There’s something so satisfying about a dish that’s easy to make, bursting with flavor, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is exactly that kind of meal. This one-pan wonder combines tender ground beef, crisp vegetables, and a savory-sweet sauce, all cooked to perfection in just minutes. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal-prep favorite, this stir fry delivers on every level.
Why You’ll Love Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Picture this: a sizzling skillet of browned beef, fragrant garlic, and ginger, paired with vibrant, nutrient-packed cabbage and carrots. This dish isn’t just a feast for your taste buds; it’s also:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Nutritious: Loaded with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
- Versatile: Perfect over rice, noodles, or low-carb alternatives like cauliflower rice.
- Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite veggies or adjust the seasoning.
Ingredients for Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
For the Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Sesame oil | 1 tablespoon | Adds a nutty, aromatic flavor. |
| Gluten-free soy sauce (or tamari) | ¼ cup | Substitute regular soy sauce if gluten isn’t an issue. |
| Water | 2 tablespoons (30 ml) | Helps balance the sauce. |
| Brown sugar (or maple syrup/honey) | 2 teaspoons | Adds a subtle sweetness to the sauce. |
| Rice vinegar | 1 tablespoon | Brings acidity and brightness. |
| Sesame seeds (optional) | 1 teaspoon | For garnish and added texture. |
| Black pepper | 1 teaspoon | Adjust to taste. |
For the Stir Fry
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Cooking oil | 1 tablespoon | Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola. |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 4 | Adds bold, aromatic flavor. |
| Fresh ginger (minced) | 1 tablespoon | Provides warmth and spice. |
| Ground beef | ½ pound | Use lean beef for less grease. |
| Cabbage (thinly sliced) | ½ small head | Crisp and mild, perfect for stir fry. |
| Carrots (matchsticks) | 2 | Adds color and a natural sweetness. |
| Spring onions (thinly sliced) | 4 | Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor. |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
1. Prep the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine sesame oil, soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, brown sugar, sesame seeds (if using), and black pepper. Mix well and set aside. This sauce is the heart of your stir fry, bringing everything together with its savory, slightly sweet flavor.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil. When the oil is hot, toss in the minced garlic and ginger, stirring quickly to release their fragrance.
Add the ground beef and break it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
3. Add the Vegetables
To the cooked beef, add the thinly sliced cabbage and carrot matchsticks. Stir everything together, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly. This should take about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in the Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Stir well to ensure the beef and vegetables are evenly coated. Increase the heat slightly and let the sauce soak into the stir fry for about 3–4 minutes.
5. Finish with Spring Onions
Sprinkle the sliced spring onions over the stir fry and give it one final mix. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Remove the stir fry from the heat and serve immediately. It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or low-carb options like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Tips for Perfect Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
- Prep Ingredients First: Stir fry cooking is quick, so have everything chopped and ready to go before you start.
- Use High Heat: A hot skillet helps caramelize the beef and gives the vegetables a slightly crisp texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Veggies: Keep the cabbage and carrots slightly crunchy for the best texture.
- Customize the Protein: Ground chicken, turkey, or pork work just as well as beef.
- Double the Recipe: This stir fry makes great leftovers, so consider making a larger batch for meal prep.
Serving Suggestions for Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
This stir fry is a meal in itself, but pairing it with complementary sides can make it even better:
- Rice: Steamed jasmine or brown rice is a classic choice.
- Noodles: Toss the stir fry with cooked rice noodles or lo mein for a satisfying twist.
- Low-Carb Alternatives: Cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or shredded lettuce are great for a lighter meal.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on four servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 250–300 |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 10–12g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 3–4g |
| Sodium | 600–700mg |
FAQs About Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
1. Can I make this stir fry vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version.
2. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
3. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked stir fry for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
4. How do I make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a drizzle of sriracha, or extra black pepper to increase the heat.
5. What other vegetables can I use?
Feel free to add bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli, or mushrooms for added variety.
6. Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
Absolutely! Pre-shredded cabbage saves time and works perfectly in this recipe.
Why You Should Try Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
This dish checks all the boxes: it’s quick, nutritious, flavorful, and versatile. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or meal prepping for the week ahead, Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a reliable option. Plus, it’s easy to customize, so you can make it your own every time.
Conclusion: Try Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Tonight
Ready to elevate your dinner game? With its bold flavors, vibrant veggies, and quick cooking time, Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is the perfect addition to your recipe rotation. Grab your skillet, prep your ingredients, and let the sizzling magic begin!
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Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry: A Quick and Healthy One-Pan Wonder
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful, and healthy one-pan dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender ground beef, crisp cabbage, and carrots in a savory-sweet sauce, this stir fry comes together in just 30 minutes. Serve it with rice, noodles, or low-carb alternatives for a meal that’s as versatile as it is delicious.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ¼ cup gluten-free soy sauce or tamari (or regular soy sauce)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar (or maple syrup/honey)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- ½ pound ground beef (lean)
- ½ small head cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 carrots, cut into matchsticks
- 4 spring onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix sesame oil, soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame seeds (if using), and black pepper. Stir until combined and set aside. - Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add cooking oil. Once hot, add garlic and ginger, stirring quickly to release their fragrance.
Add the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. - Add the Vegetables:
Add the thinly sliced cabbage and carrot matchsticks to the skillet. Stir well, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly, about 5 minutes. - Incorporate the Sauce:
Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat the beef and vegetables evenly. Increase the heat slightly and cook for 3–4 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and soak into the stir fry. - Finish with Spring Onions:
Sprinkle the sliced spring onions over the stir fry and give it one final mix. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. - Serve:
Remove the stir fry from heat and serve immediately. Pair with steamed rice, noodles, or low-carb options like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Notes
- Prep all ingredients before starting, as stir frying is a quick process.
- Use high heat for better caramelization of the beef and vegetables.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables to maintain a crisp texture.
- Ground chicken, turkey, or pork can be used as an alternative to beef.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
