Savory Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Whipping up a delectable beef and cabbage stir-fry brings excitement to weeknight dinners with minimal effort.

Crisp vegetables and tender meat create a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Busy home cooks appreciate quick meals that deliver maximum satisfaction without complicated techniques.

Savory seasonings blend seamlessly, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Fresh produce and quality protein make this dish both nutritious and delightful.

Chinese-inspired techniques ensure each bite bursts with robust, mouth-watering goodness.

Proper Storage for Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Cool the stir-fry completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Transfer cooled stir-fry to freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. Freeze for 2-3 months. Ensure minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.

Place portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.

Warm in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or extra soy sauce to prevent drying. Stir continuously for 3-4 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

• Why marinate the beef?

Marinating helps tenderize the meat, adds flavor, and prevents it from becoming tough during high-heat cooking. The soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch work together to create a more delicious and tender result.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken, pork, or tofu. Each will bring a unique flavor and texture to the stir-fry. Just adjust cooking times accordingly for different protein types.

• How do I prevent the vegetables from becoming mushy?

Cook the cabbage quickly over high heat and stir constantly. This technique helps maintain the vegetable’s crispness and prevents it from becoming soggy or overcooked.

Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Loaded With Flavor

• Quick Weeknight Savior: Tackle dinner stress with this lightning-fast stir-fry that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal in minutes.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by using a single pan to create a complete, protein-packed dish that goes from stovetop to table with minimal fuss.
• Nutrition-Packed Powerhouse: Combine lean beef with nutrient-rich cabbage for a balanced meal that delivers protein, vitamins, and satisfying flavors in every bite.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Leverage affordable ingredients like cabbage and beef to create a delicious dinner that won't break the bank while still impressing the whole family.

Ingredients Included in Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

• Beef: A protein-rich ingredient that adds hearty flavor and texture to the stir-fry.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a deep, savory base that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Cabbage: Adds a crisp texture and light, fresh element to the stir-fry.

• Soy Sauce: Brings a salty, umami flavor that complements the beef.
• Sesame Oil: Offers a nutty, rich aroma that adds depth to the dish.
• Oyster Sauce: Contributes a sweet and savory complexity to the stir-fry.
• Cornstarch: Helps tenderize the beef and create a glossy coating.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for stir-frying and preventing ingredients from sticking to the pan.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhance and balance the overall seasoning of the dish.
• Steamed Rice: Serves as a perfect base for serving the beef and cabbage stir-fry.

How to Prepare Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

Step 1: Prepare the Beef

• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Cornstarch

Massage the ingredients into the meat, ensuring every piece gets coated.

Let the beef marinate for 15 minutes to soak up those delicious flavors.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Fire up a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.

Pour in vegetable oil and let it get super hot. Carefully add the marinated beef and stir-fry quickly.

Keep the meat moving to ensure even browning and prevent burning. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the beef develops a beautiful golden-brown color.

Transfer the beef to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, drop in chopped onions and minced garlic.

Let them dance around the hot surface for about a minute until they release their fragrant aroma. Toss in shredded cabbage and continue stir-frying.

Keep the cabbage moving to cook evenly and prevent sticking. Cook for 5 minutes until the cabbage becomes tender but still maintains a slight crunch.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

• Remaining soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together, making sure each ingredient gets coated with the savory sauce.

Cook for another 1-2 minutes to blend the flavors and heat everything through.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Plate the stir-fry over a bed of steaming hot rice.

The combination of tender beef, crisp cabbage, and rich sauce will make your taste buds dance with joy. Grab your chopsticks and dig in while it’s hot!

Tips to Perfect Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

• Let beef soak in soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch for at least 15 minutes to tenderize and infuse deep, rich flavors.
• Use medium-high heat to quickly brown beef without overcooking, keeping meat juicy and preventing toughness.
• Cut cabbage into uniform, thin strips to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the stir-fry.
• Adjust soy and oyster sauce quantities to match personal taste preferences while maintaining a harmonious flavor profile.
• Keep ingredients moving constantly in the pan to prevent burning and achieve that perfect, slightly crisp vegetable texture.

Variations to Try on Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

• Spicy Korean Beef Variation: Add gochujang or red pepper flakes for a fiery kick. Replace regular soy sauce with Korean-style soy sauce for authentic flavor.
• Mediterranean Herb Beef Variation: Incorporate dried oregano, mint, and lemon zest. Swap oyster sauce with Greek yogurt and use olive oil instead of vegetable oil.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap Variation: Replace cabbage with riced cauliflower. Add extra bell peppers and reduce cooking time to maintain crispness.
• Thai-Inspired Coconut Variation: Introduce coconut milk and green curry paste. Garnish with fresh cilantro and crushed peanuts for added texture and complexity.

Suggested Pairings With Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

• Pair with Crisp Riesling: Select a light, slightly sweet German Riesling to balance the savory beef and cut through the stir-fry's richness, enhancing the dish's umami flavors.
• Complement with Jasmine Rice: Serve the stir-fry over fluffy, fragrant jasmine rice to absorb the sauces and provide a soft, neutral base that highlights the beef and cabbage's textures.
• Garnish with Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top to add a nutty crunch, bringing extra depth and visual appeal to the colorful stir-fry.
• Add Pickled Vegetables: Include quick-pickled cucumber or daikon radish on the side to introduce a tangy, refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.

Beef And Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

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

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Description

Sizzling Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry promises a quick, flavor-packed journey through Asian culinary traditions. Crunchy cabbage and tender beef dance together in a savory sauce, delivering a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) beef (sirloin, flank steak, or other tender cut), thinly sliced

Vegetables:

• 1/2 head cabbage, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Infuse the beef with robust flavors by whisking together soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch, then let the meat marinate for 15 minutes to enhance tenderness and absorption.
2. Ignite a wok or skillet over medium-high heat with vegetable oil, swiftly sear the marinated beef until it develops a rich golden-brown exterior, approximately 2-3 minutes. Transfer the meat to a separate plate.
3. In the same sizzling pan, introduce fragrant onions and minced garlic, allowing them to release their aromatic essence for one minute. Immediately incorporate shredded cabbage, stirring continuously until the vegetable wilts and becomes tender, roughly 5 minutes.
4. Reunite the previously cooked beef with the vegetable medley, cascading additional soy sauce, oyster sauce, and seasoning. Toss vigorously for 1-2 minutes, ensuring each morsel is generously coated with the savory glaze.
5. Present the vibrant stir-fry atop a bed of steaming rice, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal that celebrates bold Asian-inspired flavors.

Notes

• Let meat marinate longer for deeper flavor infusion and more tender texture.
• Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels and make dish healthier.
• Slice beef against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
• Quickly stir-fry vegetables to maintain crisp texture and preserve nutrients.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 201 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg