Beef & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

Introduction

Looking for a quick, flavorful, and budget-friendly meal? This Beef & Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe is a delicious and simple dish that comes together in just 30 minutes! Packed with savory beef, crisp cabbage, and a perfectly balanced sauce, it’s a great option for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you’re craving takeout flavors without the extra cost.

Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it’s also versatile and nutritious. You can serve it on its own, over rice, noodles, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Plus, you can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your taste preferences.

Let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for the best flavor)
• 1 small head of green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 2 medium carrots, shredded or julienned
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 2 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil (vegetable or avocado oil)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For the Stir-Fry Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey for natural sweetness)
• 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional for heat)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sriracha (if using), cornstarch, and black pepper.
2. Set the sauce aside while you cook the beef and vegetables.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

1. Heat 1 tablespoon cooking oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Drain any excess grease if necessary, then push the beef to one side of the pan.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In the same pan, add garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the open space.
2. Sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant, stirring often to prevent burning.

Step 4: Add the Vegetables

1. Add cabbage and carrots to the pan, tossing them with the beef and aromatics.
2. Drizzle in sesame oil and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the cabbage is slightly softened but still has some crunch.

Step 5: Add the Sauce

1. Give the prepared sauce a quick stir to redistribute the cornstarch, then pour it over the beef and cabbage mixture.
2. Toss everything together and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the stir-fry evenly.
3. Stir in the green onions and remove from heat.

Step 6: Serve & Garnish

1. Transfer the stir-fry to a serving dish.
2. Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
3. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or enjoy it as is!

Tips for the Best Beef & Cabbage Stir-Fry

1. Use the Right Beef

• 80/20 ground beef gives the best balance of flavor and texture.
• If using leaner beef (90/10), you may need to add a little extra oil for moisture.

2. Cut the Cabbage Thinly

• Thinly sliced cabbage cooks faster and absorbs the flavors better.
• You can use a sharp knife, mandoline, or food processor to shred it quickly.

3. Customize the Heat

• For a mild stir-fry, skip the red pepper flakes and sriracha.
• If you love spice, add extra chili garlic sauce or a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.

4. Don’t Overcook the Cabbage

• To keep some crunch, stir-fry the cabbage just until tender but not soggy.
• If you like softer cabbage, cover the pan for 1-2 minutes while cooking.

Variations & Substitutions

1. Make It Low-Carb or Keto

• Replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or erythritol.
• Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of regular rice.

2. Swap the Protein

• Use ground turkey, chicken, or pork instead of beef.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute crumbled tofu or tempeh.

3. Add More Vegetables

• Try bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or bok choy for extra color and nutrients.
• Stir in baby spinach at the end for added greens.

4. Try a Different Sauce

• For a teriyaki twist, replace soy sauce with teriyaki sauce.
• If you love peanut flavors, mix in 1 tablespoon peanut butter to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs well with:

• Steamed jasmine or brown rice
• Chow mein or ramen noodles
• Lettuce wraps for a low-carb meal
• A side of miso soup or Asian-style slaw

Storage & Meal Prep

Refrigeration

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating Instructions

• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to refresh the sauce.
• Microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Freezing

• This stir-fry freezes well! Cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! This stir-fry is great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.

2. What’s the best way to slice cabbage quickly?

Use a sharp knife or mandoline slicer for thin, even shreds.

3. Can I use purple cabbage instead?

Absolutely! It will add a pop of color, though it may take slightly longer to cook.

4. How do I prevent the cabbage from getting soggy?

Stir-fry it over high heat and avoid overcooking. Keeping it slightly crisp gives the best texture.

Conclusion

This Beef & Cabbage Stir-Fry is the perfect combination of savory, crunchy, and satisfying. It’s an easy, budget-friendly meal that comes together fast, making it perfect for any night of the week. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—so you can switch up the protein, veggies, and spice level to suit your taste!

Try this recipe today and let us know how you liked it! 🍜🔥