Description
This Black Pepper Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful meal featuring tender beef slices and crisp green cabbage tossed in a bold black pepper seasoning. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, combining simple ingredients, high protein, and fresh vegetables for a nutritious and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Proteins
- Thinly sliced sirloin or flank steak – about 12 oz (340 g)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- Green cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces – 3 cups
- Minced garlic – 2 cloves
- Chopped green onions – 2 stalks
Seasonings & Sauces
- Freshly ground black pepper – 2 tsp (adjust to taste)
- Soy sauce – 2 tbsp
- Oyster sauce (optional but recommended) – 1 tbsp
- Pinch of sugar – 1/4 tsp
Oils
- Vegetable oil – 2 tbsp (for stir-frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic to ensure quick and smooth cooking.
- Marinate the Beef: In a bowl, combine the beef strips with soy sauce, a pinch of sugar, and freshly ground black pepper. Let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and to ensure juicy, flavor-packed beef.
- Stir-Fry the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but still tender. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Cook the Cabbage and Garlic: In the same pan, add a little more vegetable oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until aromatic. Add the chopped cabbage and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until wilted but still crunchy.
- Combine and Season: Return the beef to the pan along with oyster sauce (if using) and additional freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss everything together quickly until well coated and heated through, about 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with chopped green onions, and serve immediately. Pair with steamed jasmine rice or your preferred side dish for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use high heat to sear the beef quickly, preserving tenderness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper browning.
- Always use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor impact.
- Prepare all ingredients in advance to make cooking swift and seamless.
- Slice beef thinly to ensure quick cooking that stays tender without drying out.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg