Black pepper beef & cabbage stir-fry

Active: 20 minutes; Total: 20 minutes; Yield: 2 to 4 servings

Peppercorns, black; coarsely crushed	1 tablespoon
Garlic; grated	3 cloves
Sugar, light brown	1 teaspoon
Cornstarch	1 teaspoon
Salt, kosher	1 teaspoon +
Beef tenderloin; thinly sliced crosswise	¾ pounds
Oil, sunflower or other neutral	3 tablespoons
Soy sauce	2 tablespoons
Green cabbage; thinly sliced	½ small head
Vinegar, sherry	1 tablespoon
Sesame seeds; toasted, crushed	1 tablespoon
Scallions; thinly sliced	2
Rice, cooked

1. Add peppercorns, garlic, sugar, cornstarch, and salt to a medium bowl; stir to combine. 
2. Add the beef, and toss to coat. 
3. Heat the oil in a large wok over medium-high. 
4. Add the beef and cook, stirring frequently, until some of the edges are lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. 
5. Add soy sauce and toss beef to coat, about 1 minute. 
6. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beef to a bowl. 
7. Add the cabbage to the wok, spread in an even layer, and let cook, undisturbed, for 1 minute or so that some pieces caramelize in the pan. 
8. Toss and cook the cabbage, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp, 4 to 6 minutes. 
9. Stir in the vinegar, and season with salt. 
10. Return the beef and any juices back to the wok, and stir until well combined with the cabbage and warmed through, about 1 minute. 
11. Top with sesame seeds and scallions; serve with rice. 

Recipe mildly adapted from The New York Times Cooking by Sue Li.