Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines tender ground beef with crisp cabbage and bell peppers in a savory, peppery sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this stir fry is packed with flavor and nutrients. Follow this guide to create a tasty Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry that will become a favorite in your household.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ small head cabbage, shredded
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
- 1 pinch salt, to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
- Chop the Garlic: Finely chop the garlic cloves and set aside.
- Shred the Cabbage: Shred the cabbage into thin strips.
- Slice the Bell Pepper: Cut the red bell pepper into thin strips.
Cook the Beef
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the chopped garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes.
Cook the Vegetables
- Heat More Oil: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Add Cabbage and Bell Pepper: Add the shredded cabbage and bell pepper strips to the skillet. Sauté the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp.
Prepare the Sauce
- Make Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and cold water, stirring until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
- Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the soy sauce, ground black pepper, and cornstarch slurry. Mix well.
Combine and Season
- Return Beef to Skillet: Add the cooked ground beef back to the skillet with the vegetables.
- Add Sauce: Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables, stirring well to coat everything evenly.
- Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together.
- Season with Salt: Taste the stir fry and add a pinch of salt, if needed.
Serve
- Plate the Stir Fry: Transfer the Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry to a serving dish.
- Serve Hot: Serve the stir fry hot, over steamed rice or noodles.
Conclusion
This Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick and easy meal that combines savory ground beef with fresh, crisp vegetables in a delicious black pepper sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying. Enjoy the bold flavors and simple preparation of this delightful stir fry. Happy cooking!