Pepper Lunch is a popular Japanese “fast-steak” dish enjoyed by many around the world. Known for its sizzling presentation and the signature pepper flavor, it combines steak, rice, and vegetables, cooking them together on a hot plate. Here’s how you can recreate this delicious meal at home.
Ingredients
- 200g beef steak or thinly sliced beef (ribeye or sirloin preferred)
- 1 cup of cooked jasmine rice (for best results, use slightly cooled rice)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for garnish
- Mixed vegetables (corn, peas, carrots, or your choice), optional
- Green onions for garnish, optional
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon sweet soy sauce (Kecap Manis)
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Prep the Beef: If using a steak, slice the beef against the grain into thin slices. For pre-sliced beef, ensure slices are separated and ready to cook.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients well until the sugar is dissolved. Taste and adjust the sweetness according to preference.
- Heat the Plate/Skillet: Preheat a cast-iron skillet or large frying pan over medium-high heat. The traditional Pepper Lunch is served on a hot plate, but a skillet should suffice for home cooking.
- Cook the Rice: Place the butter in the center of the skillet as it heats. Once melted, add the rice around the butter, forming a bed. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of soy sauce over the rice for extra flavor.
- Add the Beef: Lay the beef slices on top of the rice, ensuring they are spread out. If using vegetables, add them around the edges or atop the rice and meat.
- Cooking: Allow everything to cook without stirring for about 1-2 minutes, letting the beef brown slightly and the rice get a little crispy at the bottom.
- Pour the Sauce and Pepper: Drizzle the prepared sauce evenly over the beef and rice. Sprinkle the freshly ground black pepper all over.
- Mix Together: With a pair of spatulas or tongs, quickly mix all the ingredients together on the hot skillet. Ensure the beef slices are cooked to your liking; they usually cook very quickly.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer to a plate if desired, or serve directly from the skillet. Garnish with more pepper and chopped green onions for an added flavor burst.
Tips
- The beauty of Pepper Lunch is the interactive cooking right at your table. If you have an electric hot plate, you can replicate this experience by cooking and mixing everything at the dining table.
- Adjust the sauce ingredients based on your taste preferences. More oyster sauce can add depth, while more sweet soy sauce adds sweetness.
- For a spicy kick, add a few drops of Sriracha or chili flakes into your sauce mix.
Enjoy your homemade Pepper Lunch, a hearty meal that combines the warmth of comfort food with the zest and zing of freshly cracked pepper. Perfect for a unique and enjoyable dinner experience at home! So next time you’re craving Pepper Lunch, why not try making it yourself? You’ll be surprised at how easy and delicious it is. Experiment with different variations and ingredients to make it your own signature dish!
Keep cooking, keep exploring, and happy eating! 🍴👨🍳🌶️ So next time you’re
