Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted a quick, soul-warming meal that packs rich flavor and hearty texture into every bite, Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is the answer. Combining savory ground beef, crisp bell pepper, sweet cabbage, and a deeply peppery punch, this stir fry is a weeknight lifesaver and family favorite. I can’t tell you how often I watch hungry hands reaching for second and third helpings! Whether you’re new to stir fries or just looking for a comforting dish that celebrates delicious simplicity, this recipe will have you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry lies in its easy-to-find ingredients. Each item plays a special part in building the bold, savory flavor and irresistible textures that make this dish shine.

• Vegetable oil: Needed to quickly stir-fry at a high heat, helping the flavors develop and the beef brown beautifully.
• Garlic: That punchy aroma and rich flavor is crucial to set up the whole dish—use fresh cloves for best results.
• Ground beef: Go for lean ground beef if you want a lighter touch, but any kind will deliver big, savory flavor and protein.
• Cabbage: Shredded cabbage brings crunch and subtle sweetness, balancing the sharpness of the black pepper.
• Red bell pepper: These strips pop with color and add a gentle sweetness that lifts the whole stir fry.
• Soy sauce: This is your magic ingredient for deep savory (umami) notes and a little saltiness in every bite.
• Cornstarch: Just a touch thickens the sauce—no runny stir fry here!
• Cold water: When combined with cornstarch, it ensures a silky, luscious sauce that clings to every morsel.
• Ground black pepper: The star of the show—adjust to your taste for that signature robust, peppery flavor.
• Salt: Just a pinch at the end keeps all the flavors balanced; taste before you add, as the soy sauce brings some saltiness too.

How to Make Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Have everything measured and chopped before heating the pan—the magic of stir frying comes from quick cooking at high heat, so a little prep work goes a long way. Slice your cabbage and bell pepper thinly and chop the garlic so you can move efficiently from step to step.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, then pour in the vegetable oil. Toss in the chopped garlic and let it sizzle just for a few seconds, infusing the oil. Add the ground beef and break it apart as you stir-fry—cook until it’s browned on all sides, which usually takes 5 to 7 minutes. If there’s extra fat, go ahead and drain it to keep the dish light.

Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

Toss in the cabbage and red bell pepper right with the beef, letting the veggies soak up all the savory flavors. Stir frequently, keeping the ingredients moving so nothing wilts too much or overcooks. In about 3-4 minutes, your vegetables should be tender yet still crisp, perfect for this Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry.

Step 4: Season and Sauce

Splash in the soy sauce and stir everything together so every bite is coated in savory goodness. In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with cold water until smooth, then pour it into the pan. The sauce will bubble and thicken—this is what brings that glossy, restaurant-style finish you crave. Add the ground black pepper, adjusting the amount for your preferred level of spice, and finish with a pinch of salt if needed.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Keep tossing everything together for another minute until the sauce coats every morsel and the flavors meld beautifully. Serve your Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry piping hot, ideally straight from the pan to the table!

How to Serve Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Garnishes

Finish your stir fry with a flurry of thinly sliced green onions or a handful of freshly chopped cilantro. For an extra peppery kick, add a twist of freshly ground black pepper just before serving. Even a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds can add a subtle nutty crunch.

Side Dishes

Steamed white rice is the classic, but you can switch things up with fluffy jasmine, brown rice, or even chewy rice noodles. If you’re after extra veg, a simple cucumber salad or a bowl of miso soup works beautifully alongside Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling the stir fry onto lettuce leaves for fun, hand-held wraps—kids and adults both love this twist. You can also serve it family-style on a large platter or portion it over a bowl of cauliflower rice for a lighter, grain-free approach.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry cool to room temperature, then pack it into an airtight container. It will keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more by the next day, making it a fantastic leftover option.

Freezing

You can freeze this stir fry for future quick meals! Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. For best texture, enjoy within two months—the cabbage and peppers may soften a bit, but the flavor will still shine.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or beef broth, stirring often until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the sauce smooth and prevents overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use another type of meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground pork, chicken, or even turkey work well—the key is to keep the stir fry moving and adjust your cooking time as needed. Just be sure to maintain the same technique for browning and draining excess fat.

Is Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry spicy?

The dish has a lovely kick from the black pepper, but it’s not overwhelmingly spicy. If you prefer a milder version, start with less pepper and taste as you go. Or, turn up the heat with an extra sprinkle!

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap out the ground beef for crumbled tofu or your favorite plant-based ground alternative. The rest of the recipe stays the same, for a meat-free Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry everyone will enjoy.

What kind of cabbage works best?

A standard green cabbage is perfect for this recipe, but feel free to use napa cabbage or even savoy. Just shred it thinly so it cooks quickly and soaks up all the flavors.

Do I need a wok to make this stir fry?

No wok? No worries. A large skillet or sauté pan does the job just fine. What matters most is high heat and keeping the veggies and beef moving so they stay crisp and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

I hope you dive into making this Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry and experience for yourself why it earns such enthusiastic reviews at my table. One pan, big flavor, and unbeatable comfort—give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new staple in your kitchen too!

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