Pepper Lunch Recipe: 5 Easy Steps for Sizzling Beef

Name: The Ultimate Pepper Lunch Recipe: Make It at Home Like a Pro
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 3 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 1 tbsp mirin; ½ tbsp sesame oil; 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp oyster sauce; 1 tbsp brown sugar

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Pepper Lunch recipe is a beloved Japanese-style sizzling dish that combines thinly sliced beef, flavorful sauces, and buttery rice—all served on a hot iron plate to let you cook your own meal. If you’ve ever wanted to recreate the Pepper Lunch recipe experience at home, this guide covers everything you need: the best beef cuts, authentic sauces, cooking techniques, and pro tips for achieving that signature sizzling effect.

Discover more delicious lunch recipes here!

What is Pepper Lunch recipe ?

Origins and Popularity

Pepper Lunch was founded in Japan in 1994 by Kunio Ichinose. Unlike traditional fast food, this restaurant introduced a DIY-style dining experience where customers receive a 450°F hot plate with fresh ingredients they can cook to their liking. The concept quickly gained popularity across Asia, Australia, and North America.

What Makes It Special?

Sizzling Hot Plate: The dish is served on an iron plate heated to 450°F, allowing the beef to sear instantly.
Signature Sauces: The dish is complemented by Garlic Soy Sauce and Honey Brown Sauce, adding layers of flavor.
High-Quality Ingredients: Pepper Lunch uses thinly sliced beef, buttery rice, and sweet corn to create a simple yet delicious meal.

Is Pepper Lunch Japanese or Korean?

Pepper Lunch is 100% Japanese, though it has gained immense popularity in Korea due to its similarity to bulgogi and sizzling rice dishes.

Ingredients for Homemade Pepper Lunch Recipe

To replicate the authentic Pepper Lunch taste at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Beef sirloin or ribeye	200g (7oz)	Thinly sliced for tenderness
Steamed white rice	1 cup	Forms the base of the dish
Corn kernels	¼ cup	Adds sweetness and texture
Sliced onions	½ cup	Enhances umami flavor
Green onions	2 tbsp, chopped	Garnish for freshness
Butter	1 tbsp	Adds richness
Garlic (minced)	1 tsp	Infuses flavor

Seasonings & Sauces

Ingredient	Quantity	Function
Salt & black pepper	To taste	Enhances seasoning
Soy sauce	3 tbsp	Base of the sauce
Oyster sauce	1 tbsp	Adds depth
Honey	1 tbsp	Sweetens the sauce
Mirin	1 tbsp (optional)	Boosts umami
Sesame oil	½ tbsp	Adds nuttiness

Equipment

✅ Cast iron skillet or sizzling plate – Essential for high heat cooking
✅ Wooden spatula – Helps mix ingredients without scratching the pan
✅ Small sauce bowls – To serve the signature sauces

How to Make Pepper Lunch at Home

Beef sizzling on a hot plate for Pepper Lunch recipe — Watch the magic happen! The secret to perfect Pepper Lunch recipe is in the sizzling.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Slice the beef very thinly. If using thicker cuts, freeze them for 15 minutes before slicing to make cutting easier.
Cook the rice and keep it warm.
Chop the onions and green onions for garnishing.

Step 2: Heat the Skillet or Sizzling Plate

Place the cast iron skillet on high heat for 5 minutes.
Add 1 tbsp of butter and let it melt, coating the entire pan.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

Place a mound of steamed rice in the center of the hot skillet.
Arrange the beef slices around the rice, keeping them slightly apart.
Sprinkle corn, green onions, and sliced onions over the top.
Season with salt and black pepper generously.

Step 4: Cook and Mix

Allow the beef to sear for 1-2 minutes before stirring.
Add Garlic Soy Sauce and Honey Brown Sauce over the beef.
Stir and cook everything together for another 2 minutes until the beef is fully cooked.

Best Beef Cuts for Pepper Lunch recipe

Choosing the right cut of beef is key to making tender and flavorful Pepper Lunch recipe. Here are the best options:

Beef Cut	Texture & Flavor	Notes
Ribeye	Juicy, well-marbled	Best for an authentic taste
Sirloin	Lean but flavorful	Budget-friendly option
Chuck Roll	Well-balanced marbling	Great for thin slicing

🔹 Pro Tip: If you can’t find thinly sliced beef, ask your butcher to slice it paper-thin, or use a sharp knife after slightly freezing the meat.

Signature Sauces: Garlic Soy & Honey Brown Sauce

A big part of Pepper Lunch’s unique flavor comes from its two signature sauces.

Garlic Soy Sauce

✅ 3 tbsp soy sauce
✅ 1 tbsp minced garlic
✅ 1 tbsp mirin
✅ ½ tbsp sesame oil

🔥 Mix and let sit for 15 minutes to enhance the garlic infusion.

Honey Brown Sauce

✅ 2 tbsp soy sauce
✅ 1 tbsp honey
✅ 1 tbsp oyster sauce
✅ 1 tbsp brown sugar

🔥 Stir until fully dissolved. Serve on the side or mix into the dish.

For an amazing homemade sauce, check out this highly-rated Honey Garlic Sauce recipe.

Cooking Tips for the Perfect Sizzling Plate

Homemade Pepper Lunch recipe dish with caramelized beef and signature sauce — This homemade Pepper Lunch recipe looks just like the real thing! Try it today.

✅ Use a cast iron skillet to retain heat like a real Pepper Lunch plate.
✅ Preheat for at least 5 minutes before cooking.
✅ Do not overcook the beef—it should remain juicy and slightly pink.
✅ Add sauces at the end for the most flavorful results.

Sizzle platters are a must-have for home cooks to achieve restaurant-quality dishes—learn why they make a difference.

Variations: Chicken, Seafood, and Vegetarian Options

Chicken Pepper Lunch: Substitute beef with thinly sliced chicken breast.
Seafood Pepper Lunch: Use shrimp or salmon for a lighter version.
Vegetarian Pepper Lunch: Replace beef with tofu or mushrooms.

Want more hearty and comforting dishes? Try our Italian Sausage Pasta Bake!

FAQs About Pepper Lunch

👉 Looking for a quick meal? Check out our Breakfast Recipes!

What is the best seller of Pepper Lunch?

The most popular dish is Beef Pepper Rice, served with the signature Garlic Soy Sauce and Honey Brown Sauce.