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One-Pan Creamy Black Pepper Beef Udon – Easy Garlic Butter Dinner

creamy black pepper beef udon - featured image
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A quick and comforting one-pan dinner featuring tender beef, chewy udon noodles, and a creamy, peppery garlic butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is bold, satisfying, and easy to customize.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz beef sirloin or ribeye, thinly sliced (can substitute flank steak, chicken, or tofu)
  • 2 packs frozen udon noodles (about 14 oz total)
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 to 1.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil (canola, grapeseed, or avocado oil)
  • 2–3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Sesame seeds (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice the beef against the grain. If needed, freeze for 10–15 minutes for easier slicing.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream, soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, and black pepper. Set aside.
  3. If using frozen udon, run under hot tap water for 1–2 minutes to loosen, then drain. If using dried udon, cook until just al dente, drain, and rinse under cold water.
  4. Heat neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add beef in a single layer and sear for 1–2 minutes per side until just browned. Remove beef to a plate.
  5. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  6. Add prepared udon noodles to the pan. Pour in the cream sauce and toss to coat.
  7. Once the sauce begins to bubble, return the beef (and any juices) to the skillet. Toss gently for 2–3 minutes until noodles are glossy, sauce is creamy and thickened, and everything is hot.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning: add more black pepper for extra kick, or a splash of cream if you like it saucier. If sauce thickens too much, add 1–2 tbsp water or broth.
  9. Off the heat, sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Toss and serve hot, straight from the pan.

Notes

For best results, slice beef thinly and sear over high heat. Add garlic and butter after lowering the heat to avoid burning. Use tamari and gluten-free udon for a gluten-free version, and plant-based cream and butter for dairy-free. If sauce breaks, stir in a splash of warm cream off the heat. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days; add a splash of cream or water when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef udon, creamy noodles, garlic butter, one-pan dinner, black pepper beef, easy weeknight meal, Asian noodles, comfort food, skillet dinner, quick recipe

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/one-pan-creamy-black-pepper-beef-udon-easy-garlic-butter-dinner/