Savory Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe: A Weeknight Winner

My kitchen adventures often lead me to unexpected culinary delights, like this surprisingly simple beef and cabbage stir fry that caught my attention during a spontaneous cooking experiment.

Woks create magic when ingredients dance together with precision and care.

Crisp cabbage and tender beef slices promise a quick, satisfying meal in under thirty minutes.

Seasonings play a crucial role in amplifying the natural flavors of each ingredient.

Weeknight dinners demand efficiency without compromising taste, making this recipe a perfect solution for hungry households.

Fragrant aromas will soon fill your kitchen, signaling a delicious meal is moments away.

Gather your ingredients and let’s transform ordinary components into an extraordinary dinner that promises to impress.

Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry for a Quick Fix

• Loaded with lean protein from ground beef, fiber-rich cabbage, and carrots, this dish delivers a balanced meal that keeps you feeling full and energized.
• Using affordable ingredients like ground beef, cabbage, and basic pantry sauces, this recipe offers maximum flavor without breaking the bank.
• Minimize cleanup with a single skillet method that transforms simple ingredients into a tasty, restaurant-style stir fry in just minutes.

Ingredients That Go Into Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

• Ground Beef: Hearty protein base that adds rich meaty flavor to the stir fry, choose lean beef for less grease.

• Onion, Garlic, Ginger: Flavor-building trio that creates a strong aromatic foundation, fresh ingredients provide the best taste.

• Cabbage, Carrots: Crunchy vegetables that add texture and nutrition, look for crisp and fresh produce.

• Soy Sauce: Salty and umami base for the sauce, low-sodium option available for health-conscious cooks.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds tangy brightness to balance flavors, helps tenderize meat.
• Hoisin Sauce: Sweet and savory sauce that provides depth, traditional Chinese condiment.
• Sesame Oil: Brings nutty and rich flavor, use sparingly for intense taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy element that adds heat, adjust to personal preference.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil for stir-frying, helps prevent sticking and distributes heat.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings for final flavor adjustment, enhance overall taste.

How to Prepare Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Fast

Step 1: Brown the Beef Powerhouse

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Toss in ground beef and cook until it transforms into a golden-brown masterpiece, crumbling it as it sizzles. Drain any extra fat and set the beef aside.

Step 2: Awaken the Flavor Builders

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger

Stir and cook until the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma and onions become translucent.

Step 3: Bring in the Veggie Crew

• Shredded cabbage
• Sliced carrots

Stir and cook until vegetables become tender but still maintain a delightful crunch.

Step 4: Craft the Flavor Explosion Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Hoisin sauce
• Sesame oil
• Red pepper flakes (optional for heat lovers)

Step 5: Create the Final Flavor Symphony

Return the beef to the skillet. Pour the sauce over everything and toss until all ingredients are beautifully coated. Cook for a few more minutes, letting the flavors mingle and dance. Taste and sprinkle salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Scoop into bowls and enjoy your culinary masterpiece hot and fresh!

Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Cooking Pointers

• Master Draining Technique: Remove excess beef fat for a cleaner, lighter stir fry that prevents greasy texture and reduces unnecessary calories.
• Maximize Aromatics Potential: Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant to build a robust flavor foundation that elevates the entire dish's taste profile.
• Maintain Vegetable Crispness: Cook cabbage and carrots briefly to preserve their texture, creating a delightful crunch that contrasts with tender beef.
• Balance Sauce Components: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors, allowing each ingredient to contribute its unique taste without overwhelming others.
• Control Heat Precision: Use medium-high heat to achieve perfect browning on beef and create quick, even cooking for vegetables without burning.

Store and Reheat Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Right

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Warm stir fry over medium heat, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure uniform heating.
• Consume within 2 days for best texture and flavor. Cabbage and beef can become slightly soggy when stored longer, so enjoy quickly for optimal taste.

Pairings That Work with Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice perfectly absorbs the savory sauce, balancing the stir fry's bold flavors and providing a light, fluffy texture that complements the beef and vegetables.
• Serve with a cold Asian-style lager like Tsingtao or Sapporo, which cuts through the dish's richness with its crisp, light profile and cleanses the palate between bites.
• Prepare a quick cucumber salad with rice vinegar, sesame seeds, and a touch of chili oil to add a cool, tangy contrast that enhances the stir fry's warm, spicy notes.
• Choose a slightly chilled Riesling with a hint of sweetness, which beautifully balances the soy sauce's saltiness and the dish's subtle heat from red pepper flakes.

Make Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Your Own

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace cabbage with riced cauliflower for a lower-carb version that maintains the stir-fry's texture and flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Option: Substitute ground beef with crumbled firm tofu or plant-based meat alternatives like Beyond Meat for a meatless protein-packed meal.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure hoisin sauce is gluten-free to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Keto-Friendly Makeover: Eliminate carrots, use extra low-carb vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers, and increase healthy fats by adding avocado oil or extra sesame oil.

Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Common Questions

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even diced beef strips for variety and different flavors.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has optional red pepper flakes, so you can control the spice level. Add more for heat or skip them entirely for a mild dish.

• Do I need any special cooking equipment?

A large skillet or wok works best, but you can use any wide pan with high sides that allows ingredients to be stirred easily.

• Can I make this stir fry gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce, which are available in most grocery stores, to make this recipe celiac-friendly.

Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

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4.9 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling beef and cabbage stir fry dances with bold Asian flavors, promising a quick and satisfying meal. Crisp vegetables and tender meat meld together, delivering a perfect weeknight dinner that will delight you.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef (lean)

Vegetables:

• 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, julienned or shredded
• ½ onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)

Seasonings and Sauces:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce or oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings:

• Green onions, sliced
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Sriracha or chili garlic sauce

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Instructions

1. Prepare the beef by browning it in a spacious skillet over robust heat, breaking it into crumbly pieces until completely cooked through and no pink remains. Carefully drain any accumulated fat, then transfer the meat to a separate dish.
2. In the identical skillet, introduce vegetable oil and awaken the aromatics – diced onions, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Sauté these ingredients until they release their fragrant essence and the onions transform into a translucent, softened state.
3. Introduce shredded cabbage and julienned carrots to the skillet, stirring periodically to ensure even cooking. Allow the vegetables to maintain a delicate crunch while becoming tender and releasing their natural moisture.
4. Craft a vibrant sauce by whisking together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. Ensure all components are thoroughly integrated.
5. Reunite the reserved beef with the vegetable medley in the skillet, then cascade the prepared sauce over the mixture. Gently toss to distribute flavors uniformly, allowing the ingredients to meld and warm through completely. Perform a final taste assessment, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.

Notes

• Optimize meat browning by ensuring the skillet is hot before adding ground beef for a perfect sear and rich flavor development.
• Control moisture levels by draining excess fat after cooking beef, preventing a greasy final dish and maintaining a clean, vibrant stir-fry texture.
• Enhance vegetable crunch by cooking cabbage and carrots briefly, keeping them slightly crisp and retaining maximum nutritional value and appealing texture.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or replacing with alternative heat sources like sriracha or chili oil for personalized taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg