Black Pepper Beef Stir Fry

Ingredients

The Stir Fry:

• 1 lb (450g) Flank steak or Sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain

• 1 medium Green bell pepper, cut into bite-sized chunks

• 1 medium Red bell pepper, cut into bite-sized chunks

• 1/2 medium Onion, cut into wedges and separated

• 2 cloves Garlic, minced

• 1 tsp Ginger, freshly grated

• 2 tbsp Avocado oil (or any high-smoke-point cooking oil), divided

• 1 tsp Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

The Low-Carb Savory Sauce:

• 3 tbsp Tamari or Soy sauce

• 1 tbsp Rice vinegar (unsweetened)

• 1 tbsp Granulated monk fruit or Erythritol (adjust to taste for a hint of sweetness)

• 1 tsp Coarsely ground black pepper (add more if you love a spicy kick)

• 1 tsp Toasted sesame oil

• 1/4 tsp Xanthan gum (optional, used as a low-carb thickener)

Instructions

1. Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, toss the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of tamari and a pinch of black pepper. Let it sit for 10 minutes while you prep the veggies.

2. Whisk the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the tamari, rice vinegar, keto sweetener, black pepper, and toasted sesame oil. If using xanthan gum to thicken, whisk it in thoroughly so there are no lumps.

3. Sear the Beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat with 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. Add the beef slices in a single layer. Sear quickly for 1–2 minutes until browned on both sides but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef and its juices from the pan and set aside.

4. Stir-Fry the Veggies: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same pan over medium-high heat. Add the onions, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until they are slightly tender but still retain a crisp bite. Add the garlic and ginger, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Combine and Sauce: Return the beef and any rested juices back into the pan with the vegetables. Pour the sauce mixture over everything.

6. Thicken and Finish: Toss constantly for 1–2 minutes over medium-high heat until the sauce bubbles, glazes the beef, and thickens up beautifully.

7. Serve: Remove from heat, transfer to a serving plate or a hot skillet, and garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds.