Peppered Beef with Caramelised Onions

Indulge in the rich, savory flavors of Peppered Beef with Caramelised Onions, a hearty dish that masterfully balances bold spices and sweet undertones. Tender slices of sirloin are encrusted with coarsely ground black pepper, then seared to perfection, creating a delightful crust that locks in their natural juices. The star of the dish is the velvety caramelised onions, enhanced with brown sugar and balsamic vinegar for a deep, tangy sweetness. A luscious beef stock-based sauce, thickened with a cornstarch slurry, ties everything together in a mouthwatering glaze. Perfectly seasoned and garnished with aromatic thyme (optional), this dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or warm crusty bread for a truly satisfying meal. Ready in under an hour and serving four, it’s an easy yet elegant option for weekday dinners or special occasions alike.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:55 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 g beef sirloin (sliced into thin strips)
• 2 tbsp coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 large onions (thinly sliced)
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
• 1 cup beef stock
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water (for cornstarch slurry)

Directions

Step 1

Season the sliced beef with salt and generously coat it with coarse black pepper. Set aside for at least 10 minutes.

Step 2

In a large skillet or frying pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef slices in small batches to avoid overcrowding and cook until browned on both sides. This should take 2-3 minutes per batch. Remove the cooked beef from the pan and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pan, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil along with the butter. Once melted, add the sliced onions and stir to coat them evenly.

Step 4

Cook the onions for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and begin to turn golden brown. Sprinkle the brown sugar over the onions and stir well. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, letting the sugar help caramelise the onions.

Step 5

Add the balsamic vinegar to the pan and stir to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly.

Step 6

Add the minced garlic and fresh thyme (if using) to the onions, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the beef stock and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 7

In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add the slurry to the pan and stir well. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 8

Return the cooked beef slices to the pan, stirring to coat them evenly in the sauce. Allow everything to heat through for 2-3 minutes.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper, if needed. Serve hot with your choice of sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1083.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1641.0

Total Fat 101.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 35.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 381mg	0%
Sodium 3554.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 58.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.4g	0%
Total Sugars 28.3g
Protein 122.0g	0%

Vitamin D 35IU	0%
Calcium 218.7mg	0%
Iron 15.9mg	0%
Potassium 2283.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 55.8%

Protein: 29.9%

Carbs: 14.3%