Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ready for a quick, flavorful meal that comes together in no time? Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is here to save the day! This dish combines tender strips of beef, crunchy cabbage, and a savory stir-fry sauce that makes every bite pop with flavor. It’s fresh, healthy, and packed with the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami. Whether you’re looking for a light dinner or a satisfying meal to prep ahead of time, this recipe is your answer. It’s everything you want in a stir-fry: fast, simple, and absolutely delicious. Trust me, it’s going to be your new go-to weeknight meal!

Why You’ll Love Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

This stir fry has so many things going for it—you’ll love it just as much as I do!

Quick and Easy:

Ready in less than 30 minutes! If you’re short on time but still want something healthy and delicious, this recipe is perfect.

Healthy and Nutritious:

Cabbage is packed with fiber and vitamins, and the lean beef adds a good dose of protein. Plus, the stir-fry technique uses very little oil, so it’s light but still incredibly satisfying.

Flavor-Packed:

The combination of garlic, soy sauce, and a hint of ginger creates an irresistible sauce that coats every bite of beef and cabbage. It’s bold, savory, and just the right amount of tangy.

Customizable:

Feel free to add more veggies—carrots, bell peppers, or snow peas would be fantastic additions! You can also adjust the seasoning to make it spicier or sweeter, depending on your preference.

One Pan Wonder:

Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, it’s a perfect meal prep option—you can make a big batch and enjoy it for several meals!

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this simple yet flavorful stir fry:

Beef:

I like to use flank steak or sirloin for this dish, as it’s tender and cooks quickly. Thinly slice it against the grain to keep it super tender.

Cabbage:

Green cabbage works beautifully here, giving the dish a satisfying crunch. It cooks down a little, but still maintains its texture.

Garlic:

Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor that makes the stir fry come alive. It’s one of those ingredients you just can’t skip!

Ginger:

A little fresh ginger gives the stir fry a warm, aromatic spice that adds so much depth to the dish.

Soy Sauce:

Soy sauce provides the savory, umami flavor that’s essential to any stir-fry. It’s the base of the sauce that makes everything taste so good!

Rice Vinegar:

A splash of rice vinegar balances the richness of the soy sauce and adds a touch of acidity to brighten up the flavors.

Sesame Oil:

A drizzle of sesame oil brings a nutty flavor that’s the perfect finishing touch for this stir fry.

Green Onions:

Chopped green onions add a bit of freshness and color, plus a little extra zing at the end.

(Note: Full ingredients with measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to bring everything together and create this savory stir fry:

Prep the Ingredients:

Start by slicing the beef thinly against the grain. Chop the cabbage into strips, mince the garlic, and grate or finely chop the ginger. Having everything prepped and ready to go will make the cooking process a breeze.

Cook the Beef:

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a splash of oil and stir-fry the beef for 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

Sauté the Veggies:

In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and toss in the garlic and ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then add the cabbage and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, until the cabbage is tender but still crisp.

Make the Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a touch of sesame oil. Pour this sauce over the cooked cabbage and toss to combine.

Combine Everything:

Return the cooked beef to the pan and toss everything together. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Garnish and Serve:

Top with freshly chopped green onions for a burst of color and flavor. Serve hot, either on its own or with a side of steamed rice.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 250 kcal
Nutritional Breakdown per serving:

• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 45mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Carbohydrates: 11g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g
• Protein: 24g

(Note: These values are based on standard ingredients used. Nutritional information will vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

This stir fry pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to make your meal even more complete:

Steamed Rice:

Serve it over a bowl of steamed white or brown rice. The rice will soak up the flavorful sauce and make it even more satisfying.

Noodles:

If you’re craving something a little different, serve the stir fry over some cooked noodles, like rice noodles or soba noodles, for a more filling meal.

Fresh Salad:

Pair it with a simple side salad—maybe a light cucumber salad with a soy-based dressing to keep the Asian flavors going.

Additional Veggies:

Serve it alongside some roasted or steamed veggies, like broccoli or snap peas, to add more color and nutrients to your plate.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to make your stir fry even better:

Use Pre-Sliced Beef:

For even quicker prep, buy pre-sliced stir-fry beef from the store. It’s a huge time-saver and ensures everything cooks up evenly.

Add Extra Veggies:

Feel free to toss in extra veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini. Stir-fries are all about customization, so make it your own!

Spice It Up:

If you like your stir fry with a bit of heat, add some chili flakes, sriracha, or chopped fresh chili peppers. It adds a nice kick without overpowering the dish.

Make It a One-Pan Meal:

Want to simplify cleanup even more? Add some cooked rice directly to the stir-fry during the last few minutes of cooking and toss everything together for a one-pan meal.

Double the Recipe:

This stir fry is great for meal prep! Double the recipe and store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the fridge.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of beef?

A1: Yes! You can use any lean cut of beef, such as sirloin or rib-eye. Just make sure to slice it thinly for the best texture.

Q2: Can I make this stir fry ahead of time?

A2: Yes! You can prep all the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just stir-fry everything together.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?

A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until hot.

Q4: Can I freeze Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry?

A4: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the cabbage may soften slightly after freezing, but it will still taste great!

Q5: Can I use a different type of cabbage?

A5: Absolutely! You can use napa cabbage or even bok choy for a slightly different flavor and texture. Both will work well in this stir-fry.

Q6: Can I add other sauces to the stir fry?

A6: Of course! You can mix in a bit of oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or even a dash of fish sauce for added depth of flavor.

Q7: How do I make the stir fry spicier?

A7: Add some sriracha, chili flakes, or fresh chopped chilies during the cooking process to kick up the heat!

Conclusion

Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is the perfect weeknight dinner—simple, fast, and full of flavor! It’s packed with tender beef, crispy cabbage, and a savory sauce that ties it all together. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on what you have in your fridge. This is one stir-fry you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your whole family, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you with a happy belly. Enjoy!

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