Fresh and Zippy Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe for Dinner

Weeknight dinners demand bold, quick solutions that pack serious flavor into every bite.

This savory beef and cabbage stir fry recipe delivers a punch of satisfying umami straight to your plate.

Tender strips of beef dance with crisp cabbage in a sizzling wok, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Garlic and ginger infuse each morsel with aromatic depth that makes taste buds sing.

Simple ingredients come together in minutes, transforming ordinary weeknight cooking into an exciting culinary adventure.

Fresh green onions scattered on top add a bright, sharp finish to this delectable dish.

You will want to make this stir fry again and again, with its irresistible combination of comfort and excitement.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 5

Beef And Cabbage Stir Fry Ingredient List

• Ground Beef: Rich, hearty protein that adds robust flavor and satisfying texture to the stir fry; choose lean ground beef for healthier option and better meat quality.
• Sesame Oil: Delivers nutty, authentic Asian-inspired essence that elevates meat's flavor profile and provides subtle aromatic depth.

• Onion, Garlic, Ginger: Powerful trio creating complex, layered taste foundation; select fresh ginger root for most vibrant flavor and crisp onions without soft spots.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces warm, spicy kick that balances other ingredients; adjust quantity based on personal heat tolerance.

• Soy Sauce: Provides deep umami saltiness and authentic Asian cooking essence; opt for reduced-sodium version if watching salt intake.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds bright, tangy undertone that cuts through richness and balances flavors.
• Hoisin Sauce: Contributes sweet and savory complexity with rich, molasses-like character.
• Salt and Pepper: Universal seasonings for final flavor adjustment; use sparingly and taste progressively.

• Cabbage: Offers crisp texture and mild sweetness; choose fresh, firm heads with vibrant green color.
• Carrots: Brings natural sweetness and beautiful color contrast; select firm, bright orange carrots without blemishes.
• Vegetable Oil: Creates smooth cooking surface and prevents sticking during stir-frying process.

Tools To Make Beef And Cabbage Stir Fry

• Large Skillet or Wok: Essential for cooking beef and stir-frying vegetables with even heat distribution.
• Small Bowl: Perfect for mixing sauce ingredients smoothly and quickly.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and tossing ingredients without scratching the skillet.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps add precise amounts of sauce ingredients for balanced flavor.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, ginger, cabbage, and carrots.
• Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.

Instructions For Beef And Cabbage Stir Fry

• Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high flame. Toss ground beef into the pan and cook until it’s nicely caramelized and completely done. Drain any extra grease and set meat aside.

• Awaken the Aromatics

In the same skillet, splash some oil and add chopped onions, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Sauté until the kitchen fills with a mouthwatering fragrance and onions turn translucent.

• Introduce Crisp Vegetables

Slide cabbage and carrots into the skillet. Stir and toss the veggies, letting them dance around the pan until they’re tender yet maintain a delightful crunch.

• Create Flavor Magic

Whip together a zesty sauce mixing soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick.

• Bring Everything Together

Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour the sauce over everything and gently mix. Let the ingredients mingle and absorb the flavors for a couple of minutes. Give it a quick taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Flavor Tips & Add-Ins For Beef And Cabbage Stir Fry

• Quick Beef Rescue: Add a splash of water if the stir fry looks too dry during cooking to prevent burning and maintain moisture.
• Low-Carb Friendly Swap: Replace cabbage with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lower-carbohydrate version that still delivers amazing flavor.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes based on heat preference – start with a pinch for mild warmth or increase for a fiery kick that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Protein Power Boost: Experiment with ground turkey or chicken as lean alternatives that work perfectly with the same vibrant Asian-inspired seasonings and cooking method.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This stir fry freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months – portion into containers for quick weeknight meals that taste freshly made when reheated.

Serving Ideas For Beef And Cabbage Stir Fry

• Cozy Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this hearty stir fry as a main dish with steamed white or brown rice, creating a complete and satisfying meal for everyone.
• Protein-Packed Lunch Option: Pack leftovers in meal prep containers with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a delicious and nutritious work or school lunch that stays fresh and tasty.
• Asian-Inspired Garnish Boost: Top the stir fry with chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes to add bright colors, crunchy textures, and enhanced flavor profiles that elevate the entire dish.
• Quick Weeknight Accompaniment: Pair this beef and cabbage stir fry with a light cucumber salad or quick pickled vegetables to create a balanced meal that comes together in under 30 minutes.

How To Store And Plan For Beef And Cabbage Stir Fry

• Refrigerator Refresh: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Cool the stir fry completely before sealing to maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Feast: Pack portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen stir fry stays delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Quick Reheat Trick: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat to restore crispy vegetable texture. Add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent drying. Stir gently to distribute heat evenly.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare ingredients in advance by chopping vegetables and measuring sauce components. Store separately in sealed containers. When ready to cook, quickly assemble for a speedy weeknight dinner.

Savory Beef And Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory beef and cabbage stir fry delivers bold Asian-inspired flavors through tender meat and crisp vegetables. Wok-seared ingredients blend perfectly, offering you a quick, nutritious meal that satisfies hunger with minimal preparation time.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) ground beef (lean)
• 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 2 carrots, julienned or shredded
• ½ onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsps soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce or oyster sauce
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Green onions, sliced
• Toasted sesame seeds
• Sriracha or chili garlic sauce

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Sear beef in a scorching skillet until achieving a deep golden crust, eliminating any pink interior. Drain excess fat to preserve a clean, intense flavor profile.
2. Aromatic Base Development: In the same skillet, heat vegetable oil and gently sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until they become translucent, releasing their intricate fragrance and creating a foundational flavor landscape.
3. Vegetable Integration: Introduce cabbage and carrots to the skillet, allowing them to soften while maintaining a subtle crispness. Stir consistently to ensure uniform cooking and prevent adherence to the pan’s surface.
4. Sauce Composition: Whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes into a cohesive, multilayered sauce that will infuse the dish with complexity and depth.
5. Final Fusion: Combine the browned beef and softened vegetables, then drench the mixture with the prepared sauce. Toss thoroughly to allow ingredients to intertwine and absorb the sauce’s nuanced flavors. Conduct a final seasoning assessment, adjusting with salt and pepper to achieve a harmonious culinary balance.

Notes

• Beef Browning Technique: Ensure extremely high heat when searing beef to create a golden-brown crust that locks in moisture and develops deep, rich flavor complexity.
• Vegetable Texture Control: Chop cabbage and carrots uniformly for consistent cooking, maintaining a crisp-tender texture that prevents mushiness and preserves nutritional integrity.
• Sauce Balance Mastery: Adjust sauce ingredients incrementally, tasting as you go to achieve a perfect harmony between salty, tangy, and slightly spicy notes without overwhelming the dish’s natural ingredients.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace traditional soy sauce with coconut aminos for a gluten-free option, and add extra red pepper flakes to boost flavor intensity while keeping the dish diet-friendly and exciting.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg