This Quick Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a speedy dish full of flavors! Tender beef and crunchy cabbage come together in a delicious sauce that will make your taste buds dance.
It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something tasty but fast. I love serving it over rice or noodles, which soak up all the tasty sauce. Yum! 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Sirloin or flank steak works well here. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use chicken breast or tofu for a vegetarian dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for tofu or chicken.
Cabbage: Green cabbage is the star of this dish, but you can swap it with bok choy or napa cabbage for a different texture. I love using napa cabbage for its tenderness!
Sauces: Traditional soy and oyster sauce add depth, but if you’re avoiding shellfish, consider using mushroom soy sauce. For gluten-free needs, tamari works great as a substitution.
Vegetable oil: Use a neutral oil like canola or grapeseed. If you want a hint of flavor, try sesame oil, but keep it at a lower quantity as it has a stronger taste.
How Do I Stir-Fry Without Burning My Ingredients?
Stir-frying can be a bit tricky, especially when you’re in a hurry. Here are some tips to get it right:
- Make sure all ingredients are prepped and within reach. Stir-frying goes quick!
- Use high heat to achieve that nice sear on the beef. This keeps it juicy!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed; it helps everything cook evenly.
- Keep stirring! This prevents burning and ensures everything gets coated in the sauce.
These simple tricks will help your stir-fry come out perfectly every time. Happy cooking!
Quick Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir-Fry:
- 12 oz (340g) 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-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
For Thickenings:
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This quick stir-fry takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking, so you’ll have it ready in about 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
Start by thinly slicing the beef and cabbage. Mince the garlic and ginger, and slice the green onions. Having everything ready makes cooking a breeze!
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Give it a good stir and set it aside for later.
3. Heat the Oil:
In a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot for a quick stir-fry.
4. Cook the Beef:
Add the thinly sliced beef to the pan. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until it’s browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
5. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same pan, add in the minced garlic, minced ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until everything is fragrant.
6. Add the Cabbage:
Now, toss in the sliced cabbage. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until it softens but still has a nice crunch to it.
7. Combine the Ingredients:
Return the cooked beef to the pan and pour in your sauce mixture. Toss everything together well to coat all the ingredients in the delicious sauce.
8. Thicken the Sauce:
Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another minute until the sauce thickens up and beautifully coats the beef and cabbage.
9. Season and Serve:
Give the dish a taste and season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes for some heat if you like it spicy.
10. Enjoy!
Garnish with the green parts of the green onions and serve immediately over steaming rice or noodles. Enjoy your homemade stir-fry!
Can I Use Frozen Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen beef! Just make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking. To thaw quickly, place it in a resealable plastic bag and submerge in cold water for about an hour. Pat it dry before slicing and cooking for the best results.
What Can I Substitute for Cabbage?
If you don’t have cabbage on hand, you can use bok choy, napa cabbage, or even kale. Each offers a unique flavor and texture, but make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed for tenderness.
How Do I Store Leftover Stir-Fry?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Absolutely! You can easily increase the heat by adding more crushed red pepper flakes or by including sliced fresh chilies. For an even spicier kick, try a splash of sriracha or chili garlic sauce in the sauce mixture!
