Spaghetti with Black Pepper Sauce (Restaurant-Style)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2–3
Cuisine: Asian-fusion / Wok-style pasta
Main Flavors: Savory, peppery, and slightly sweet
Ingredients
Pasta & Protein:
- 200g (7 oz) spaghetti or pasta of choice
- 200g (7 oz) beef tenderloin, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for marinating beef)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for marinating beef)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for marinating beef)
Vegetables:
- 1/2 green bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (adds color and depth)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 4 tablespoons water (to dissolve cornstarch and blend sauces)
Others:
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- Extra black pepper, for finishing
- Optional garnish: Chopped scallions or sesame seeds
Instructions
1. Marinate the Beef:
- In a bowl, mix sliced beef tenderloin with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp cornstarch, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Toss well and let it marinate for at least 10 minutes to tenderize and flavor the meat.
2. Cook the Pasta:
- Boil spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Toss with a few drops of oil to prevent sticking and keep the noodles chewy.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 4 tablespoons water
- Mix until smooth and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced bell peppers and stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Push the peppers to one side, then add the marinated beef.
- Stir-fry until the beef is just cooked through (2–3 minutes). Don’t overcook to keep it tender.
5. Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet.
- Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together quickly to coat the noodles evenly.
- Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens and clings to the pasta.
6. Finish & Serve:
- Sprinkle generously with freshly ground black pepper before turning off the heat.
- Serve hot, optionally garnished with scallions or sesame seeds.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh coarse ground black pepper for a stronger aroma and restaurant-style bite.
- You can replace beef with chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for variation.
- Add sliced onions or mushrooms for more texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this flavorful pasta on a wide plate or shallow bowl. Pair it with:
- A light side salad with sesame dressing
- Hot jasmine tea or iced lemon tea
- Optional chili oil drizzle for spice lovers