Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry: A Flavorful and Easy Weeknight Dinner

Are you looking for a quick, delicious, and healthy weeknight meal? Look no further than this Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry! It’s packed with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. This recipe combines tender slices of beef with the slightly sweet and peppery taste of cabbage, all coated in a savory and pungent black pepper sauce. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** This stir-fry comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of black pepper, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic creates a complex and delicious flavor profile.
* **Healthy:** Packed with protein and vegetables, this stir-fry is a nutritious and satisfying meal.
* **Versatile:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your liking by adding other vegetables or adjusting the amount of black pepper.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Cabbage and beef (especially if you choose a more affordable cut) are relatively inexpensive, making this a great option for budget-conscious cooks.

## Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry:

* **Beef:** 1 pound flank steak, sirloin, or skirt steak, thinly sliced against the grain.
* **Cabbage:** 1/2 medium head of green cabbage, thinly sliced.
* **Onion:** 1/2 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced.
* **Garlic:** 3-4 cloves, minced.
* **Ginger:** 1 tablespoon, minced.
* **Soy Sauce:** 3 tablespoons.
* **Oyster Sauce:** 2 tablespoons (optional, but adds a nice umami flavor).
* **Black Pepper:** 2-3 tablespoons, freshly ground (adjust to your spice preference).
* **Cornstarch:** 1 tablespoon.
* **Sesame Oil:** 1 tablespoon.
* **Vegetable Oil:** 2 tablespoons.
* **Sugar:** 1 teaspoon (optional, balances the flavors).
* **Rice Vinegar:** 1 teaspoon (optional, adds a touch of acidity).
* **Green Onions:** 2-3, thinly sliced (for garnish).
* **Sesame Seeds:** For garnish (optional).
* **Cooked Rice:** For serving.

## Equipment

* Large skillet or wok
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Mixing bowl

## Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create this delicious stir-fry:

### Step 1: Prepare the Beef

1. **Slice the Beef:** This is the most important step to ensure tenderness. Place the beef in the freezer for about 20-30 minutes to firm up slightly. This will make it easier to slice thinly against the grain. Use a sharp knife and slice the beef into thin strips, about 1/8 inch thick. Slicing against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender bite.

2. **Marinate the Beef:** In a mixing bowl, combine the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well to coat the beef evenly. The cornstarch will help to tenderize the beef and create a slight crust when cooked. Let the beef marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

### Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

1. **Slice the Cabbage:** Remove the outer leaves of the cabbage if they are wilted or damaged. Cut the cabbage in half through the core. Place the cut side down on a cutting board and thinly slice the cabbage into shreds. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch.

2. **Slice the Onion:** Peel the onion and cut it in half from the top to the root. Place the cut side down on a cutting board and thinly slice the onion from the top to the root.

3. **Mince the Garlic and Ginger:** Peel the garlic cloves and mince them finely. Peel the ginger and mince it finely as well. You can use a microplane grater for the ginger if you prefer.

4. **Slice the Green Onions:** Thinly slice the green onions for garnish. Separate the white and green parts, as the white parts can be added to the stir-fry during cooking for extra flavor.

### Step 3: Make the Sauce

1. **Combine the Sauce Ingredients:** In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), 1-2 tablespoons of black pepper (depending on your spice preference), sugar (if using), and rice vinegar (if using). Set aside.

### Step 4: Stir-Fry the Beef

1. **Heat the Wok or Skillet:** Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until it’s shimmering and almost smoking. This is crucial for getting a good sear on the beef.

2. **Stir-Fry the Beef:** Add the marinated beef to the hot skillet or wok and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the beef is browned and cooked through. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature and steam the beef instead of searing it. If necessary, cook the beef in batches. Remove the beef from the skillet or wok and set aside.

### Step 5: Stir-Fry the Vegetables

1. **Add the Vegetables:** Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet or wok. Add the sliced onion and white parts of the green onions and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and ginger and stir-fry for another 30 seconds, or until fragrant.

2. **Add the Cabbage:** Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet or wok and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender-crisp. The cabbage should still have a slight crunch to it.

### Step 6: Combine and Finish

1. **Return the Beef:** Return the cooked beef to the skillet or wok with the vegetables.

2. **Add the Sauce:** Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and coated everything evenly.

3. **Serve:** Serve the Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry immediately over cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional).

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

* **Use High Heat:** Stir-frying requires high heat to quickly cook the ingredients and create a slightly charred flavor. Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding any ingredients.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and steam the ingredients instead of searing them. Cook the beef in batches if necessary.
* **Slice the Beef Thinly:** Slicing the beef thinly against the grain is essential for tenderness. Freeze the beef slightly to make it easier to slice.
* **Use Freshly Ground Black Pepper:** Freshly ground black pepper has a much more intense flavor than pre-ground pepper. It’s worth the extra effort to grind it yourself.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of black pepper to your liking. Start with less and add more to taste.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to this stir-fry, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, carrots, or broccoli.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for an extra kick.
* **Use Different Cuts of Beef:** While flank steak, sirloin, and skirt steak are great choices, you can also use other cuts of beef, such as top round or chuck steak. Just make sure to slice them thinly against the grain.
* **Prepare Ingredients in Advance:** To save time, you can prepare the beef, vegetables, and sauce in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

## Variations

* **Black Pepper Chicken and Cabbage Stir-Fry:** Substitute chicken for beef in this recipe. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces.
* **Black Pepper Tofu and Cabbage Stir-Fry:** Substitute tofu for beef in this recipe. Use firm or extra-firm tofu, pressed to remove excess water and cut into cubes.
* **Vegetarian Black Pepper Cabbage Stir-Fry:** Omit the beef and use vegetable broth instead of oyster sauce. Add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and carrots.
* **Spicy Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to the sauce for an extra kick.
* **Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Noodles:** Serve the stir-fry over noodles instead of rice. Use egg noodles, udon noodles, or ramen noodles.

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve this Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry over cooked white rice, brown rice, or quinoa.
* Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
* Add a side of steamed broccoli or bok choy for a complete meal.
* Serve with a dipping sauce, such as soy sauce, chili oil, or sweet chili sauce.
* Pair with a light and refreshing salad.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Store leftover Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave it, but it may become slightly less crispy.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and amounts used.*

This Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s quick, easy, flavorful, and healthy – everything you could want in a weeknight meal! So gather your ingredients, fire up your wok, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying stir-fry. Enjoy!