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.