This sizzling black pepper beef and cabbage stir-fry is a quick, flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender slices of beef are stir-fried with crisp cabbage and tossed in a savory black pepper sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this stir-fry is a delicious blend of textures and bold flavors that pairs perfectly with rice or noodles.
Key Information:
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Number of servings: 4
- Serving size: 1 1/2 cups
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
Ingredients:
For the Stir-Fry:
- 500g (1 lb) flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 1 small head of cabbage (about 400g), thinly sliced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, julienned
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp (30ml) vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp (15g) fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tsp (5g) freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp (1g) red pepper flakes (optional for extra heat)
For the Black Pepper Sauce:
- 2 tbsp (30ml) soy sauce
- 1 tbsp (15ml) oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp (15g) hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp (15ml) rice vinegar
- 1 tsp (5g) sugar
- 2 tsp (10ml) sesame oil
- 2 tbsp (30ml) water or beef broth
- 1 tbsp (8g) cornstarch (for thickening)
Optional Garnishes:
- Sliced green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Steamed rice or noodles, for serving
Method of Preparation:
- Prepare the beef: Slice the flank steak or sirloin thinly against the grain. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, water (or beef broth), and cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat the wok or skillet: In a large wok or skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- Stir-fry the vegetables: In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the garlic, ginger, and onion, stir-frying for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the sliced cabbage and bell pepper, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.
- Add the beef back: Return the beef to the pan along with any juices. Pour in the prepared black pepper sauce and toss everything together. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables.
- Finish and serve: Stir in the freshly ground black pepper and red pepper flakes (if using) for extra heat. Serve the stir-fry hot over steamed rice or noodles, garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Tips for Culinary Success:
- Slice beef thinly: For the most tender results, slice the beef as thinly as possible against the grain. Freezing the beef for 15 minutes before slicing can make this easier.
- Use high heat: Stir-frying works best with high heat to quickly sear the ingredients and preserve their texture and flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the beef in batches if necessary to avoid steaming the meat instead of searing it.
- Add the pepper at the end: Freshly ground black pepper added at the end brings a bold, fragrant punch, so don’t skimp on it!
- Customize the veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, snow peas, or broccoli for extra color and nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use a different cut of beef? Yes, flank steak and sirloin are ideal, but you can also use skirt steak or ribeye for a more tender bite.
- Can I make this stir-fry vegetarian? Absolutely! Swap the beef for firm tofu or mushrooms, and use vegetarian oyster sauce to keep it meat-free.
- Can I make this ahead of time? This stir-fry is best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce and slice the vegetables ahead of time to speed up cooking.
- What side dishes go well with this stir-fry? Serve this dish with steamed jasmine rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. A side of egg rolls or a cucumber salad complements the flavors well.
- How spicy is this stir-fry? The heat comes primarily from the black pepper and optional red pepper flakes. Adjust the black pepper amount based on your preference for spice.
Sizzling black pepper beef and cabbage stir-fry is the perfect meal for those who crave bold flavors without a long cooking time. With tender beef, crisp vegetables, and a fragrant black pepper sauce, it’s a dish that brings a restaurant-quality meal straight to your kitchen. Serve it with a bowl of rice or noodles, and enjoy the satisfying sizzle and spice in every bite!