This Easy Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick meal that packs a lot of flavor! Tender beef meets crunchy cabbage in a tasty sauce that brings it all together.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Flank steak or sirloin works best for this stir-fry. They are tender choices. If you don’t have these, use any beef cut you prefer, like ribeye or even ground beef!
Cabbage: Green cabbage is crunchy and sweet here. However, you can swap it with napa cabbage, bok choy, or even broccoli if you want some variety.
Soy Sauce: This adds salty flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, look for tamari or coconut aminos. For less sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce.
Oyster Sauce: It adds depth to the dish. If you’re vegetarian, switch it out for a mushroom stir-fry sauce for a similar umami taste.
How Do I Properly Stir-Fry the Beef?
Getting the beef right is key for a great stir-fry! Here’s how you can do it:
- Start with thin slices against the grain to ensure tenderness. Marinating helps it absorb flavor!
- Cook in hot oil over medium-high heat but don’t overcrowd the pan—this helps achieve a nice sear.
- Just cook until it’s browned. Remove it quickly before it gets tough, then continue with the veggies.
This approach keeps your beef tender and juicy, making sure every bite is delicious!
Easy Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1/2 pound (225g) beef flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 3 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced (keep white and green parts separate)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper or black pepper
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional for thickening)
For Serving:
- Cooked rice or noodles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes of cooking. In total, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in just about 25-30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and pepper. Add the thinly sliced beef to the marinade, making sure it’s well-coated. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Cook the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When hot, add the marinated beef and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until it’s just browned. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Once heated, toss in the minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
4. Add the Cabbage:
Add the sliced cabbage to the pan and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes. You want it to soften a bit while still retaining some crunch!
5. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked beef to the pan with the cabbage. Pour in the beef broth or water, stirring to combine everything well.
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you’d like a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch mixed with water and cook for another minute until the sauce is glossy and slightly thickened.
7. Serve:
Garnish your stir-fry with the green parts of the green onions. Serve it hot over steamed rice or noodles for a fulfilling meal!
Enjoy your quick and easy Chinese beef and cabbage stir-fry! It’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
FAQ: Easy Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Stir-Fry?
Absolutely! This stir-fry is very versatile. You can add bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for a mix of colors and flavors. Just make sure to adjust cooking times so all veggies remain crisp!
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can use hoisin sauce as an alternative for a sweet flavor. Alternatively, a mix of soy sauce and a bit of sugar can work in a pinch.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat or use the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
You can prep the ingredients a day ahead! Slice the beef and vegetables, and marinate the beef in advance. Just cook it when you’re ready to enjoy a quick meal!
