Description
This Black Pepper Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender sirloin steak coated with coarsely crushed black peppercorns and garlic, then stir-fried to perfection alongside caramelized cabbage. Finished with a tangy sherry vinegar punch, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh scallions, this meal offers a perfect balance of spice, savoriness, and freshness. Served best over cooked rice, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that combines simple ingredients with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Marinade
- 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns, coarsely crushed
- 3 garlic cloves, grated
- 2 teaspoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- Kosher salt (approximately 1 teaspoon for marinade and additional to taste)
- 3/4 pound sirloin steak, thinly sliced crosswise
For Stir-Frying
- 3 tablespoons sunflower oil or other neutral oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 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
- Prepare the Beef Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the coarsely crushed black peppercorns, grated garlic, light brown sugar, cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Stir well to blend the ingredients. Add the thinly sliced sirloin steak to the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the marinade mixture.
- Cook the Beef: Heat 3 tablespoons of sunflower oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated steak to the skillet. Stir frequently, cooking until some edges of the beef are lightly browned, about 3 to 4 minutes. Pour in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and toss the beef to coat evenly, cooking for about 1 minute more. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked beef to a separate bowl or plate, leaving juices behind in the skillet.
- Cook the Cabbage: Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the same skillet, spreading it out into an even layer. Let it cook undisturbed for 1 minute to allow some pieces to caramelize. Then toss and stir occasionally, cooking until the cabbage is crisp-tender, approximately 4 to 6 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon of sherry vinegar and season with salt to taste.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked steak and any collected juices back to the skillet with the cabbage. Stir thoroughly to combine and warm through for about 1 minute. Remove from heat and sprinkle the crushed toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions on top. Serve immediately with cooked rice.
Notes
- Use a sharp knife to thinly slice the sirloin for even cooking.
- Coarsely crushing black peppercorns adds a robust and aromatic pepper flavor.
- Letting the cabbage caramelize slightly before stirring enhances its sweetness and depth.
- Adjust salt according to soy sauce saltiness and personal preference.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
- Serve with steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: Black Pepper Beef, Cabbage Stir-Fry, Quick Dinner, Asian Beef Stir Fry, Sirloin Steak Recipe, Easy Weeknight Meal
