Savory Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry: A Quick and Flavorful Meal

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal, Savory Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is the perfect dish. With tender ground beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory black pepper sauce, this dish brings bold flavors and satisfying textures to your dinner table.

Stir-frying is one of the easiest and fastest cooking methods, making it perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe combines lean ground beef, shredded cabbage, and red bell peppers with a simple but bold sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and black pepper. The result is a delicious, one-pan meal that pairs beautifully with rice or noodles.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Healthy and Nutritious – Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
• Minimal Ingredients – Uses common pantry staples.
• One-Pan Meal – Less cleanup and hassle.
• Customizable – Adjust spice levels or swap ingredients based on preference.

Ingredients for Savory Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

Main Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Vegetable oil	½ tablespoon
Sesame seed oil	1 teaspoon
Lean ground beef	1 pound
Garlic cloves, minced	3
Red bell pepper, cut into strips	1
Cabbage, shredded	½ head (about 4 cups)
Low sodium soy sauce	2 tablespoons
Rice vinegar	1 tablespoon
Cornstarch	½ tablespoon
Water	½ cup
Red pepper flakes	½ teaspoon
Black pepper	½ teaspoon
Salt	To taste
Green onions, sliced and divided	2

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat the Pan

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil and sesame seed oil over medium-high heat until hot.

2. Cook the Beef

• Add the lean ground beef to the skillet.
• Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until fully browned.
• Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

3. Stir-Fry the Vegetables

• Add the red bell pepper strips and shredded cabbage to the skillet.
• Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.

4. Make the Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and water.
• Stir until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.

5. Combine and Season

• Pour the sauce into the skillet and stir to coat the beef and vegetables.
• Add red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt to taste.
• Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.

6. Add Green Onions

• Stir in half of the sliced green onions.
• Reserve the rest for garnish.

7. Serve and Enjoy

• Transfer to a serving dish.
• Garnish with the remaining green onions.
• Serve hot with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Best Ways to Serve Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

• Over Steamed Rice – White or brown rice soaks up the flavorful sauce.
• With Noodles – Serve over stir-fried noodles or ramen.
• Wrapped in Lettuce – For a low-carb option, enjoy in lettuce wraps.
• Alongside Quinoa – A protein-packed alternative to rice.
• With a Fried Egg on Top – Adds extra protein and richness.

Tips for the Best Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

• Use Lean Ground Beef – Reduces excess grease and makes the dish healthier.
• Cut Vegetables Evenly – Ensures even cooking and better texture.
• Don’t Overcook the Cabbage – Keep it crisp for the best stir-fry texture.
• Adjust the Spice Level – Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Double the Sauce – If serving with rice or noodles, make extra sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Pan – Cook in a large wok or skillet to allow proper stir-frying.
• Using High-Sodium Soy Sauce – Opt for low-sodium soy sauce for better balance.
• Skipping the Cornstarch Mixture – Helps thicken the sauce and coat the beef evenly.
• Overcooking the Garlic – Burnt garlic adds a bitter taste; cook it briefly.
• Not Tasting Before Serving – Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approx. 1 Cup)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~280
Protein	22g
Carbohydrates	12g
Fat	16g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	450mg

Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Use a Different Protein Instead of Beef?

Yes! This recipe works well with ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

2. How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warm.

3. Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?

Absolutely! Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make it gluten-free.

4. Can I Add More Vegetables?

Yes! Try adding carrots, snap peas, mushrooms, or bok choy for extra variety.

5. How Can I Make It Spicier?

Increase the red pepper flakes or add sriracha for more heat.

6. Can I Make This Ahead for Meal Prep?

Yes! Prepare everything in advance and store it in portions for easy reheating.

Final Thoughts

Savory Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is an easy, flavorful, and nutritious meal that you can whip up in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or when you need a quick yet satisfying dinner. The bold black pepper, tender beef, and crisp cabbage make this dish a must-try.

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