This Healthy Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick and tasty meal packed with tender beef strips and crisp cabbage. It’s colorful and perfect for busy weeknights!
I love how easy it is to whip up! Just toss everything in a pan, and in no time, you’ll have a delicious dish ready to enjoy. Serve it over rice for a complete meal. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Lean beef sirloin or flank steak works best for tender strips. If you’re looking for a cheaper or leaner option, turkey or chicken breast can substitute, but may require less cooking time.
Cabbage: Green cabbage is the star, but feel free to mix it up with Napa cabbage or even bok choy for different textures and flavors. Red cabbage can add a lovely color, too!
Carrot: I like using fresh carrots for their crunch. If you’re in a hurry, pre-shredded carrots are a quick alternative. Zucchini can also be used, though it will cook faster.
Sauces: Low-sodium soy sauce is great for keeping the dish healthy. If gluten-free, use tamari instead. If you skip the oyster sauce, try adding a pinch of mushroom seasoning for depth.
How Do You Get Perfectly Tender Beef?
Getting tender beef is key in stir-fries. Start by slicing the beef against the grain; this makes each bite easier to chew. A quick marination helps too! Just 10-15 minutes is enough to infuse flavor and tenderize.
- Combine beef with soy sauce and cornstarch in a bowl.
- Let it marinate while you prep the other ingredients.
When cooking, don’t overcrowd the pan. Cooking the beef in batches allows it to sear instead of steam, giving you that nice flavor. Aim for a medium-high heat to achieve that perfect caramelization.
Healthy Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 12 oz (340g) lean beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 3 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or Chinese black vinegar
For Cooking:
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or canola oil (for stir-frying)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry for thickening)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This healthy stir fry takes about 25-30 minutes to prepare and cook. You will spend around 10-15 minutes marinating the beef and prepping the vegetables, followed by 10-15 minutes cooking everything in the skillet. It’s a quick and nutritious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and the cornstarch slurry. Mix well, ensuring the beef is evenly coated. Set aside to marinate for about 10-15 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.
2. Heat the Pan:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough so that the beef sizzles when added to the pan.
3. Cook the Beef:
Add the marinated beef to the pan in a single layer. Stir-fry the beef for about 2-3 minutes until it’s browned on the outside but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
4. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
In the same pan, add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry them for about 30 seconds until they are fragrant but be careful not to burn them.
5. Add the Vegetables:
Now, add the sliced cabbage and carrot to the pan. Stir-fry everything for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp and bright in color.
6. Combine Everything:
Return the browned beef to the pan along with the green onions. Mix everything together well.
7. Add the Sauce:
Pour in the remaining tablespoon of soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes and black pepper to taste. Toss everything together and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the beef is cooked through and the flavors meld together.
8. Taste and Adjust:
Give the stir fry a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like it saltier, feel free to add a little more soy sauce or black pepper.
9. Serve:
Serve your delicious stir fry hot over a bed of steamed brown rice or quinoa for a hearty, healthy meal. Enjoy your vibrant and nutritious Chinese beef and cabbage stir fry!
FAQ for Healthy Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Can I Use Chicken or Tofu Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute thinly sliced chicken breast or thigh for beef, or use firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time slightly; chicken may need a few more minutes to cook through, while tofu just needs a good browning.
How Can I Make this Stir Fry Extra Saucy?
If you prefer a saucier dish, simply increase the amount of soy sauce or oyster sauce by an additional tablespoon. You can also add a splash of beef or vegetable broth to the pan for extra moisture and flavor.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! Bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or broccoli are fantastic additions. Just make sure they are cut into similar sizes as the cabbage and carrots for even cooking.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it gently in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
