodles, and a glossy black pepper sauce come together in one skillet for a bold noodle bowl that tastes better than takeout. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for cozy nights or fast family meals!

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2–3 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Beef & Noodles:

  • 8 oz flank, skirt, or sirloin steak, thinly sliced against the grain

  • 2 (7 oz) packs cooked or frozen udon noodles

  • 1 tbsp vegetable or avocado oil

  • ½ small onion, thinly sliced

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • Optional: sliced scallions, sesame seeds for topping

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce for vegetarian version)

  • 1 tsp sugar

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 3 tbsp water (slurry)

  • 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper (or more to taste)

  • ½ tsp sesame oil

  • Optional: 1 tbsp rice vinegar or Shaoxing wine

Instructions

  1. Slice and Season the Beef
    Thinly slice the beef and season lightly with salt and pepper. Optional: toss with 1 tsp soy sauce and 1 tsp cornstarch for extra tenderness.

  2. Mix the Sauce
    In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, black pepper, sesame oil, and the cornstarch slurry. Set aside.

  3. Sear the Beef
    Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef and sear until just browned and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.

  4. Sauté Aromatics
    In the same skillet, add garlic and onion. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.

  5. Add Noodles & Sauce
    Add the udon noodles to the skillet, followed by the sauce. Toss to combine and heat through, about 2–3 minutes.

  6. Finish with Beef
    Return beef to the pan and toss everything together until hot and coated in sauce. Serve immediately with optional toppings!

Notes

  • Use fresh cracked pepper for the best flavor—it makes a huge difference!

  • Frozen udon noodles are best for that chewy texture, but shelf-stable works too.

  • Veggie add-ins: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli are great choices.

  • Make it spicy: Add red chili flakes or a squeeze of sriracha to the sauce.

 

  • This stir-fry is best served fresh but makes a delicious leftover lunch too!

  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-Fry
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Keywords: Black Pepper Udon