Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful, and budget-friendly dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Tender strips of beef are stir-fried with crisp cabbage in a savory-sweet garlic sauce, making it the perfect weeknight dinner. It’s low-carb, high-protein, and full of bold flavors—and it’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies or serve over rice or noodles for a hearty meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak (thinly sliced)
4 cups green cabbage (shredded)
1 carrot (julienned, optional)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 tablespoon ginger (minced)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon sesame oil
salt and black pepper to taste
green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prep the Beef:
   • Thinly slice the beef against the grain. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Make the Sauce:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Set aside.
3. Sear the Beef:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add the beef in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
4. Stir Fry the Veggies:
   • In the same skillet, add the remaining oil. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds. Add cabbage and carrots (if using), and stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until tender but still crisp.
5. Combine and Sauce:
   • Return the beef to the skillet. Pour in the sauce and toss everything together. Stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes until the beef is coated and everything is heated through.
6. Serve:
   • Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot on its own or over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce to the stir fry.
• Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or skip the rice entirely.
• Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for more color and nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warm.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of sliced beef?
Yes! Ground beef works great and cooks even faster—just brown it and continue with the rest of the recipe.

Can I use red cabbage?
Yes, red cabbage adds color and works just as well, though it may slightly tint the sauce.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this dish gluten-free.

Conclusion

Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a fast, flavorful meal that brings together tender beef, crisp veggies, and a savory-sweet sauce—all in one skillet. It’s versatile, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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