Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick, satisfying dish that combines savory beef with crunchy cabbage and vibrant vegetables, all brought together by a rich, flavorful stir-fry sauce. The tender beef, seared to perfection, pairs wonderfully with the fresh, crisp cabbage, making this dish both hearty and light at the same time. It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes, with a touch of ginger, garlic, and soy sauce to bring everything together.
This recipe was born out of a desire for something quick but wholesome. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a dish that’s full of flavor and packed with nutrients. The cabbage adds a satisfying crunch, while the beef soaks up the savory sauce, making each bite irresistible. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner when you want something flavorful and easy to prepare.
What I love most about this stir fry is how customizable it is. You can add bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for extra color and flavor, or even toss in some noodles for a more filling meal. Whether served over rice or on its own, this Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!
Perfect for:
- Weeknight dinners
- Healthy meals
- Stir-fry lovers
- Family-friendly meals
- Quick, balanced dinners
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry will become a favorite in your kitchen:
- Flavor-packed: The combination of beef, cabbage, and a savory sauce creates a mouthwatering mix of flavors.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this stir fry is perfect for busy evenings.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, it’s a nutritious option for any meal.
- Tender Beef: The beef stays juicy and tender when cooked just right.
- Crisp Cabbage: The cabbage maintains its crunch, adding a refreshing contrast to the beef.
- Customizable Sauce: Adjust the sweetness, saltiness, and spice to suit your taste.
- One-Pan Dish: Less cleanup required, as everything cooks in one skillet or wok.
- Low-carb Option: This stir fry is naturally low in carbs, making it a great choice for those on low-carb diets.
- Make-Ahead Meal: Prep the ingredients in advance for a quicker meal when you’re ready to cook.
- Family-Friendly: Mild yet flavorful, it’s a dish everyone can enjoy.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 27g, Carbs: 18g, Fat: 16g
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 4 cups cabbage, shredded
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
Ingredient Highlights
- Beef Sirloin or Flank Steak: These cuts of beef are ideal for stir-frying, offering great flavor and tenderness.
- Cabbage: Provides a healthy crunch and lightness to balance the richness of the beef.
- Soy Sauce and Oyster Sauce: These ingredients create the perfect balance of umami and savory flavors.
- Rice Vinegar and Sesame Oil: Add a tangy and nutty depth to the stir fry.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Slice the Beef: Cut the beef into thin strips against the grain.
- Shred the Cabbage: Cut the cabbage into thin strips or use pre-shredded cabbage.
- Prep the Veggies: Slice the onion and red bell pepper thinly, and mince the garlic.
Cook the Stir Fry:
- Heat the Pan: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Beef: Add the beef to the pan in batches and cook for 2-3 minutes per batch, or until browned. Remove the beef and set it aside.
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the garlic, onion, and bell pepper. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add the Cabbage: Add the cabbage to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften but remains crunchy.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the cooked beef to the pan. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir well to coat everything evenly and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Serve:
- Garnish: Top the stir fry with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for an added crunch and flavor.
- Serve: Serve immediately with rice or noodles, or enjoy as a low-carb meal on its own.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry:
- With Steamed Rice: Serve with jasmine or brown rice for a complete meal.
- Over Noodles: Pair with soba or rice noodles for a hearty dish.
- As a Lettuce Wrap: Serve the stir fry in lettuce cups for a light, low-carb option.
- With a Side of Soup: Pair with a miso soup for a Japanese-inspired meal.
- With Kimchi: The tangy flavors of kimchi complement the stir fry perfectly.
- As a Bowl: Serve the stir fry in a bowl and top with a fried egg for extra richness.
- With Sautéed Vegetables: Pair with other stir-fried vegetables like mushrooms or snap peas for added nutrition.
- On a Salad: Serve over mixed greens for a refreshing, low-carb option.
- With a Side of Dumplings: Pair with steamed or fried dumplings for a more filling meal.
- With Pickled Vegetables: Add pickled cucumbers or carrots for a tangy contrast.
Additional Tips
- Choose the Right Cut of Beef: For tender stir fry, use thinly sliced cuts like flank steak or sirloin. Avoid tougher cuts to ensure a smoother texture.
- Use High Heat: Stir-fry on high heat to achieve a nice sear on the beef and to quickly cook the cabbage without making it soggy.
- Marinate the Beef: Marinating the beef in soy sauce, garlic, and a bit of cornstarch for 15-20 minutes can enhance its flavor and tenderness.
- Add Fresh Ginger: Fresh ginger adds a fragrant, slightly spicy kick that pairs well with beef and cabbage.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the beef and cabbage in batches if necessary, to avoid steaming. This ensures everything gets a nice sear.
- Season with Toasted Sesame Oil: Add a dash of toasted sesame oil towards the end of cooking for a rich, nutty flavor that complements the dish.
- Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables, like bell peppers or carrots, to add color and variety to your stir fry.
- Balance Sweetness and Saltiness: Adjust the seasoning with a pinch of sugar to balance the saltiness of soy sauce, giving the dish more depth.
- Use a Wok or Large Skillet: A wok or a large skillet allows for more even heat distribution and better movement of ingredients, ensuring the beef and cabbage cook evenly.
- Serve with Rice or Noodles: For a complete meal, serve your stir fry over steamed rice or cooked noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Stir Fry: Swap the beef for tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry: Add more chili paste or sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry: Add steamed broccoli for a classic twist.
- Beef and Mushroom Stir Fry: Add mushrooms for a savory depth of flavor.
- Thai-Inspired Stir Fry: Add a splash of fish sauce and a sprinkle of cilantro for a Thai flair.
- Peanut Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry: Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce for a creamy, nutty twist.
- Ginger Beef Stir Fry: Add grated ginger for an aromatic, fresh flavor.
- Sweet and Sour Beef Stir Fry: Add pineapple or bell peppers for a sweet and tangy variation.
Special Equipment
- Wok – Ideal for high-heat stir frying and even cooking.
- Chef’s Knife – For thinly slicing the beef and chopping the cabbage.
- Cutting Board – To safely chop vegetables and meat.
- Tongs – Perfect for flipping and tossing the stir-fry ingredients.
- Spatula – A flat spatula helps in stirring and scraping the stir fry.
- Grater – For finely grating ginger or garlic if needed.
- Strainer – For draining excess liquids or rinsing vegetables.
- Measuring Spoons – For precise seasoning and sauce measurements.
- Saucepan – For preparing the stir-fry sauce separately.
- Serving Platter – To plate and serve the stir-fry elegantly.
FAQ Section
- Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use chicken, pork, or even shrimp in place of beef. - Can I use frozen cabbage?
Fresh cabbage works best, but frozen cabbage can be used if thawed and drained. - How long does the stir fry last?
The stir fry can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and vegetables ahead of time and cook the stir fry just before serving. - Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the stir fry for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat before serving. - How do I prevent the beef from getting tough?
Slice the beef thinly and cook it quickly over high heat to avoid overcooking and toughening. - Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini are great additions. - How do I make it more flavorful?
Add extra garlic, ginger, or chili paste for a deeper, more aromatic flavor. - Can I use a non-stick pan instead of a wok?
Yes, a non-stick skillet works well, though a wok will give you the best results for stir-frying. - What’s the best way to serve it?
Serve it hot, immediately after cooking, with your choice of rice, noodles, or on its own.
Conclusion
Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dish that combines tender strips of beef with crisp cabbage and aromatic seasonings. The beef is stir-fried to perfection, absorbing the savory sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. The cabbage adds a satisfying crunch and freshness, making this dish a perfect balance of textures.
This recipe is not only delicious but also versatile—add your favorite vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra color and nutrients. It’s a great weeknight dinner that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor, and it’s a great way to use simple ingredients in a unique way.
I’d love to see how your Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry turns out! Share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I can’t wait to see your vibrant creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and share any tweaks or add-ins you made!
