Simple Black Pepper Beef Udon

Posted on May 14, 2025

When you’re craving something warm, savory, and just a little indulgent, this Simple Black Pepper Beef Udon hits all the right notes. With tender beef slices, thick and chewy udon noodles, and a bold black pepper sauce, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes and tastes like takeout—without the wait. It’s the perfect balance of comfort food and quick weeknight convenience. Whether you’re new to stir-fries or a noodle-lover at heart, this recipe is a must-try for cozy nights or speedy dinners.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love Simple Black Pepper Beef Udon

This Simple Black Pepper Beef Udon is everything you want in a quick, satisfying meal. It’s bold, peppery, and slightly sweet—thanks to a savory sauce that clings to every noodle and bite of beef. You only need a handful of ingredients and one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, it’s super versatile: swap the beef, add veggies, or tweak the spice level to suit your taste. Whether you’re feeding the family or cooking for one, this udon stir-fry delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

This dish is built around pantry staples and easy-to-find ingredients. It’s simple enough for weeknights but tasty enough to impress guests. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this flavorful bowl of black pepper beef udon:

2 packs of fresh or frozen udon noodles (about 14 oz)
1/2 lb (225g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon soy sauce (for marinating the beef)
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or more to taste)
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce (for the sauce)
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (optional, for color and richness)
1/2 tablespoon sugar
1/4 cup water
Green onions (sliced, for garnish)
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Making this Simple Black Pepper Beef Udon is as easy as it is delicious. Everything cooks quickly, so prep your ingredients before you start cooking. Here’s how to bring it all together:

Prep the Beef:
In a bowl, toss the thinly sliced beef with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.
Prepare the Udon:
If using frozen udon, soak in hot water for a minute or two to loosen, then drain. If using fresh, simply separate the noodles and set aside.
Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together oyster sauce, soy sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), sugar, and water. Set aside.
Stir-Fry the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté sliced onion and minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
Add Sauce & Pepper:
Return the beef to the pan. Pour in the sauce mixture and sprinkle in the black pepper. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
Toss in Udon Noodles:
Add the udon noodles to the pan. Gently toss everything together for 2–3 minutes until the noodles are hot and well-coated with sauce.
Garnish & Serve:
Top with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe is designed with convenience in mind—it’s perfect for busy nights when you need something fast but flavorful. Plus, it’s easy to scale up or down depending on how many mouths you’re feeding.

Servings: 2 generous portions (or 3 lighter servings)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Tips and Variations

This dish is super flexible, so don’t be afraid to make it your own! Here are some easy ways to switch things up:

No beef? Swap it with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein option.
Add veggies: Toss in bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or bok choy for extra color and crunch.
Make it spicy: Add chili flakes, sriracha, or a dash of chili oil for some heat.
Low-sodium version: Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip the dark soy sauce.
No udon? Substitute with thick spaghetti, ramen, or even rice noodles in a pinch.

Storage

Got leftovers? This udon stir-fry stores beautifully and makes a great next-day lunch. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm it up in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
Freeze: Not recommended, as udon noodles can get mushy after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen udon noodles?
Absolutely! Just soak them in hot water for 1–2 minutes to separate before cooking.

What cut of beef works best?
Thinly sliced sirloin, flank steak, or even ribeye work great for quick stir-frying.

Is this dish very spicy?
Nope! The black pepper adds warmth but not intense heat. Feel free to spice it up if you like.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the beef for tofu or mushrooms and use a vegetarian oyster sauce or hoisin sauce.

Do I need dark soy sauce?
It’s optional. It adds depth of color and flavor, but the dish will still be delicious without it.

How do I keep the noodles from sticking together?
Toss them in a little oil after draining, and don’t overcook them during prep.

Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes! Slice your beef and mix the sauce ahead of time. Cook when ready to serve for the best texture.

Conclusion

And that’s it—your new go-to noodle dish is ready to shine! This Simple Black Pepper Beef Udon is everything we love about comfort food: quick to make, packed with bold flavor, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner at home or whipping up a fast lunch, this recipe brings serious flavor without the fuss.

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