Sizzling Black Pepper Beef & Cabbage Stir-Fry
A quick, flavor-packed stir-fry that brings together tender slices of beef, crisp cabbage, and colorful bell peppers in a rich, savory black pepper sauce. This easy one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights—hearty, satisfying, and ready in under 30 minutes. Every bite is loaded with bold flavor, juicy beef, and just the right amount of peppery kick.
Ingredients
1 pound flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
4 cups green cabbage, shredded
1 large bell pepper, thinly sliced (red, yellow, or green)
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/4 cup beef broth or water
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 green onions, sliced, for garnish
Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, beef broth, and black pepper until smooth. Set aside.
Cook the Beef Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the sliced beef in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and just cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Stir in the onion and bell pepper, cooking for 2 minutes until slightly tender. Add the garlic and ginger, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the Cabbage Toss in the shredded cabbage and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, until it begins to soften but still retains a slight crunch.
Combine Everything Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything together until well coated. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and glazes the beef and vegetables.
Finish and Serve Drizzle with sesame oil and sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes, if using. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot over steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips for Success
Slice the beef as thinly as possible for maximum tenderness.
For easier slicing, place the steak in the freezer for 15–20 minutes before cutting.
Feel free to add mushrooms, carrots, or snap peas for extra texture and flavor.
Adjust the black pepper to your preferred level of spice.
This bold and savory stir-fry is a delicious way to turn simple ingredients into an unforgettable dinner.
