Name: Beef Pepper Rice (Better than Pepper Lunch)
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 200g thinly sliced beef rib eye or top blade; 2 tbsp butter, divided; 1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced; 2 cups cooked jasmine rice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp honey; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup yellow corn (frozen or canned); 2 tbsp green onions, thinly sliced; Freshly cracked black pepper for garnish

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Sizzling beef, buttery corn, steamed rice, and a savory garlic soy sauce come together in this quick and comforting beef pepper rice. In just 15 minutes, I can have a restaurant-style meal right at home, filled with smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that remind me of Japanese teppanyaki dining.

Beef Pepper Rice (Better than Pepper Lunch)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this dish because it’s fast, satisfying, and customizable. The thinly sliced beef cooks in minutes, and the rice soaks up all the butter and sauce for an irresistible bite. I enjoy how the sweet corn balances the peppery finish, and I can easily swap toppings to match my cravings. It’s a perfect weeknight recipe that tastes like something from a specialty restaurant without the cost or the wait.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

thinly sliced beef rib eye or top blade
butter
yellow onion, thinly sliced
cooked jasmine rice
garlic
soy sauce
oyster sauce
rice vinegar
honey
black pepper
yellow corn (frozen or canned)
green onions, thinly sliced
freshly cracked black pepper for garnish

Directions

I start by mixing garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and black pepper in a bowl to make the sauce.
In a hot pan with a little butter, I sauté the sliced onions until golden and caramelized.
I push the onions to the center and place the rice mound on top. Then, I arrange the beef slices around the rice so they sear directly on the pan.
I pour the sauce over, add corn, green onions, the remaining butter, and more black pepper. I mix everything together until the beef is just cooked and the flavors combine.
I serve it sizzling hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 servings.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Variations

I like to change things up by using chicken, shrimp, or even tofu instead of beef. Sometimes I swap the rice for noodles to make it more filling. If I want extra flavor, I top mine with a fried egg, gooey mozzarella cheese, or even kimchi for a tangy bite. For a spicier version, I drizzle chili oil or sprinkle red pepper flakes on top.

Storage/Reheating

I find this dish tastes best fresh, but if I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, I toss the rice and beef in a hot pan until warmed through, or microwave it with a splash of water to keep the rice from drying out. I can also freeze it for up to 3 months and thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this without a sizzling plate?

Yes, I just use a skillet or cast iron pan. It still turns out flavorful and delicious.

What cut of beef works best?

I like using rib eye or top blade because they’re tender and have enough marbling to stay juicy.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. I often add mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or carrots for extra nutrition and color.

What sauce can I use if I don’t have oyster sauce?

If I don’t have oyster sauce, I swap in teriyaki sauce or just use soy sauce with a little sugar for sweetness.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, the sweet corn and mild sauce make it very approachable. I simply reduce the black pepper if I want it less spicy for kids.

Conclusion

Beef pepper rice is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s so quick, flavorful, and versatile. I love how it feels like a special treat yet only takes 15 minutes to make. With tender beef, buttery rice, and that irresistible peppery soy sauce, it’s a meal I can enjoy for lunch or dinner anytime.