Delicious Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe for Busy Weeknights!

All products are selected by our editorial team for quality. If you buy through our links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick, flavorful, and wholesome dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

With tender slices of beef, crunchy cabbage, and a savory stir-fry sauce, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal in just 30 minutes.

The combination of soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of spice enhances the natural flavors, making it both comforting and nutritious.

Whether you’re looking for a low-carb option, a meal-prep-friendly dish, or a simple dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste, this stir-fry is sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry

  • Quick and easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight meals.
  • Nutrient-packed – High in protein from the beef and fiber from the cabbage.
  • Budget-friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients that are easy to find.
  • Versatile – Easily customizable with different vegetables or protein swaps.
  • Meal prep-friendly – Stores well and reheats beautifully for lunches or leftovers.

Ingredients Needed

For the Stir-Fry:

  • Beef: Flank steak, sirloin, or ribeye, thinly sliced against the grain.
  • Cabbage: Green or Napa cabbage, shredded.
  • Garlic & Ginger: Freshly minced for an aromatic base.
  • Onion: Sliced for added sweetness and texture.
  • Carrots (Optional): Julienned for extra color and crunch.

For the Stir-Fry Sauce:

  • Soy Sauce: Adds a rich, umami flavor.
  • Oyster Sauce: Enhances the depth of flavor.
  • Sesame Oil: Adds a hint of nuttiness.
  • Rice Vinegar: Balances the flavors with a slight tang.
  • Brown Sugar or Honey: A touch of sweetness to round out the sauce.
  • Cornstarch & Water: Helps thicken the sauce for a glossy coating.
  • Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a bit of heat.

How to Make Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

  • Thinly slice the beef against the grain to ensure tenderness.
  • Shred the cabbage and julienne the carrots if using.
  • Mince the garlic and ginger, and slice the onion.

Step 2: Make the Stir-Fry Sauce

  • In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar (or honey), and cornstarch mixed with water. Stir until smooth and set aside.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

  • Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add a little oil.
  • Add the beef slices in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

  • In the same pan, add a bit more oil and stir-fry onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
  • Add the shredded cabbage and carrots, and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.

Step 5: Combine Everything

  • Return the cooked beef to the pan.
  • Pour in the stir-fry sauce and toss everything together until well coated.
  • Cook for 1-2 more minutes until the sauce thickens and everything is well combined.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

  • Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds or green onions.
  • Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or enjoy as a low-carb meal on its own.

Tips for the Best Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry

1. Slice the Beef Properly

  • Always slice against the grain for tender pieces. Cutting with the grain makes the beef chewy.

2. Use a Hot Pan

  • Stir-frying requires high heat for quick cooking. A hot pan ensures the beef sears properly without becoming tough.

3. Don’t Overcook the Vegetables

  • Cabbage and carrots should be slightly crisp after cooking, not mushy. Stir-frying quickly over high heat preserves texture.

4. Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste

  • Prefer a sweeter taste? Add more brown sugar or honey. Want more spice? Increase red pepper flakes or add chili sauce.

5. Marinate the Beef for Extra Flavor

  • For deeper flavor, marinate the beef in a bit of soy sauce, garlic, and cornstarch for 10-15 minutes before cooking.

How to Serve and Store Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry

Serving Suggestions

  • With Rice or Noodles: Serve the beef cabbage stir-fry over steamed white rice, brown rice, or your favorite noodles. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice works wonderfully.
  • As a Stand-Alone Meal: Enjoy this stir-fry on its own for a low-carb, nutritious meal packed with protein and vegetables.
  • With a Side Salad: Pair the stir-fry with a simple cucumber or mixed greens salad for a fresh contrast to the savory flavors.

Storing Leftovers

In the Fridge: Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature before storing. Place the stir-fry in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To Reheat: Reheat the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen it up.

Freezing Leftovers

While stir-fries are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers.

Transfer the cooled stir-fry into a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months.

When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.

Conclusion

Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry is a delicious and healthy dish that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights.

With tender beef, crunchy cabbage, and a savory stir-fry sauce, it’s a complete meal that is both flavorful and satisfying.

Whether you’re looking to serve it over rice or enjoy it on its own, this recipe is versatile, easy, and always a hit with the whole family.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different protein in this stir-fry?

Yes, you can substitute the beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Adjust the cooking time according to the protein you choose.

2. How do I make the stir-fry spicier?

To add more heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or add fresh chili peppers to the stir-fry. A dash of sriracha also works well for extra spice.

3. Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?

Yes, you can use pre-shredded cabbage to save time, but fresh cabbage will provide the best texture and flavor.

4. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry stores well and can be prepared in advance. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

5. Can I add other vegetables to the stir-fry?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, or snap peas to suit your preferences.

Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry

Maria G. Brooks
This Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick and healthy dish that combines tender beef, crisp cabbage, and flavorful stir-fry sauce.
Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights when you crave a wholesome, satisfying meal.
With a balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors, this stir-fry is great served over rice or enjoyed on its own.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine asian, Chinese
Servings 4 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet or Wok
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Sharp Knife
  • 1 Small Bowl (for mixing sauce)
  • 1 spatula or tongs for stirring

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb 450g beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil or sesame oil
  • 2 cups cabbage shredded
  • 1 medium onion sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water optional for thickening
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds optional, for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Ingredients

  • Slice the beef thinly against the grain.
  • Shred the cabbage and slice the onion.
  • Mince the garlic and ginger.

Make the Stir-Fry Sauce

  • In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame oil, and cornstarch mixed with water. Stir well to combine and set aside.

Cook the Beef

  • Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil.
  • Add the sliced beef to the pan in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

  • In the same pan, add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add the shredded cabbage and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the cabbage begins to soften but remains slightly crisp.

Combine and Cook

  • Return the cooked beef to the pan. Pour in the stir-fry sauce and toss everything to combine.
  • Stir-fry for another 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef and cabbage.

Serve

  • Serve the beef cabbage stir-fry over rice or noodles, or enjoy it as is for a low-carb option. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

  • Beef Selection: Flank steak or sirloin is ideal for stir-frying due to its tenderness. If you prefer a leaner cut, you can use chicken breast or tofu.
  • Sauce Adjustments: If you like your stir-fry saucier, feel free to increase the sauce ingredients to taste.
  • Vegetable Variations: Add extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for more color and flavor.
  • Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers to the stir-fry sauce.
Keyword Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry