This Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick and easy meal that’s packed with flavor and perfect for a busy weeknight. The combination of tender beef, crunchy cabbage, and vibrant red bell pepper in a savory black pepper sauce will make it a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp ground black pepper
- **Salt to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Chop the Vegetables: Begin by washing and thinly slicing the cabbage and red bell pepper. Mince the garlic cloves.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, cornstarch, and water. Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering.
- Cook the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Vegetables
- Add the Vegetables: Add the sliced cabbage and red bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Season the Dish: Sprinkle the ground black pepper and salt over the beef and vegetables. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
- Pour the Sauce: Give the soy sauce mixture a quick stir to make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved, then pour it over the beef and vegetables in the skillet.
- Cook the Sauce: Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened and evenly coats the beef and vegetables.
Step 5: Serve
- Plate the Stir Fry: Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the stir fry to a serving dish.
- Garnish (Optional): If desired, garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
- Serve: Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Tips for the Best Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
- High Heat: Stir-frying is best done over high heat to quickly cook the ingredients and preserve their flavor and texture. Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding the oil.
- Even Slicing: For even cooking, make sure to slice the cabbage and red bell pepper into similar-sized pieces. This ensures that everything cooks at the same rate.
- Soy Sauce Balance: Adjust the amount of soy sauce based on your preference for saltiness. If you prefer a less salty dish, use a low-sodium soy sauce or reduce the amount used.
- Fresh Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a robust flavor to this dish. Use a pepper grinder to grind the peppercorns just before adding them to the stir fry for the best taste.
- Thickening the Sauce: Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved in the water before adding it to the stir fry. This prevents clumps and ensures a smooth sauce.
Variations and Additions
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to this stir fry, such as carrots, snow peas, or broccoli, to increase the variety and nutritional value.
- Protein: While ground beef is used in this recipe, you can substitute it with thinly sliced beef steak, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Spice Level: Adjust the heat level by adding more or less ground black pepper or by incorporating a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or Sriracha sauce.
Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a versatile and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s quick to prepare, using simple ingredients that come together to create a satisfying and nutritious meal. Whether you’re serving it over rice or noodles, this stir fry is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Enjoy the savory, peppery goodness with your loved ones, and savor the simplicity of this delicious recipe.
