This Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a delicious fusion of flavor and speed. Combining tender ground beef with crisp cabbage, garlic, ginger, and a blend of savory Asian sauces, it’s the perfect comfort food for any weeknight. With its aromatic profile and crave-worthy umami taste, this dish proves that quick meals don’t have to skimp on flavor.
Whether you’re trying to save time or simply craving something hearty yet healthy, this stir fry has your back. Pair it with jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or even noodles, there are so many ways to enjoy it. Plus, it’s ideal for meal prep, reheats beautifully, and gives your taste buds something to look forward to every time. Quick, delicious, and full of wholesome ingredients, what’s not to love?
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb ground beef
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1/2 head green cabbage, thinly sliced
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1 tablespoon sesame oil
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
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1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
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1 tablespoon oyster sauce
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1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
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1 teaspoon rice vinegar
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1 teaspoon cornstarch
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1/4 cup water
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2 green onions, chopped
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1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Cooked jasmine rice, for serving
Directions:
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In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, water, and cornstarch. Set aside.
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Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
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Add minced garlic and ginger; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes.
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Stir in the sliced cabbage and cook for another 4-5 minutes, until slightly softened but still crisp.
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Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and cabbage, stirring to coat everything evenly.
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Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Remove from heat and top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if using.
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Serve hot over a bed of jasmine rice.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry: A Weeknight Savior Full of Flavor
When it comes to easy dinners that deliver on flavor, nutrition, and convenience, few recipes are as reliable and satisfying as a good stir fry. Among all the variations available, Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is one of those timeless dishes that’s hard to beat. It’s the kind of meal that checks every box: quick to prepare, customizable, budget-friendly, and full of vibrant taste. Whether you’re a busy home cook trying to get dinner on the table fast or a stir-fry enthusiast who loves experimenting with Asian-inspired flavors, this dish is your next go-to favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
This stir fry is more than just a quick dinner solution; it’s a full sensory experience. The aroma of garlic and ginger sizzling in sesame oil is enough to get everyone in the kitchen before the meal’s even done. The ground beef brings a savory depth, while the cabbage offers a crisp, slightly sweet contrast that balances the dish. A flavorful sauce made with soy, hoisin, and oyster sauces ties everything together with an umami-rich glaze that clings to every bite.
One of the best aspects of this dish is how effortlessly it fits into multiple dietary lifestyles. It’s naturally gluten-free (when made with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce), high in protein, and easily adaptable for low-carb or keto diets by serving it without rice or with cauliflower rice instead. And despite its bold, complex taste, it requires minimal prep and ingredients that are easy to find in most grocery stores.
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
This Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry draws inspiration from classic Chinese stir-fries that celebrate fresh vegetables and lean proteins. Cabbage has long been a staple in many Asian cuisines, prized not only for its health benefits but also for its ability to soak up flavors and provide a satisfying texture. Combined with garlic, ginger, and a soy-based sauce, cabbage transforms into a flavorful star rather than just a supporting side vegetable.
This particular recipe has been tailored for the modern home cook. It skips the complicated wok techniques and instead uses ground beef for simplicity and convenience. Ground beef cooks faster than sliced cuts and absorbs flavors more easily, making it perfect for a quick weeknight stir fry. The result is a dish that’s both traditional and approachable, keeping the essence of Chinese cooking while adapting to today’s kitchen realities.
Health Benefits of Cabbage and Ground Beef
Don’t let the simplicity of this dish fool you, it’s packed with nutrition. Cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable loaded with fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants. It’s low in calories and has a natural crunch that makes it a joy to eat, especially when sautéed quickly over high heat.
Ground beef, on the other hand, is an excellent source of protein, iron, zinc, and B vitamins. When cooked and drained properly, it provides essential nutrients without being overly greasy. Opting for lean ground beef or even ground turkey can lower the fat content further while still maintaining a meaty richness.
When you put both together, you get a dish that’s not only filling and flavorful but also well-balanced. Add in the immune-boosting effects of garlic and ginger, and you’ve got a meal that supports both your taste buds and your health.
Customization Ideas
One of the reasons stir fry dishes are so beloved is their adaptability. This Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry can be easily customized to suit your pantry, preferences, or dietary needs:
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Make it spicier: Add chili flakes, sriracha, or chopped fresh red chilies to the sauce.
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Add more vegetables: Sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, mushrooms, or snap peas all make excellent additions.
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Change up the protein: Swap ground beef for ground pork, turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
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Serve it differently: Though traditionally served with jasmine rice, this stir fry also goes great with brown rice, soba noodles, or over steamed cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
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Go low-sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and skip the hoisin for a lighter version.
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Add a crunch: Top with toasted cashews, peanuts, or crispy fried onions for extra texture.
Sauce Secrets: What Makes This Stir Fry Shine
At the heart of every good stir fry is the sauce. In this recipe, we’ve crafted a sauce that hits all the major flavor notes: salty, savory, slightly sweet, and rich with umami.
The combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and oyster sauce provides a deep flavor base that doesn’t require hours of simmering or a long list of ingredients. The addition of rice vinegar brings brightness and acidity that balances out the richness of the beef. A touch of cornstarch thickens the sauce into a glossy coating that clings to the cabbage and beef beautifully.
This balance of flavors is key. Unlike heavier sauces that overpower the dish, this sauce enhances without overwhelming. It brings out the natural sweetness of the cabbage and pairs harmoniously with the savory beef.
Time-Saving and Budget-Friendly
One of the standout advantages of this dish is how efficient it is. With a total prep and cooking time of about 25 minutes, it’s faster than most takeout options and far healthier too. It’s also incredibly affordable, making it a perfect choice for meal planning and feeding a family without breaking the bank.
Ground beef and cabbage are often available at lower prices compared to specialty meats or organic produce, and they go a long way in stretching your dollar. Plus, leftovers reheat well and can even be enjoyed cold, tossed into a salad or wrap.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
If you’re into meal prepping, this dish is a dream. You can double the recipe and store portions in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even more delicious.
To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. If it seems dry, add a splash of water or soy sauce to revive the texture.
You can also freeze the cooked stir fry for up to 2 months, although the cabbage may lose a bit of its crunch. For best results, freeze individual portions flat in freezer bags for easy thawing.
Conclusion
The beauty of Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry lies in its simplicity and versatility. With just a few staple ingredients and a quick stir-fry technique, you can create a meal that’s satisfying, nutritious, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner solution, a meal prep staple, or a healthy way to enjoy ground beef and vegetables, this dish delivers every time.
This stir fry isn’t just a recipe; it’s a blueprint for endless variations and a reminder that great meals don’t have to be complicated. With bold flavor, wholesome ingredients, and minimal prep, it’s no wonder this dish has earned its place as a weeknight favorite. Give it a try and see why beef and cabbage are such a winning combination.