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Cabbage and Beef Stir Fry dish featuring colorful vegetables and savory beef

Cabbage and Beef Stir Fry

A quick and flavorful stir fry featuring tender beef and crunchy cabbage, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Stir Fry
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beef and Marinade
  • 1 lb thin sliced flank steak, sirloin, or shaved beef You can also use ground beef.
  • 1 to 2 tbsp soy sauce For marinating the beef
  • 1 tsp cornstarch For marinating the beef
  • to taste black pepper For marinating the beef
Vegetables
  • 1/2 medium head green cabbage Slice thinly.
  • 1 carrot (optional) Adds color and sweetness.
  • 2 stalks green onions For garnish.
  • 2 cloves garlic Minced.
  • 1 inch fresh ginger Minced.
Sauce
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce Main salty backbone.
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce or hoisin For depth and richness.
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar To wake up the flavors.
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey Just a touch.
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch For sauce thickness.
  • 1/4 cup water To mix with cornstarch.
  • to taste chili flakes or chili garlic sauce Optional for heat.
Cooking Oil
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil For frying.
  • a few drops sesame oil For finishing the dish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Slice the beef thinly; if hard to slice, freeze for 15 minutes to firm up.
  2. Mix a marinade with soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper; toss beef in it.
  3. Stir together the sauce ingredients in a bowl.
Cooking
  1. Heat a skillet or wok until hot, add cooking oil.
  2. Cook beef in a single layer in batches if needed, until browned; remove from pan.
  3. Add garlic and ginger; cook for about 20 seconds.
  4. Add cabbage and optional carrots; stir-fry for a few minutes until cabbage is softened but still crunchy.
  5. Return beef to the pan, pour in sauce, and toss for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
  6. Turn off heat and add sesame oil and green onions.

Notes

Serve with steamed rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps. This dish reheats well and is great for meal prep. Keep cabbage fresh in the fridge to avoid sogginess.