If you’re hunting for a lightning-fast dinner packed with color, flavor, and satisfying crunch, Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is your new weeknight hero. Imagine tender strips of beef sizzling with aromatic ginger and garlic, hugging crisp-tender cabbage and sweet carrots, all tossed in a savory-sweet sauce. This is one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table in a flash, with minimal effort and maximum reward. Whether you serve it over fluffy rice, tuck it into lettuce wraps, or dive in straight from the skillet, this stir fry never disappoints. Plus, it’s loaded with vegetables and comes together in a single pan, making busy evenings feel totally manageable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry lies in its simplicity, with each ingredient pulling its weight to deliver an irresistible mix of flavors, textures, and color. Don’t skip the fresh aromatics—every component shines in this quick-cooked classic.
- Ground beef: Opt for 85% lean for perfect balance of flavor and juiciness.
- Vegetable oil: Helps caramelize the beef and veggies while keeping everything from sticking.
- Onion: Diced small to mellow into the beef and bring a subtle sweetness.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses tons of savory depth—use three cloves for maximum punch.
- Fresh ginger: Grated ginger brings zesty warmth to the stir fry; adjust to taste if you love a stronger kick.
- Green cabbage: Thinly sliced cabbage turns lightly sweet and perfectly tender-crisp after a quick sauté.
- Carrot: Julienned or shredded carrot lends color and a slight crunch amid the savory mix.
- Soy sauce: The base of your stir fry sauce—regular or low sodium both work here.
- Hoisin sauce (optional): For a gentle sweetness and little extra gloss, this is a tasty bonus.
- Rice vinegar: Gives the sauce a touch of tang to brighten the whole dish.
- Sesame oil: Just a teaspoon changes everything with its toasty aroma—don’t skip it.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a hint of heat; customize the amount to suit your spice level.
- Green onions: Sliced on top for a crisp, fresh pop at the finish.
- Sesame seeds: A sprinkle for crunch and a dash of nutty flavor.
How to Make Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as you go, until it’s fully browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. If there’s any excess fat, carefully drain it off so your Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry doesn’t end up greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
With the beef still in the pan, add the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Let these cook for a couple minutes, stirring frequently—your kitchen will begin to smell absolutely amazing. You’ll know this step is done when the onions turn soft and translucent and the ginger-garlic blend releases that irresistible aroma.
Step 3: Toss in Your Veggies
It’s time for the cabbage and carrots to join the party. Stir them into the skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often. The vegetables should soften up a bit but still keep their bite—no mushy cabbage here! The mixture will become colorful and inviting as the cabbage turns vibrantly green and glossy.
Step 4: Mix and Pour the Sauce
While the veggies cook, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Pour this sauce over the stir fry and toss everything to coat. Let it simmer together for about 2 minutes, so all the flavors meld and the sauce coats every bite.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove your skillet from the heat, and sprinkle the Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry generously with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. That final touch brings pops of color and texture. Serve hot, either on its own, over rice, or however you love best.
How to Serve Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Garnishes
Even the simplest garnish can turn Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry from “dinner-in-a-hurry” into something special. Shower each serving with extra green onions and a handful of sesame seeds for freshness and crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, a drizzle of chili crisp or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro can also add a unique flair, making each bite just a little more exciting.
Side Dishes
For a satisfying meal, serve your stir fry alongside steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or even fluffy cauliflower rice for a low-carb spin. If you’re in the mood to round things out further, try serving it with miso soup, steamed dumplings, or a crisp cucumber salad. Each side complements the bold flavors in different ways and helps this stir fry feel like a full feast.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to shake things up, skip the rice and spoon your Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry into crisp lettuce cups for a hand-held, light take that’s perfect for parties. Or, mound the stir fry over a bed of steamed rice noodles for a chewier base. You can even pile it inside steamed bao buns or tortillas for a fusion twist that’s as fun as it is tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry keeps beautifully for fast lunches or second-day dinners. Let the dish cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it even tastier on day two.
Freezing
If you’d like to stash some away, Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry can be frozen without issue. Pack cooled portions into freezer-safe bags or containers—lay them flat for easier storage—and freeze for up to 2 months. When freezing, keep in mind that cabbage will soften a little more after thawing, but the flavor will stay on point.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat until hot throughout, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if necessary. For an even quicker fix, you can microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Avoid overcooking to preserve the veggies’ texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While ground beef is classic for Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry, ground chicken, turkey, or even pork work beautifully if you’d like to change things up or opt for a leaner option.
What can I substitute for soy sauce if I’m gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, swap in tamari or coconut aminos for the soy sauce, and make sure your hoisin sauce (if using) is certified gluten free as well. The flavors remain delicious and satisfying.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or baby corn all make flavorful additions. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—softer veggies can go in with the cabbage, while heartier ones may need a few extra minutes.
Is this dish good for meal prep?
Yes! Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is ideal for meal prepping thanks to its quick cooking time and the way it holds up in the fridge. Portion into individual lunch containers with rice or cauliflower rice for grab-and-go meals all week.
How spicy is it with the red pepper flakes?
The amount of heat is totally up to you—1/4 teaspoon adds a gentle warmth without overwhelming the dish. Feel free to adjust upward if you crave more heat, or leave them out for a milder, kid-friendly version.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll take this Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry recipe and make it a mainstay in your kitchen! It’s amazing how a handful of humble ingredients can become something so bold, fresh, and cozy. Give it a try and discover your own favorite ways to riff on this irresistible stir fry—it’s sure to become a regular request at your dinner table.
Print
Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful Asian-inspired dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner. With a mix of ground beef, fresh vegetables, and savory sauces, it’s a satisfying and low-carb meal option.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Stir Fry:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
Veggies and Sauces:
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 large carrot, julienned or shredded
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, add ground beef, and cook until browned.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until fragrant and onion is soft.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in cabbage and carrots, cook until tender.
- Mix Sauces: Combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
- Combine and Serve: Pour sauce over the stir fry, cook briefly, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve hot.
Notes
- For a lower-carb version, serve in lettuce wraps instead of over rice.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
