Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a recipe that checks all the boxes for a busy weeknight dinner. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. You might be thinking, “Stir fry? That sounds simple,” but this dish is so much more than just veggies and meat tossed together. Picture tender ground beef mingling with crisp cabbage and vibrant carrots, all smothered in a savory sauce that adds layers of flavor with every bite. It’s not just about feeding the family; it’s also about serving up a plate that feels nourishing and delicious.
Plus, this Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is versatile enough to allow for personal touches. Whether you want it spicy with extra sriracha, or milder for the kids, you can easily adjust the taste. And, let’s not forget—the hustle and bustle of life can sometimes make meal prep feel overwhelming, but this dish is here to save the day. You can whip it up in under 30 minutes! So grab your skillet, and let’s get started.
Why This Recipe Works
Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry brings together a perfect blend of flavors and textures. The tender beef pairs beautifully with crisp cabbage and sweet carrots, making each bite a delightful experience. Additionally, the quick cooking time makes it ideal for busy weeknights when you’re juggling work and family. You can whip this up in no time, leaving you more time to relax.
This recipe is also versatile. You can customize it to fit your taste preferences. Like it spicier? Just add more sriracha. Prefer to use different veggies? Go for it! This stir fry lets you take the reins in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
You’ll love this dish for many reasons. First, it’s a fantastic low-carb option, perfect for dinner if you’re watching your carbs. Yet, it doesn’t skimp on flavor. Each ingredient plays a role in creating a satisfying meal that fills you up without weighing you down.
Moreover, it’s great for meal prepping or feeding the family. You can make a big batch and store leftovers for busy days ahead. Finally, it’s budget-friendly. With just a handful of inexpensive ingredients, you won’t break the bank while enjoying this delightful meal.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp sriracha
- 1/2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 head green cabbage (about 4-6 cups shredded)
- 2 carrots (about 1 cup shredded)
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 Tbsp neutral cooking oil
- 1/2 lb. lean ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp fresh grated ginger
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds for garnish
- Additional sriracha for garnish
Preparing the Stir Fry Sauce
Mix the Sauce Ingredients
Start by grabbing a small bowl. Combine soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, sriracha, and brown sugar. Stir well and set aside. This sauce adds all the flavor you’ll need for the beef and veggies.
Preparing the Vegetables
Shred the Cabbage
Cut the cabbage in half and remove the core. Then, finely shred one half. Save the other half for another recipe, perhaps a delicious slaw.
Shred the Carrots
Peel the carrots and use a cheese grater to shred them into approximately 1 cup.
Slice the Green Onions
Thinly slice the three green onions. Set them aside; they’ll add a fresh punch at the end.
Prep Garlic and Ginger
Mince the garlic cloves and peel a knob of ginger. Grate it finely using a cheese grater to get those fragrant oils out.
Cooking the Beef and Vegetables
Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the neutral cooking oil. Once hot, toss in the ground beef along with minced garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until the beef is browned. The aroma will have you craving a bite already!
Add Cabbage and Carrots
Now it’s time for the veggies. Add the shredded cabbage and carrots to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cabbage is slightly wilted—about 3-5 minutes. If you prefer softer cabbage, keep cooking a little longer.
Combining Everything
Stir in the Sauce
Once everything’s nicely cooked, pour the prepared stir fry sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to ensure that everything is evenly coated in that delicious mixture. Now, you are really bringing the flavors together!
Add Green Onions and Garnish
Toss in the sliced green onions. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and drizzle with additional sriracha if you want a little extra heat.
Serving Suggestions
This dish shines as it is, but you can take it up a notch. Serve it hot over cauliflower rice for a fantastic low-carb option. Alternatively, pair it with cooked jasmine or brown rice if you’re craving something more filling. Either way, you’ll love it.
Tips for Success
- Make sure to chop your vegetables evenly. This helps them cook consistently.
- Adjust the level of sriracha according to your spice preference. Feeling bold? Go for more heat!
Variations
This Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is flexible. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner twist. Furthermore, consider adding bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch and color.
Storage Tips
Leftovers? No problem! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use other vegetables in the stir fry?
Absolutely! Customize with your favorite veggies like bell peppers or broccoli.
2. How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level can easily be adjusted based on how much sriracha you use.
3. Can this dish be frozen?
Yes, once cooled, it can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
4. What can I serve with this dish?
It pairs nicely with rice, quinoa, or even alone for a satisfying low-carb meal.
5. How can I make this gluten-free?
Simply substitute soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos.
This Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is not just a quick and easy meal solution; it is a delightful explosion of flavors. The combination of tender beef with fresh vegetables creates a nourishing dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its low-carb profile and flexibility, you’ll find yourself making this stir fry again and again. Enjoy the satisfying crunch of cabbage and carrots, enhanced by the sweet and savory sauce—the ultimate treat for your taste buds!
PrintBeef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry combines tender ground beef with crisp cabbage and vibrant carrots, making a quick, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 Tbsp sriracha
- 1/2 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 head green cabbage (about 4–6 cups shredded)
- 2 carrots (about 1 cup shredded)
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 Tbsp neutral cooking oil
- 1/2 lb. lean ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp fresh grated ginger
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds for garnish
- Additional sriracha for garnish
Instructions
- Mix soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, sriracha, and brown sugar in a small bowl and set aside.
- Shred the cabbage and carrots, slice the green onions, and prep garlic and ginger.
- Heat a skillet, add neutral cooking oil, and brown the ground beef with garlic, ginger, salt, and pepper.
- Add cabbage and carrots, cooking until slightly wilted.
- Stir in the sauce, mixing to coat the beef and vegetables.
- Add green onions, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve hot.
Notes
Adjust the sriracha level to suit your spice preference.
Feel free to add other vegetables for more variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 16
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 16
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 24
- Cholesterol: 70