Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Bold and Comforting is a flavourful Asian-style dish that brings together tender beef, crisp cabbage, and the warm heat of freshly cracked black pepper. This simple yet satisfying stir-fry is known for its bold aroma and rich, savory sauce that coats every bite beautifully.
Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage:
Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together quickly while delivering restaurant-quality flavor. The cabbage adds natural sweetness and crunch, balancing the robust black pepper seasoning and making this meal both hearty and wholesome.
History:
Black pepper has been widely used in Chinese cooking for centuries, especially in Cantonese cuisine, where it is valued for its warm, aromatic heat rather than intense spiciness. Beef and vegetable stir-fries became popular due to their quick cooking method and efficient use of ingredients. Cabbage, an affordable and widely available vegetable, is often paired with beef in home-style Chinese cooking. Over time, Black Pepper Beef variations gained popularity in Chinese-American cuisine, evolving into richer, sauce-forward dishes enjoyed worldwide.
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Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Bold and Comforting
Ingredients
For the Beef Marinade
- 450 g flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
For the Stir Fry
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
For the Sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
- In a bowl, marinate beef with soy sauce, cornstarch, sesame oil, and black pepper for 10 minutes.
- Mix all sauce ingredients in a separate bowl and set aside.
- Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat.
- Stir-fry beef until just browned; remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add garlic and ginger; sauté until fragrant.
- Add onion and cabbage; stir-fry until cabbage is slightly tender but still crisp.
- Return beef to the pan and pour in the sauce.
- Sprinkle with extra black pepper and stir until sauce thickens. Serve hot.
Notes
- Slice beef against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Use freshly cracked black pepper for best flavour.
- Do not overcook cabbage to keep texture and sweetness.
- Sauce thickens quickly once heated.
- Best served immediately.
Tips for Pepper Beef and Cabbage:
- Add bell peppers or carrots for extra color.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.
- Pair with steamed jasmine rice or noodles.
- Prep all ingredients before cooking.
- Increase black pepper for a stronger kick.
FAQs for Pepper Beef and Cabbage:
Q1: Is this dish very spicy?
No, it has a warm peppery heat rather than chili spice.
Q2: Can I use ground beef instead of sliced beef?
Sliced beef is recommended, but ground beef can work in a pinch.
Q3: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce.
Q4: What type of cabbage works best?
Green cabbage is ideal, but napa cabbage also works well.
Q5: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Ingredients can be prepped ahead, but cooking is best done fresh.
Conclusion:
Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a comforting, flavor-forward dish that highlights the natural sweetness of cabbage and the bold warmth of black pepper. Quick to prepare and deeply satisfying, it’s an excellent choice for anyone craving a simple yet delicious Asian-style meal at home.