Tangy Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe: Ready in a Flash!

Weeknight dinners demand quick, flavorful solutions that satisfy hunger without complicated techniques.

A delicious beef and cabbage stir fry recipe delivers robust flavors in mere minutes.

Bold Asian-inspired seasonings dance through tender strips of meat and crisp vegetable slices.

This simple one-pan meal combines protein and fresh produce for a nutritious dinner anyone can master.

Savory beef sizzles alongside crunchy cabbage, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Each bite promises a delightful balance of hearty protein and vibrant vegetables.

Prepare to transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How to Stir Fry Beef and Cabbage Like a Pro

• Brown Succulent Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a hot skillet until perfectly caramelized and fully cooked. Eliminate extra grease for a clean, rich base.

• Awaken Aromatic Flavors

Drizzle oil into the pan and introduce onions, garlic, and ginger. Let them dance and release their fragrant essence until softened.

• Welcome Crisp Vegetables

Introduce cabbage and carrots to the skillet. Toss them gently, allowing them to transform into tender yet crunchy delights.

• Create Magical Sauce

Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This liquid gold will elevate the entire dish.

• Merge and Marinate

Reunite the beef with the vegetable medley. Pour the sauce over everything, stirring to coat each morsel. Let the flavors mingle and intensify for a few moments. Sample and adjust seasoning to perfection.

Custom Spice Blends That Work with Beef Stir Fry

• Choose lean ground beef or ground sirloin for a healthier stir fry that reduces excess grease and keeps the dish light.
• Always slice cabbage and carrots into uniform, thin pieces to ensure even cooking and maintain a delightful crisp texture throughout the dish.
• Replace traditional rice with cauliflower rice or serve over spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carbohydrate meal option that keeps the flavor profile intact.
• Easily substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for different dietary preferences without compromising the recipe's delicious Asian-inspired seasoning.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match personal heat tolerance, ranging from a mild sprinkle for sensitive palates to a bold dash for spice enthusiasts.

How to Serve Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry with Sides

• Flavor Fusion Plate: Serve over steamed jasmine rice to soak up the delicious sauce and add a fluffy texture to your meal.
• Freshness Boost: Sprinkle chopped green onions, cilantro, or toasted sesame seeds on top for a burst of color and extra flavor dimension.
• Crunch Factor: Add a side of quick-pickled cucumbers or kimchi to provide a tangy, crisp contrast to the savory stir-fry.
• Protein Power-Up: For extra protein, top with a crispy fried egg or sprinkle with chopped peanuts for added crunch and nutrition.

Save Leftover Stir Fry Without Losing Texture

• Prepare double the recipe and divide into meal-prep containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Perfect for busy professionals and families seeking convenient, nutritious meals.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers and consume within 3-4 days. Keep the stir fry refrigerated at 40°F or below to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze individual portions in sealed containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet to maintain texture and flavor.
• Warm the stir fry over medium heat, adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce to prevent dryness. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly and restore the dish's original vibrant taste and texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry – Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Beef: Provides hearty, rich flavor and substantial protein base for the stir fry, choose lean beef for healthier option and better texture.

• Onion, Garlic, Ginger: Creates robust foundational flavor profile, select fresh ingredients with firm texture and vibrant appearance.

• Cabbage, Carrots: Adds crunch, nutrition, and beautiful color contrast, pick crisp vegetables with bright, vivid colors.

• Soy Sauce: Delivers umami depth and salty complexity, opt for low-sodium version if watching salt intake.
• Rice Vinegar: Introduces tangy brightness and balances rich flavors, select clear, clean-tasting variety.
• Hoisin Sauce: Brings sweet-savory dimension, choose authentic Chinese brands for best results.
• Sesame Oil: Contributes nutty, distinctive aroma, use sparingly for authentic taste.

• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides optional spicy kick, adjust according to personal heat tolerance.

• Vegetable Oil: Enables smooth cooking process and prevents sticking, use neutral-flavored oil with high smoke point.

• Salt, Pepper: Helps final flavor adjustment, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum impact.

Tools to Cook Stir Fry That’s Fast and Flavorful

• Large skillet or wok: Essential for cooking beef, sautéing vegetables, and combining ingredients.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing sauce ingredients quickly and easily.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Crucial for stirring beef, vegetables, and combining everything smoothly.
• Measuring spoons: Helps ensure accurate sauce ingredient proportions.
• Cutting board: Needed for preparing vegetables and chopping aromatics.
• Sharp knife: Required for slicing onions, garlic, ginger, cabbage, and carrots.

Sizzling Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 35 reviews

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

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty beef and cabbage stir fry delivers a mouthwatering blend of savory Asian flavors and quick-cooking comfort. Packed with tender meat, crisp vegetables, and a zesty sauce, this dish brings restaurant-quality excitement to home kitchens in minutes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Optional toppings:

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Beef Preparation: Sear ground beef in a scorching hot skillet or wok over medium-high heat until completely browned and caramelized, eliminating any excess fat.
2. Aromatic Foundation: Infuse the same skillet with vegetable oil, then introduce finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger, sautéing until the mixture becomes fragrant and onions turn translucent.
3. Vegetable Integration: Incorporate shredded cabbage and julienned carrots into the skillet, stirring periodically to ensure even cooking while maintaining a crisp texture.
4. Flavor Amplification: Whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a separate bowl to create a dynamic and complex sauce.
5. Final Fusion: Reunite the reserved beef with the vegetable medley, drizzle the prepared sauce over the mixture, and toss thoroughly to ensure complete coating and harmonious flavor melding, allowing the ingredients to intermingle for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust on ground beef, which enhances flavor and prevents steaming.
• Watch cooking time carefully to maintain cabbage and carrots’ crisp texture; overcooking leads to mushy, bland vegetables that lose nutritional value.
• Adjust sauce ratios to personal taste, adding more soy sauce for saltiness or rice vinegar for tanginess; taste as you go for perfect seasoning.
• Replace traditional soy sauce with coconut aminos and serve over cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version that maintains the stir fry’s delicious flavor profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg