If you’re looking for a dish that checks every box—fast, budget-friendly, and absolutely packed with flavor—then look no further than Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry. This is the kind of meal that instantly upgrades an ordinary weeknight, with ultra-tender beef, crisp veggies, and a glossy sauce that packs a peppery punch. It’s a family favorite at my house; there are never any leftovers unless I stake my claim early. If you love bold flavors with minimal effort and clean-up, this recipe is about to become your go-to!

Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be delighted by how few ingredients stand between you and a sizzling plate of Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry. Each element brings something essential, whether it’s savory depth, crunch, or that unmistakable peppery kick. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love using each one.

Vegetable oil: Perfect for stir-frying thanks to its neutral flavor and high smoke point, helping every ingredient sear just right.
Garlic (4 cloves, chopped): The aromatic base that infuses the whole stir fry with irresistible fragrance from the very start.
Ground beef (½ pound): Juicy, quick-cooking protein that soaks up all the savory sauce, adding hearty richness to each bite.
Cabbage (½ small head, shredded): A sweet, crunchy veggie that shines when briefly stir-fried—plus, it stretches the meal deliciously.
Red bell pepper (1, cut into strips): Vibrant color, plus a subtle sweetness and tender-crisp texture that balances the beefiness perfectly.
Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): This pantry staple is your shortcut to depth and umami, creating that classic Asian stir-fry backbone.
Cornstarch (1 teaspoon): When mixed into the sauce, it creates a glossy coating that clings to every bit of beef and veg.
Cold water (½ cup): Helps dissolve the cornstarch and create a luscious, pourable sauce.
Ground black pepper (1 teaspoon, or to taste): The star of the show, bringing a gentle heat and unmistakable aroma—freshly ground is especially tasty here!
Salt (pinch, to taste): Just enough to round out all the flavors and brighten the final dish.

How to Make Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Begin by gathering all your ingredients and prepping them before you start cooking. Chop the garlic, shred the cabbage, and slice the red bell pepper. Having everything ready to go will make your stir frying smooth and stress-free, so you can focus on building flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Aromatics and Beef

Heat your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the vegetable oil. Once it shimmers, toss in the chopped garlic and let it sizzle for about 5 seconds—just long enough to get fragrant, but not browned. Immediately add the ground beef. Stir-fry, breaking it up as you go, until it’s evenly browned and cooked through, which should take 5 to 7 minutes. If you see excess fat pooling, drain it off for a lighter dish.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

With the beef ready, add in your shredded cabbage and bell pepper strips. Keep that heat nice and high, stirring constantly. Cook until the veggies are just tender but still bright and slightly crisp—this usually takes only a few minutes, and ensures your Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry stays lively and colorful.

Step 4: Mix the Sauce and Season

It’s time to bring the whole dish together! Pour in the soy sauce, then in a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Add this slurry to the wok, stirring it in well. Now for the black pepper: add a generous teaspoon (or more if you’re in the mood for extra heat), plus a pinch of salt to taste. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats all the beef and veggies.

Step 5: Serve Hot and Enjoy

Your Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is ready! The savory, peppery aroma will make it hard to wait, but do your best to serve it immediately while it’s piping hot and glistening. Enjoy every bite of tender beef, crunchy veggies, and that signature sauce—it’s a true crowd-pleaser.

How to Serve Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Garnishes

Finish your Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry with a shower of thinly sliced green onions or fresh cilantro. A light sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or a dash of extra black pepper brings extra aroma and visual flair. A wedge of lime on the side is a fresh twist, if you’re feeling zesty!

Side Dishes

This stir fry was practically made for a bed of hot steamed white rice, which soaks up every drop of the flavorful sauce. For a change, try serving with brown rice, jasmine rice, or even a pile of simple fried noodles. Add a quick cucumber salad or some sautéed greens for a little color and crunch alongside your Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry.

Creative Ways to Present

You can make this dish dinner-party worthy by serving it in individual bowls, piled high over rice and topped with a scattering of garnishes. Or, wrap the stir fry in crisp lettuce leaves for a fun, hands-on meal that’s perfect for sharing. For a meal-prep twist, portion the stir fry with rice into lunch containers—you’ll have craveable lunches all week.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any extra Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld together beautifully overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch just as exciting as dinner!

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze leftovers, spoon the cooled stir fry into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, pressing out any extra air. It will keep well for up to one month. Before serving, let it thaw properly in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture.

Reheating

To bring your Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry back to its just-cooked glory, reheat gently in a nonstick skillet or wok over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to revive the sauce. You can also use the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid overcooking. Serve hot for maximum enjoyment.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of meat?

Absolutely! This stir fry is just as delicious with ground chicken, turkey, or pork. You can even use thinly sliced steak—just stir fry the slices briefly so they stay juicy and tender.

How can I make Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry vegetarian?

Swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based ground meat, or use crumbled firm tofu. You’ll get all the flavor and texture with zero animal products, and it’s every bit as satisfying.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

As written, the recipe contains soy sauce, which often has gluten. For a gluten-free version, use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce and double-check your cornstarch is gluten-free as well.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Definitely! For more heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper, sliced fresh chilies, or even a drizzle of your favorite chili oil alongside the black pepper. Adjust to your preferred spice level and enjoy the extra kick.

What’s the best way to shred cabbage for this recipe?

You can use a sharp chef’s knife to thinly slice the cabbage, or run it through a mandoline for perfectly even strips. Pre-shredded coleslaw mix is a handy shortcut too if you’re tight on time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to upgrade your dinner lineup with something speedy, full of flavor, and guaranteed to spark requests for seconds, Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is your answer. Give it a try—once you taste that savory, peppery sauce clinging to crispy veggies and tender beef, you’ll be hooked. Enjoy every warm, satisfying bite with your favorite people!