If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, easy to whip up, and packed with wholesome ingredients, this Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe might just become your new go-to dinner. Tender slices of beef mingle perfectly with crunchy cabbage, sweet carrots, and a savory-sweet sauce that’s both comforting and vibrant. Whether you’re cooking for busy weeknights or feeding friends, this stir fry delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that’s guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role—the beef adds rich, juicy depth; cabbage brings delightful crunch and slight sweetness; and the combination of aromatics and sauces creates a savory, layered taste that keeps you coming back for more.
- 1 pound beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain: Choose a tender cut and slice thinly to ensure quick cooking and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded: Adds color, crunch, and a subtle sweetness to the dish.
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced: Contributes sweetness and a bit of bite that balances the savory elements.
- 2 carrots, julienned or thinly sliced: Bring bright color and a natural sweetness that complements the beef perfectly.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with its signature aromatic punch.
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger: Adds a fresh, zesty warmth that perks up the flavors.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free): Provides that essential umami depth and saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional): Enhances richness and gives a luxurious mouthfeel.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a toasty, nutty aroma that’s classic in stir fries.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking): The ideal neutral oil for high-heat stir-frying.
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional): Balances acidity and rounds off the savory flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A subtle heat that cuts through richness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional, for extra tang): Brightens the taste and adds complexity.
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds (optional, for garnish): Adds a delicate crunch and pretty finishing touch.
- 2 green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish): Brings fresh color and a mild onion flavor for garnish.
How to Make Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by slicing your beef thinly against the grain; this ensures tenderness and quick cooking. Next, shred the cabbage finely, thinly slice the onion, and julienne your carrots to keep the texture light and uniform. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger to release those lovely fragrant oils that will take your stir fry to the next level.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
Heat your vegetable oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet or wok—this will get you that perfect sear. Toss in the beef, stir-frying for 2 to 3 minutes until it’s beautifully browned and just cooked through. Then, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside so we can build flavors with the veggies.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
In the same pan, pour in the sesame oil and sauté the garlic, ginger, onion, and carrots. This combination fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma while softening the veggies just enough to keep their crunch and sweetness. It usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes for this step.
Step 4: Add the Cabbage
Now it’s time for the star vegetable: shredded cabbage. Toss it into the skillet and stir occasionally for 5 to 6 minutes. Cook just until the cabbage softens slightly but retains a little crunch, creating a perfect texture contrast with the tender beef.
Step 5: Combine and Flavor
Return your cooked beef to the pan, then add your soy sauce, oyster sauce if using, rice vinegar, sugar if you like a touch of sweetness, and black pepper. Stir everything together so every piece of beef and vegetable gets coated in that savory, tangy sauce. Let it heat through for 2 to 3 minutes, and your flavorful dish is nearly ready to serve.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish off your Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh green onions. These little touches add crunch, color, and freshness making every bite exciting. Serve it hot with rice or noodles, or enjoy it by itself for a light, satisfying meal.
How to Serve Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions not only elevate the look of your stir fry but also add extra layers of texture and flavor. You can also consider a dash of chili flakes or a drizzle of sriracha for those who love a little heat.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or stir-fried noodles to soak up the delicious sauce. For lighter options, try serving alongside a refreshing cucumber salad or steamed edamame for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, use the stir fry as a filling for lettuce wraps or serve it over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. You can also top it with a fried egg for a hearty and colorful meal that feels extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep this Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe for longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be aware that cabbage texture might soften further upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat to maintain texture, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep it moist. Microwaving works too but can make cabbage softer.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef for this stir fry?
Absolutely! While sirloin or flank steak works best for tenderness, you can also use ribeye or skirt steak. Just remember to slice thinly against the grain for the best texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative and ensure any oyster sauce used is certified gluten-free.
How spicy is this dish by default?
This recipe isn’t spicy on its own, but you can easily add chili flakes, fresh chili, or hot sauce if you enjoy a bit of heat in your stir fries.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or broccoli all make fantastic additions or substitutions to keep the dish vibrant and nutritious.
What can I use if I don’t have oyster sauce?
If you’re out of oyster sauce, you can skip it or substitute with hoisin sauce or a bit more soy sauce for a similar richness, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Final Thoughts
This Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe is a delightful combination of quick, easy preparation and deeply satisfying flavors. It’s perfect for any night you want a wholesome meal without fuss, and it’s sure to become a staple in your cooking rotation. Give it a try and enjoy the burst of freshness and savoriness in every bite!
Print
Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and flavorful beef and cabbage stir fry featuring tender sliced beef, crisp shredded cabbage, and a savory blend of garlic, ginger, and soy-based sauces. Perfect for a healthy weeknight meal that comes together in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Beef
- 1 pound beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
Vegetables
- 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 carrots, julienned or thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon grated ginger
- 2 green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Sauces and Oils
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional, for extra tang)
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Thinly slice the beef and prepare the vegetables—shred the cabbage, slice the onion, and julienne the carrots. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger to have everything ready for stir-frying.
- Cook the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef slices and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside to keep warm.
- Stir-Fry the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add sesame oil and sauté the minced garlic, grated ginger, sliced onion, and julienned carrots for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened, building the base of flavor.
- Add the Cabbage: Add the shredded cabbage to the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage should soften but still retain a satisfying crunch.
- Combine and Flavor: Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour in the soy sauce, optional oyster sauce, rice vinegar (if using), sugar (if desired), and sprinkle black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly and cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through and well-coated.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot as is for a low-carb option or alongside rice or noodles.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute soy sauce with tamari and omit oyster sauce.
- Adjust the sugar quantity or omit it based on your taste preference for sweetness.
- Use flank steak or sirloin for tender, quick-cooking beef slices.
- Stir-frying on high heat is key to keeping vegetables crisp and beef juicy.
- Rice vinegar adds a nice tang but can be left out if unavailable.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles to make it a complete meal.
