This Healthy Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is packed with flavor and good-for-you ingredients. Tender beef pairs perfectly with crunchy cabbage and colorful veggies!
Making this stir fry is a breeze, and it comes together in no time. I love that I can whip it up on busy weeknights and still feel like I’m eating something wholesome!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lean Beef: Flank or sirloin works best, but you can swap them for chicken or tofu if you’re looking for an alternative protein source. Both options will still keep the dish light!
Cabbage: Green cabbage is typical for this recipe due to its crunch, but you can substitute with Napa cabbage or even bok choy for a slightly different texture and taste.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh is best for a punch of flavor, but if you’re in a hurry, you can use pre-minced garlic and ginger from a jar. You won’t get the same depth, but it’s a good time saver!
Sauces: If you want to skip the oyster sauce for dietary reasons, just add a bit more soy sauce for flavor. For a sweeter taste, try adding a dash of honey or maple syrup instead of hoisin sauce.
How Do I Get Perfectly Tender Beef?
To keep your beef tender, slicing it against the grain is crucial. This means cutting across the fibers, which helps it not be chewy. Marinating the beef for even just 10-15 minutes in soy sauce and cornstarch also helps tenderize it.
- Use thin slices for quick cooking; a sharp knife helps!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the beef; this allows it to brown nicely without steaming.
- Take the beef out to rest for a moment before adding it back to the stir fry. This keeps it juicy.
Healthy Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) lean beef (such as flank or sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for more depth)
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for slight sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (such as canola or peanut oil)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1-2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stir fry will only take about 30 minutes from start to finish! You’ll need about 15 minutes for prep (cutting the veggies and marinating the beef) and around 15 minutes for cooking. Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinating the Beef:
In a small bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Preparing the Sauce:
In another bowl, mix together the remaining tablespoon of soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, the remaining cornstarch, and beef broth or water. Whisk until smooth and set this mixture aside.
3. Cooking the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes, until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
4. Sautéing the Aromatics:
Using the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds or until fragrant. Be careful not to let them burn!
5. Adding the Vegetables:
Add the sliced onion, julienned carrot, and sliced cabbage to the pan. Stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp.
6. Bringing It All Together:
Return the cooked beef to the pan and pour in the prepared sauce. Stir well to coat all the ingredients evenly, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
7. Garnishing:
Remove the stir fry from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. This adds a nice touch of flavor and crunch!
8. Serving:
Serve your delicious beef and cabbage stir fry hot over steamed brown rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Enjoy!
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this Healthy Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry!
FAQ for Healthy Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the beef with chicken, pork, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose—chicken may take a little longer, while tofu cooks quickly.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make this dish gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure that your oyster sauce and any other sauces are gluten-free labeled. Most brands have a gluten-free option available!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and chop the vegetables a few hours in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator. It’s best to cook the dish fresh right before serving for optimal texture, but you can stir-fry the meal ahead and reheat it gently when ready to eat.
What Should I Serve with This Stir Fry?
This stir fry is fantastic over steamed brown rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb choice. You can also serve it alongside steamed or sautéed vegetables for an even heartier meal. Enjoy it with a side of spring rolls for a complete Asian-inspired feast!
