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Black Pepper Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry

Black Pepper Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry

Black Pepper Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful, and comforting dinner that features tender, peppery beef combined with crisp, sweet cabbage in a savory sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for weeknights, offering bold flavors and a healthy, balanced meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Marinade

  • 8 oz beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp freshly cracked black pepper

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
  • Optional: 1/4 tsp chili flakes or 1 small fresh chili, sliced

Oils and Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for stir-frying)
  • Additional black pepper and soy sauce, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Slice the beef thinly across the grain for tenderness. Shred the cabbage finely to achieve the perfect texture. Mince the garlic and ginger so they’re ready to add flavor.
  2. Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, toss the beef slices with soy sauce, freshly cracked black pepper, and sesame oil. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  3. Heat the Pan: Warm a large wok or non-stick skillet over high heat. Add the vegetable oil and heat it until shimmering to get a great sear.
  4. Cook the Beef: Add the marinated beef in batches to avoid overcrowding. Stir-fry quickly until browned and just cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
  5. Stir-Fry the Aromatics: Add more oil if needed, then add garlic and ginger. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant and golden but not burnt.
  6. Add Cabbage and Seasonings: Toss in shredded cabbage and stir-fry over high heat. Mix in soy sauce and black pepper to taste. Cook until cabbage softens slightly but retains crunch.
  7. Combine and Finish: Return the beef to the pan and toss everything together for 1–2 minutes. Adjust seasoning with extra soy sauce or black pepper as desired. Garnish with sliced scallions before serving.

Notes

  • Choose lean, thin slices from sirloin or flank steak for quick cooking and tenderness.
  • Prep all ingredients before starting as stir-frying moves quickly.
  • Cook beef in batches to avoid overcrowding and achieve a proper sear.
  • Use freshly cracked black pepper for the most vibrant heat.
  • Cook cabbage just enough to keep a slight crunch for texture contrast.

Nutrition

Keywords: Black Pepper Beef, Cabbage Stir Fry, Quick Dinner, Weeknight Meal, Stir Fry, Gluten Free, Healthy Beef Recipe