Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

Introduction

This Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight dinner. Tender sirloin steak pairs beautifully with crisp cabbage and a peppery, garlicky sauce. Serve it over rice for a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns, coarsely crushed with the bottom of a cup or pan
• 3 garlic cloves, grated
• 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• Kosher salt
• ¾ pound sirloin steak, thinly sliced crosswise
• 3 tablespoons sunflower oil or other neutral oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• ½ head small green cabbage (about 8 ounces), thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, crushed with your fingertips
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed black peppercorns, grated garlic, light brown sugar, cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Add the thinly sliced steak and toss well to coat all the pieces evenly.
2. Step 2: Heat sunflower oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated steak and cook while stirring frequently until the edges start to brown lightly, about 3 to 4 minutes. Pour in the soy sauce and toss the beef to coat for about 1 minute. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon and set aside.
3. Step 3: Add the sliced cabbage to the same skillet, spreading it out evenly. Let it cook undisturbed for 1 minute to encourage caramelization. Then toss and stir occasionally, cooking until the cabbage is crisp-tender, about 4 to 6 minutes. Stir in the sherry vinegar and season with salt to taste.
4. Step 4: Return the cooked beef and any juices back to the skillet. Stir everything together and warm through for about 1 minute. Remove from heat and sprinkle with crushed toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions. Serve immediately over cooked rice.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the black peppercorns.
• Substitute sirloin with flank steak or ribeye for different texture and flavor.
• Use napa cabbage instead of green cabbage for a milder taste and softer texture.
• If you don’t have sherry vinegar, substitute with rice vinegar or a splash of lemon juice.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or soy sauce while reheating can help maintain moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground black pepper instead of whole peppercorns?

Whole peppercorns crushed fresh provide a more robust and textured pepper flavor. Ground black pepper can work in a pinch but will result in a milder taste.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, so use a gluten-free tamari or soy sauce alternative to make this recipe gluten-free.

Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

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This Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender sirloin steak coated in a bold black pepper and garlic marinade, stir-fried with crisp-tender cabbage and finished with fragrant soy sauce, sherry vinegar, toasted sesame seeds, and scallions. Perfect served over steamed rice for a satisfying meal.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 3 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stir-Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients

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Beef Marinade

• 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns, coarsely crushed
• 3 garlic cloves, grated
• 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• Kosher salt, 1 teaspoon for marinade plus additional to taste
• ¾ pound sirloin steak, thinly sliced crosswise

Stir-Fry

• 3 tablespoons sunflower oil or other neutral oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• ½ head small green cabbage (about 8 ounces), thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, crushed
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• Cooked rice, for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade and Beef: In a medium bowl, combine the crushed black peppercorns, grated garlic, light brown sugar, cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt, stirring to mix well. Add the thinly sliced sirloin steak and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces in the marinade. Let it sit briefly to absorb flavors.
2. Cook the Beef: Heat 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak and stir frequently, cooking until the edges are lightly browned, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and toss the beef to coat evenly, cooking for about 1 more minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked beef to a bowl or plate, leaving the oil and any residue in the skillet.
3. Cook the Cabbage: Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the skillet, spreading it in an even layer. Allow it to cook undisturbed for 1 minute to develop some caramelized spots. Then stir and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is crisp-tender, about 4 to 6 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon of sherry vinegar and season lightly with kosher salt to taste.
4. Combine and Finish: Return the cooked beef and any accumulated juices to the skillet with the cabbage. Stir to combine thoroughly and heat for about 1 minute until everything is warmed through. Remove from heat.
5. Serve: Transfer the stir-fry to serving plates, garnish with crushed toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions. Serve immediately over cooked rice for a complete meal.

Notes

• Using a cast-iron skillet helps achieve better caramelization and flavor.
• Coarsely crushing black peppercorns releases an intense pepper flavor important for the dish.
• Adjust the amount of soy sauce and salt according to your taste preference to avoid over-salting.
• Thinly slice the sirloin for quick cooking and tenderness.
• Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the crisp texture of the cabbage.
• Substitute sherry vinegar with rice vinegar if unavailable for a similar flavor.

Keywords: black pepper beef, cabbage stir-fry, quick beef recipe, Asian stir fry, sirloin beef recipe, easy weeknight dinner