This Easy Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is quick and full of flavor! With tender beef strips and crisp cabbage, it’s a tasty dish you’ll love making for dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Sirloin or flank steak gives great flavor and tenderness. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, try ground beef or even sliced chicken or tofu for a lighter version.
Cabbage: Green cabbage is perfect for this dish, but you can also use bok choy or napa cabbage if you prefer a different texture and flavor.
Soy Sauce: Regular soy sauce adds saltiness, but if you need a low-sodium option, go for low-sodium soy sauce. Tamari is a great gluten-free substitute.
Oyster Sauce: This adds a rich depth of flavor, but if you’re vegetarian, consider using a mushroom stir-fry sauce instead!
Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to boost your nutrients and color.
How Do I Get the Beef Just Right?
Getting the beef cooked perfectly is key! Here are the steps:
- Slice the beef against the grain. This makes it more tender. Thin slices help it cook quickly.
- Marinate the beef briefly with soy sauce and pepper. This adds flavor even in a short time.
- Cook the beef in hot oil. You want it to sizzle but not overcook. A couple of minutes is all it needs to brown slightly.
It’s okay if the beef isn’t fully cooked when you remove it. It will continue to cook when added back with the veggies!
Easy Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 3 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced into 2-inch pieces
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Cooked steamed rice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stir-fry takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, totaling around 20 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and a pinch of pepper. Give it a good mix and set it aside to marinate for about 10 minutes. This adds flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
2. Prepare the Skillet:
While the beef is marinating, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s nice and hot before moving on!
3. Add Garlic and Ginger:
Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry them for about 30 seconds until they’re fragrant. Be careful not to burn them!
4. Cook the Beef:
Add the marinated beef strips to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes. You want them just browned but not fully cooked. After that, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside. Don’t worry; it will cook more later!
5. Stir-Fry the Cabbage:
In the same skillet, add the sliced cabbage. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until it becomes tender-crisp and vibrant green.
6. Combine Ingredients:
Return the cooked beef to the skillet along with the green onions. Stir everything together for a minute to mix well.
7. Add Sauce and Flavor:
Pour in the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Stir to coat all the ingredients with the delicious sauce.
8. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you like a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch mixture. Keep cooking for another minute until the sauce thickens to your liking.
9. Taste and Adjust:
Give your stir-fry a taste! Add salt and pepper if needed to enhance the flavors.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your hot and flavorful beef and cabbage stir-fry over a bed of steamed rice. Enjoy your meal!
FAQ for Easy Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef?
Absolutely! While sirloin or flank steak work best, you can also use ribeye or even ground beef if that’s what you have on hand. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly if you’re using ground beef!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and cabbage separately ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply stir-fry everything together in a hot skillet!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in additional vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for more color and nutrition. Just add them along with the cabbage and adjust cooking times as needed.
