Garlic Pepper Beef

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves: 4 Filipino
Garlic Pepper Beef (Jollibee's Recipe)

Garlic Pepper Beef is a popular dish from Jollibee, a famous Filipino fast-food chain. This homemade version captures the essence of the restaurant favorite with tender strips of beef cooked in a savory sauce loaded with garlic and black pepper. It's a perfect balance of bold flavors that's both comforting and satisfying.

This dish is beloved in Filipino cuisine for its simplicity and delicious flavor profile. The combination of garlic, soy sauce, and black pepper creates a mouthwatering sauce that coats each piece of beef perfectly. Served over steaming white rice, it's a complete meal that's quick enough for weeknights but tasty enough for special occasions.


Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds (680g) beef sirloin or ribeye, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 8-10 cloves garlic, minced (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 1 large onion, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
  • 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
  • Salt to taste
  • Sliced green onions, for garnish
  • Steamed white rice, for serving

Equipment Needed

  • Large wok or skillet
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Small bowl for cornstarch slurry
  • Rice cooker or pot for rice

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Mix well until the sugar is dissolved.

  2. Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.

  3. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. When the oil is shimmering hot, add half of the marinated beef in a single layer (reserve the marinade). Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked through. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the remaining beef. Set aside.

  4. In the same wok, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

  5. Add the sliced onions and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.

  6. Add the red and green bell peppers and stir-fry for another 2 minutes until they start to soften but still maintain some crispness.

  7. Add the freshly ground black pepper and stir to combine with the vegetables.

  8. Pour in the reserved marinade and beef broth. Bring to a simmer.

  9. Return the beef to the wok, including any accumulated juices. Stir to combine with the sauce and vegetables.

  10. Give the cornstarch slurry a quick stir (as it may have settled), then pour it into the wok while stirring constantly. Continue to cook for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

  11. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed (the soy sauce and oyster sauce already contain salt, so you may not need to add more).

  12. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions.

  13. Serve hot over steamed white rice.


Tips for Success

  • For the most tender beef, slice it against the grain and while it's still slightly frozen (about 30 minutes in the freezer makes it easier to slice thinly).
  • Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the beef. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
  • Adjust the amount of black pepper according to your preference. The authentic Jollibee version is quite peppery.
  • For a spicier version, add some sliced Thai chilies or red pepper flakes.
  • This dish is best served immediately while hot, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition Information

  • Calories: 450 per serving
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 1100mg
  • Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (without rice)

Variations

Vegetable-Packed Version

Add more vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or snow peas for extra nutrition and color.

Chicken Garlic Pepper

Substitute the beef with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breast, sliced into thin strips. Reduce cooking time accordingly.

Noodle Bowl Version

Serve over cooked rice noodles or egg noodles instead of rice for a delicious noodle bowl variation.

*Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.


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