Introducing my Japanese Beef Pepper Rice recipe, a quick and delightful lunch plate inspired by the famous Japanese restaurant Pepper Lunch that will be your next must-make recipe! With tender pan-seared beef, buttery corn, and a homemade pepper sauce, this dish brings the savory flavors of Japan straight to your table. Skip the restaurant and enjoy this easy, budget-friendly recipe in just 10 minutes—you can thank me later!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
If you’re craving the flavors of Pepper Lunch without the hassle of dining out, my Japanese Beef Pepper Rice recipe is your answer, guaranteed! It’s a quick and delightful main course, inspired by the famous Japanese restaurant just like in my Japanese Pepper Steak plate! Using my signature Pepper Lunch Sauce, this recipe is my carefully crafted take on the classic dish!
The beef is pan-fried using my beef pan-frying method found in my Korean BBQ Brisket dish, then served on a plate of rice topped with buttery corn and my home crafted pepper lunch sauce! It offers a sweet-savory taste reminiscent of my Japanese Style Garlic Steak and Pork and Vegetable Stir Fry, with added notes of black pepper. Perfect for anyone looking for an easy and straightforward way to enjoy beef drizzled in Japanese pepper sauce at home in just 10 minutes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Sliced Beef – thinly sliced ribeye, chuck or top sirloin beef.
- Salt – sea salt preferred to lightly season the beef.
- Neutral Oil – no taste or flavor with high cooking temperature. Some choices are sunflower oil, peanut oil, sallower oil, vegetable oil, and canola oil.
- Rice – rice of choice.
- Corn – canned corn kernals or fresh corn. Used as topping of the rice.
- Butter – salted or unsalted. Used to mix with corn.
- Soy Sauce – low-sodium Soy Sauce preferred. Can also use tamari for gluten-free.
- Japanese Sake – typically will come in a large bottle labeled junmai sake. Can also substitute with dry sherry wine or Chinese cooking wine, found at local grocery stores or Asian markets. Helps give the pepper sauce umami flavors
- Sweetener – use your preferred sweetener.
- Black Pepper – ground. Gives the signature flavor found in the pepper sauce.
- Garlic– freshly grated garlic.
Additional Flavor
You can enhance the flavor of the sauce by adding a touch of Grated Ginger for an extra kick.
🥩 Beef Note
Use Shaved Beef available at grocery stores as a budget-friendly alternative to the sliced shabu shabu beef.
🍶 Mirin Note
While mirin is traditionally used to make the Japanese pepper sauce, we’ve considered that mirin might not be readily available in all areas. To accommodate this, the recipe modifies the ratio of Japanese sake and sweetener.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
- Wok or Deep Large Skillet
Directions
Step 1 Start by boiling out Japanese sake in a skillet for 15-20 seconds.
🍶 Boiling Sake Pro Tip
For a quicker alternative to boiling sake, you can simply Microwave for 30-45 Seconds.
Step 2 Prepare the sauce by mixing boiled Japanese sake, soy sauce, sweetener, grated garlic, and black pepper together.
💡 Sauce Pro Tip
For optimal results, Rest the Sauce for 10-15 Minutes at room temperature before using it. This allows the flavors to meld together perfectly, enhancing the overall taste of your dish.
Step 3 Mix corn kernels and butter in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and microwave until the butter melts, about 15-25 seconds. Serve the buttered corn on top of bed of plated rice.
Step 4 Heat a little cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is preheated, add the sliced beef, lightly season with salt and cook until it’s browned, about 1-2 minutes.
🍳 Cooking Pro Tip
Avoid Overcooking the thin slices. Once they’re browned, they’re ready. It’s best to use Medium Heat to cook the meat evenly rather than searing it. This approach preserves the tenderness and flavor of the beef slices, ensuring a delicious final dish without any dryness or toughness.
Step 5 Place the cooked beef on the side of the rice and serve it with the sauce.
🍽️ Serving Pro Tip
For serving, you have two options: you can either Mix Everything Together and drizzle the sauce on top, or simply Drizzle the Sauce on Top and enjoy without mixing. Both methods offer a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of the dish, allowing you to customize your experience based on your preference.
🌿 Garnishing Pro Tip
For a finishing touch, garnish your dish with fresh chopped Green Onions and Toasted Sesame Seeds.
Recipe Variation
Discover two delightful Japanese-style variations of the classic rice beef plate with my Japanese Beef Bowl Gyudon simmered in my signature Donburi Sauce and Steak Donburi drizzled with my Japanese Sweet Steak Sauce, both for an authentic Japanese taste experience.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair this recipe with a crisp green salad dressed in either a savory Japanese Wafu Salad Dressing or a creamy Japanese Ginger Salad Dressing. Serve alongside a comforting side bowl of Tofu Miso Soup for a complete Japanese-style meal. These accompaniments perfectly complement the main dish, enhancing its flavors and providing a satisfying dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat instead of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use a different type of meat for this recipe! Whether it's chicken, shrimp, or pork, the flavors of the dish will still shine through.
What is the best way to store any leftover pepper sauce?
To store any leftover pepper sauce, the best method is to transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. For longer-term storage, consider freezing the sauce in single-sized portions using zip lock bags. This will help maintain the freshness and flavor of the sauce for future use.
How can I adjust the spiciness level of the pepper sauce to suit my taste preferences?
To adjust the spiciness level of the pepper sauce to suit your taste preferences, simply use less black pepper in the recipe.
Can I use brown rice or cauliflower rice instead of white rice?
Certainly! You can easily substitute brown rice or cauliflower rice for white rice in this recipe. Simply swap out the rice as instructed, and you'll still achieve the same delicious results.
Storage Tips
For optimal freshness, enjoy the leftovers promptly, but if needed, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Unused sauce can also be stored in an airtight container for 14-21 days. For longer-term storage, freeze the leftovers in zip lock bags to maintain their quality.
Other Recipes You Might Like
- Garlic Butter Steak Cubes
- Wafu Japanese Hamburger Steak
- Beef Tataki Steak
- Soboro Donburi Ground Chicken Bowl
Watch How To Make It
Japanese Beef Pepper Rice
Ingredients
Beef
- 1/2 lbs Thinly Sliced Beef
- 1/8 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Cooking Oil neutral oil with no taste
- 2 Cups Rice rice of choice
- 2 tbsp Corn kernals
- 1/2 tbsp Butter
Sauce
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp Japanese Sake
- 1 tsp Sweetener your preferred sweetener
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 Clove Garlic
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- In a mixing bowl, combine boiled out Japanese sake, soy sauce, sweetener, grated garlic and black pepper.
- Microwave corn with butter covered for 15-25 seconds until the butter is melted then place on top of a bed of plated rice.
- Add thinly sliced beef to a large skillet coated with preheat cooking oil. Lightly season with salt and cook for 1-2 minutes until the beef is browned.
- Transfer cooked beef onto the plate with rice and drizzle sauce on top when ready to enjoy.
Nutrition
