Tender, thinly sliced beef sizzles on a hot plate with caramelized onions, steamed rice, melting butter, freshly cracked pepper, and sweet corn tossed with a savory garlic soy sauce. Each bite of this beef pepper rice is bursting with a perfect balance of smoky, silky, sweet, and savory flavors.

The best part about this sizzling beef dish is that it can be made in under 15 minutes and is a great solution for lunch or dinner. You can also easily customize the toppings, just like at Pepper Lunch but at a fraction of the price!

Ingredients

You can find all the ingredients for this beef pepper rice recipe at your local Asian grocery store. Full measurements and links to everything I used are listed in the recipe card below.

• Thinly Sliced Beef: Use thinly sliced shabu shabu beef, which is typically frozen in Asian grocery stores. The best cuts are top-blade or rib eye.
• Butter: adds a silky, rich, savory flavor that blends the flavors.
• Yellow Onion: is the main aromatic that adds a gentle natural sweetness.
• Steamed White Rice: Freshly steamed jasmine white rice is the base, absorbing all the butter, sauce, and beef juices.
• Yellow Corn: brings a subtle sweetness and pop of color. Opt for frozen corn for the easiest option. You can alternatively use freshly cooked corn or canned corn.
• Green Onion: as a garnish.
• Black Pepper adds a bold, peppery signature finish.

Beef Pepper Rice Sauce

• Garlic: the main aromatic in the sauce.
• Soy Sauce: adds an umami salty flavor to the pepper rice sauce.
• Oyster Sauce: adds a secondary punch of umami flavor to the sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: brightens the deep umami flavor by adding acidity.
• Honey: adds a floral sweet flavor.
• Black Pepper: adds a warm peppery flavor.

Substitutions and Additions

Substitutions

• Steak: Instead of thinly sliced beef, you can cook a whole steak separately and serve it with the corn and rice.
• Protein: instead of beef, you can opt for chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu! Be sure to cook the protein of choice thoroughly before serving.
• Sugar: instead of honey, you can alternatively use granulated sugar or brown sugar.
• Teriyaki Sauce: Instead of pepper lunch sauce, you can use teriyaki sauce.
• Noodles: instead of white rice, you can alternatively use thin egg noodles or spaghetti noodles.

Additions

• Vegetables: mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, carrots, etc for a healthier and balanced dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: ooey gooey cheese and corn are a match made in heaven.
• Fried Egg: for extra protein and a silky flavor from a runny yolk.
• Kimchi: for an added pickled element.
• Spice: chili oil, sriracha, chili flakes, or freshly chopped chilis for an added kick.

How to Make Beef Pepper Rice

Here are the step-by-step instructions for how to make this beef pepper rice recipe.

1. In a medium mixing bowl, add garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and black pepper. Mix until combined and set aside.

2. In a medium pan or hot plate over medium heat, add one tablespoon of butter or cooking oil. Add the sliced onion and saute until lightly caramelized.

3. Move the onions to the center of the skillet and place a serving of rice on top. Then, add the thinly sliced steak around the rice.

4. Pour the sauce over the rice to taste and garnish with corn, green onions, remaining butter, and more freshly cracked black pepper on top. Mix thoroughly and serve the beef pepper rice immediately.

Storage Instructions

This beef pepper rice recipe is best served immediately. However, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheat: toss in a wok over medium heat until warm or microwave-covered with a few drops of water over the rice until warm.

Freeze: You can also freeze the pepper rice in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQ

What sauce goes well with beef pepper rice?

This beef pepper rice recipe includes an umami garlic soy sauce, but you can also serve the beef and rice with a homemade teriyaki sauce.

Can I use other proteins?

Yes! Instead of beef, you can alternatively use chicken, pork, shrimp or tofu. Just make sure to properly cook these proteins longer in the skillet before serving.

What other toppings can I add?

You can customize your pepper rice by adding toppings such as cheese, mushrooms, carrots, garlic, kimchi, or fried eggs!

Do I need a sizzling plate?

No! You can easily use any skillet or cast iron to make this pepper lunch recipe.

Beef Pepper Rice Recipe