Can I use another type of meat besides ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork all work beautifully. Even plant-based meat substitutes can be used with great results. Just follow the same steps and adjust cook times as needed.

How do I keep the cabbage crisp and not soggy?

The secret is high heat and quick cooking. Don’t overcrowd the pan, and only cook the veggies until just tender—you’ll want a little crunch to remain for the best texture.

How spicy is this dish with all the black pepper?

Black pepper delivers warmth rather than fiery heat. Start with the recommended amount, taste, and adjust to your preference. If you love a fiery kick, add a dash of chili flakes or hot sauce.

What if I don’t have a wok? Can I still make this?

No worries! A large, heavy skillet works just as well for this recipe. Just make sure it’s big enough not to crowd the ingredients—room to stir means better texture.

Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

Name: Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 4 cloves garlic, chopped; 1/2 pound ground beef; 1/2 small head of cabbage, shredded finely; 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 1/2 cup cold water; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 pinch salt, to taste

Description

A quick and flavorful Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry made with ground beef, fresh cabbage, bell peppers, and a simple soy-based sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish comes together in under 20 minutes and delivers classic Asian-inspired flavors with a peppery kick.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Stir Fry

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 pound ground beef
1/2 small head of cabbage, shredded finely
1 red bell pepper, cut into strips

For the Sauce

2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/2 cup cold water
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pinch salt, to taste

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Instructions

Heat the Pan: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the vegetable oil and allow it to get hot.
Sauté Garlic: Add chopped garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 5 seconds, just until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan. Stir-fry, breaking it up as it cooks, until evenly browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Add Vegetables: Stir in the finely shredded cabbage and red bell pepper strips. Cook everything together, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender and the beef is fully cooked.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the cold water until dissolved. Pour this mixture into the skillet.
Season and Thicken: Add the soy sauce, ground black pepper, and a pinch of salt to the pan. Stir well and continue cooking until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the ingredients evenly.
Serve: Transfer the stir fry to a serving dish. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

For extra flavor, add some chopped onions or green onions alongside the cabbage and peppers.
Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
If you like it spicy, add some crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
This dish is great served over steamed rice or noodles for a hearty meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
Calories: 175
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 7g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 11g
Cholesterol: 33mg