Beef And Cabbage Stir Fry

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This stir fry packs vibrant flavor with minimal fuss—crunchy cabbage, shredded carrots, and savory ground beef come together in a bold, slightly spicy sauce. It’s wholesome, quick, and perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner that still feels fresh and light.

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Ingredients

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

Stir Fry Sauce

• 2 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 Tbsp sriracha
• ½ Tbsp brown sugar

Stir Fry

• ½ head green cabbage (about 4–6 cups shredded)
• 2 carrots, shredded
• 3 green onions, sliced
• ½ Tbsp neutral cooking oil (e.g., canola or vegetable)
• ½ lb lean ground beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp fresh grated ginger
• A pinch of salt and pepper

Garnishes (optional)

• 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
• 1 Tbsp sriracha

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Directions

1. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, sriracha, and brown sugar. Set aside.
2. Prep the veggies: Finely shred half the cabbage (reserve the rest for another use), grate the carrots, slice the green onions, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger.
3. Cook beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add cooking oil, lean ground beef, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned, about 5 minutes.
4. Add vegetables: Stir in the shredded cabbage and carrots. Cook, stirring frequently, until the cabbage reaches your preferred level of tenderness—wilted or slightly firm.
5. Finish the dish: Pour in the stir fry sauce and add the green onions. Toss everything until well coated and heated through.
6. Serve: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and drizzle extra sriracha if desired. Serve immediately—great on its own or over rice.

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Servings And Timing

• Servings: 3–4
• Prep Time: ~10 minutes
• Cook Time: ~10 minutes
• Total Time: ~20 minutes

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Variations

• Protein swap: Try ground turkey, chicken, pork, or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Veggie mix: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for extra color and nutrients.
• Flavor tweak: Swap sriracha for chili garlic sauce or sambal for a different heat profile.
• Make it saucier: Add a splash of broth or water if you prefer more sauce.
• Garnish twist: Top with sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for contrast.

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Storage & Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently over medium heat with a splash of water to refresh the veggies and beef.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as cooked cabbage may become watery upon thawing.

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FAQs

Can I Use Pre-Shredded Vegetables?

Yes—pre-shredded cabbage or carrots work well and save time.

Is Sesame Oil Essential?

Toasted sesame oil adds depth and flavor, but any neutral oil like avocado or regular canola oil works too.

What If I Don’t Have Ginger?

Use an extra half teaspoon of garlic and a pinch of five-spice or ground coriander for subtle warmth.

How Can I Make It Gluten-Free?

Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Can I Make This Spicier?

Add a pinch of chili flakes or more sriracha to ramp up the heat.

What Accompanies This Dish?

Great served with jasmine rice, quinoa, or wrapped in lettuce cups for a fresh twist.

Can I Prep Ahead?

Yes—make the sauce and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Stir fry everything fresh for best texture.

Is This Kid-Friendly?

Yes—just set aside a portion before adding sriracha to reduce the spice level for picky eaters.

Can I Add More Heat?

Add fresh sliced chili or a dash of chili oil.

How Do I Prevent Soggy Cabbage?

Cook on medium to medium-high heat and avoid overcooking—cabbage should remain vibrant and slightly crisp.

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Conclusion

This Beef And Cabbage Stir Fry is the perfect blend of quick, nutritious, and flavorful. With bold sauce, tender beef, and crisp veggies in just one pan, it’s a smart and delicious choice for busy evenings or weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup and maximum taste.

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