Beef Pepper Rice is a sizzling, flavorful dish that brings together thinly sliced beef, fragrant rice, and freshly ground black pepper in a hot pan. Inspired by Pepper Lunch, this dish is popular for its interactive cooking style and savory umami-rich sauce.
If you’re looking for a quick and easy meal, this Beef Pepper Rice Recipe is perfect for you. Inspired by the famous Pepper Lunch dish, this sizzling meal combines tender beef, rice, and a flavorful sauce in one pan
Origins of Beef Pepper Rice
This dish became famous thanks to Japan’s Pepper Lunch, a casual dining restaurant that serves meals on a sizzling iron plate. The concept is simple: let the heat cook your ingredients, mixing the flavors as you eat.
One key ingredient that makes this dish unique is freshly ground black pepper, which not only enhances the flavor but also provides several health benefits such as aiding digestion and boosting metabolism.
When preparing this dish at home, choosing the right beef cut is essential. The best choices include ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak, as they cook quickly while remaining tender and juicy. If you’re interested in learning more about cooking beef, check out this smoked beef guide.
Key Ingredients for Beef Pepper Rice

To make an authentic version of Beef Pepper Rice, you’ll need:
- Beef: Thinly sliced ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak
- Rice: Cooked white rice (day-old rice is ideal for texture)
- Black Pepper: Freshly ground for maximum flavor
- Corn Kernels: Adds sweetness and texture
- Green Onions: Provides a fresh, slightly spicy kick
- Butter: Enhances richness and balances flavors
- Sauce: A mix of soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and mirin
Pro Tip: To achieve a restaurant-style sizzling effect, use a cast iron skillet or hot plate to cook your ingredients. If you’re looking for other delicious rice-based meals, check out this gluten-free casserole recipe.
How to Make the Best Beef Pepper Rice Recipe at Home
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Thinly slice your beef (or buy pre-cut slices).
- Cook and fluff your white rice.
- Chop your green onions.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
- Preheat a cast iron skillet or nonstick pan over medium-high heat.
- Add a generous amount of butter and let it melt.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
- Place the sliced beef in the center of the pan.
- Let it sear for 1-2 minutes without stirring.
Step 4: Assemble the Rice and Toppings
- Add cooked rice around the beef.
- Sprinkle corn, green onions, and black pepper on top.
Step 5: Mix and Serve

- Pour your sauce over the rice.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
- Serve immediately while the dish is still sizzling!
Serving Tip: If you’re interested in pairing this dish with a nutrient-packed vegetable side, check out this guide to cooking frozen carrots.
Best Sauces for Beef Pepper Rice
Different sauces can enhance the flavors of this dish. Try these variations:
- Classic Soy-Based Sauce: A mix of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar
- Garlic Butter Sauce: Melted butter, garlic, and a dash of soy sauce
- Spicy Miso Sauce: A blend of miso paste, chili flakes, and sesame oil
- Teriyaki-Style Sauce: A sweet and savory mix of mirin, soy sauce, and honey
Variations of Beef Pepper Rice
Looking for a twist? Try these delicious variations:
- Chicken Pepper Rice: Swap beef for chicken strips
- Seafood Pepper Rice: Use shrimp or salmon instead of beef
- Vegetarian Pepper Rice: Replace meat with tofu or mushrooms
- Low-Carb Version: Use cauliflower rice instead of white rice
Looking for a chicken-based dish? Check out this delicious chicken breakfast recipe.
Best Side Dishes & Drink Pairings
To complete your meal, serve Beef Pepper Rice with:
✔ Miso Soup – A light, umami-rich soup
✔ Kimchi or Pickled Vegetables – Adds a tangy contrast
✔ Green Tea or Iced Lemon Tea – Refreshing and balances the flavors
For more ideas on flavor pairings, you might enjoy this guide on enhancing peach flavors.
FAQs About Beef Pepper Rice
What is the best beef cut for Beef Pepper Rice?
Thinly sliced ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak works best for tenderness and quick cooking.
Can I make Beef Pepper Rice without a hot plate?
Yes! A cast iron skillet or nonstick pan can create a similar sizzling effect.
What sauce is used in Pepper Lunch’s version?
It’s a soy-based sweet and savory sauce with hints of garlic and butter.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store in an airtight container and reheat in a pan to maintain texture.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes! Day-old brown rice works well, though the texture will be slightly different.
Final Thoughts
Beef Pepper Rice is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare at home. Whether you’re making the classic version or experimenting with variations, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Now it’s your turn! Try this recipe and enjoy the sizzling goodness. Let us know how it turned out!
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Beef Pepper Rice: The Ultimate Sizzling Dish Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This Beef Pepper Rice Recipe is a quick, sizzling, and flavorful dish inspired by Pepper Lunch. Made with thinly sliced beef, fragrant rice, and a savory black pepper sauce, this dish is easy to prepare at home and perfect for a restaurant-style meal.
Ingredients
1 cup cooked white rice (preferably day-old)
200g thinly sliced beef (ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak)
1 tbsp butter
½ cup corn kernels
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp mirin (optional)
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 stalk green onions, chopped
1 tbsp minced garlic
Instructions
Prepare the ingredients by slicing the beef thinly, chopping the green onions, and cooking the rice if not using day-old rice
Heat the pan by placing a cast iron skillet or pan over medium-high heat and melting the butter
Cook the beef by adding the thinly sliced beef and letting it sear for 1-2 minutes without stirring
Assemble the dish by adding the cooked rice around the beef, followed by corn, green onions, and black pepper
Add the sauce by pouring the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and mirin over the rice and beef
Mix and serve by stirring everything together until well combined and serving immediately while sizzling
Notes
Use day-old rice for better texture
Adjust black pepper to taste if you prefer more spice
Swap beef for chicken, shrimp, or tofu for variations
If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, use a nonstick pan for similar results
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Japanese
Keywords: Beef Pepper Rice Recipe, Sizzling Beef Rice, Japanese Beef Pepper Rice, Easy Beef Rice Dish, Homemade Pepper Lunch Recipe