Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick and hearty dish that delivers on both flavor and nutrition. With tender strips of beef, crisp cabbage, and a savory sauce, this one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights. It’s simple, satisfying, and comes together in under 30 minutes using basic ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and easy weeknight dinner
One-pan cleanup
High in protein and fiber
Budget-friendly with minimal ingredients
Great for low-carb or keto diets
Customizable with different veggies or sauces
Delicious with rice, noodles, or on its own
Meal-prep friendly
Packed with umami flavor
A great way to use up leftover cabbage

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef or thinly sliced beef strips
Green cabbage, shredded
Garlic, minced
Ginger, grated or minced
Soy sauce or tamari
Sesame oil
Olive oil or vegetable oil
Green onions, sliced
Optional: chili flakes or sriracha for heat
Optional: rice vinegar or lime juice for brightness
Cooked rice or noodles for serving (optional)

directions

Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the beef and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up if using ground beef. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add cabbage and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, until slightly wilted but still crisp.
Return the beef to the pan and stir everything together.
Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or chili flakes.
Optional: Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice for extra brightness.
Top with green onions and serve hot, with or without rice or noodles.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Low-carb/keto: Serve without rice or with cauliflower rice.
Spicy version: Add chili garlic sauce, sriracha, or extra red pepper flakes.
Add more veggies: Include carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas.
Make it sweeter: Add a drizzle of honey or hoisin sauce for a sweet-savory twist.
Use different meat: Try ground turkey, pork, or chicken as an alternative to beef.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. The cabbage may soften more over time but will still taste great.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of sliced beef?

Yes, ground beef works perfectly and makes this dish even faster to cook.

Do I need to cook the cabbage before adding it to the stir fry?

No, just add it raw to the skillet and stir-fry until tender-crisp.

Can I freeze this dish?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. The texture of cabbage may become softer upon reheating.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

What kind of beef should I use if slicing it?

Flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin sliced thinly against the grain work well.

Can I add noodles to the stir fry?

Absolutely. Stir in cooked noodles like rice noodles, udon, or ramen at the end.

What can I serve with this stir fry?

It’s great with rice, noodles, or even as a filling in lettuce wraps.

How do I keep cabbage from becoming soggy?

Cook it over high heat for a short time to maintain some crunch.

Can I use red cabbage?

Yes, though it will slightly change the flavor and color of the dish.

Is this dish spicy?

Not inherently, but you can add heat with chili flakes or sriracha as desired.

Conclusion

Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick, satisfying, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a go-to recipe for anyone looking to whip up something delicious in a hurry. Serve it over rice or enjoy it on its own for a healthy, hearty meal.

Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

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This Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a savory, slightly sweet, and super satisfying dish made with ground beef, tender cabbage, and a flavorful stir fry sauce. It’s quick to make, budget-friendly, and perfect served over rice or noodles.

Author: Beth
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef (lean)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
2 carrots, julienned or shredded
3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce or oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings:

Green onions, sliced
Toasted sesame seeds
Sriracha or chili garlic sauce

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Instructions

Cook the beef:
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed and set beef aside.
Sauté aromatics:
In the same skillet, add vegetable oil. Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and onion is slightly softened.
Add vegetables:
Stir in cabbage and carrots. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender but still a little crisp.
Make the sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Combine everything:
Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Pour in the sauce and toss everything together. Cook for another 1–2 minutes to let flavors combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Serve:
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own!

Notes

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Add bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
Leftovers keep well and taste even better the next day!