Stir fry dishes are a go-to option for quick, nutritious, and flavorful meals. This Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a delicious dish that’s ready in no time. Ground beef, crisp cabbage, and vibrant red bell pepper are stir-fried together in a savory soy sauce infused with the bold flavors of garlic and black pepper. This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner and pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or noodles.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ small head cabbage, shredded
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ cup cold water
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or adjust to your preference
- 1 pinch salt, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by chopping the garlic, shredding the cabbage, and cutting the red bell pepper into strips. This will ensure that everything is ready to go once you start cooking, as stir fry dishes come together quickly.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for around 30 seconds, or until aromatic. Watch closely to avoid burning the garlic.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until it is fully browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add the Vegetables: Add the shredded cabbage and red bell pepper strips to the skillet with the ground beef. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables are just tender but still crisp. The cabbage should be wilted but not soggy, and the bell pepper should retain some crunch.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, cornstarch, and cold water until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring to combine it with the beef and vegetables.
- Season and Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle the ground black pepper over the stir fry, adjusting the amount to your taste preference. Continue cooking and stirring the mixture until the sauce thickens and coats the beef and vegetables evenly, about 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Once the stir fry is done, remove it from heat and serve immediately. This dish is delicious on its own or served over steamed rice or noodles for a more substantial meal.
Conclusion
This Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. The combination of tender ground beef, crisp cabbage, and sweet bell pepper creates a satisfying texture, while the garlic, soy sauce, and black pepper bring bold flavors to the dish. With minimal ingredients and just one pan, you can have this tasty meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Enjoy it with your favorite sides for a complete and nutritious meal that the whole family will love!