Black Pepper Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry
A quick and flavorful Black Pepper Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry that combines tender beef slices with crunchy cabbage in a savory black pepper sauce. This healthy and satisfying dish is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner, offering bold spice, balanced ingredients, and easy preparation in under 30 minutes.
- Author: Judy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free (with tamari or coconut aminos substitution)
Main Ingredients
- 300g beef strips (flank or sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain
- 300g green cabbage, chopped
Sauce & Aromatics
- 2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper, divided
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos for gluten-free)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tsp sugar or honey
Cooking Essentials
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Optional garnish: 2 green onions, chopped
- Optional garnish: toasted sesame seeds
- Prepare the Beef: Slice the beef thinly against the grain to keep it tender; marinate briefly with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, and a pinch of sugar to enhance flavor.
- Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly sear the beef strips until browned but still juicy, about 2-3 minutes, then remove and set aside.
- Stir-Fry the Aromatics: In the same pan, add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, releasing their warm and aromatic notes.
- Add Cabbage and Sauce: Add the chopped cabbage to the pan and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp. Pour in the remaining soy sauce, the rest of the freshly cracked black pepper, and sugar or honey. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked beef to the pan and toss everything together quickly to meld the flavors, ensuring the cabbage remains crunchy and the beef is heated through.
Notes
- Use high heat to sear beef quickly and keep cabbage crisp.
- Slice beef thinly against the grain for tenderness.
- Pre-mix the sauce ingredients before adding to the pan for even flavor distribution.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; stir-fry in batches if necessary to avoid steaming.
- Use freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor intensity.
- Variations: Substitute beef with tofu for a vegetarian option, add chili flakes for extra heat, or include extra vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: black pepper beef stir fry, beef and cabbage recipe, quick stir fry, healthy beef dish, Asian stir fry, gluten-free stir fry