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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
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.
