This Healthy Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick and colorful dish packed with flavor! Tender beef and crisp cabbage come together in a tasty sauce that’s good for you.
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up dinner in just one pan! I like to serve it over rice or noodles for a complete meal that makes everyone happy. 🍜
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: Lean beef sirloin or flank steak works best for tenderness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using lean ground turkey or chicken. Tofu or tempeh can also be great for a vegetarian twist!
Cabbage: Green cabbage is a must for this dish, but you can also use napa cabbage or savoy cabbage. Both varieties add a nice texture and flavor. If you want a twist, throw in some bok choy or kale.
Carrot: While optional, carrots add a nice color and sweetness. If you don’t have carrots, bell peppers or snap peas are great alternatives to add some crunch.
Sauces: Low-sodium soy sauce keeps it healthier, and oyster sauce adds depth. For a vegan option, use mushroom sauce or soy sauce only. If you’re gluten-free, go for tamari instead of soy sauce.
How Do I Get My Beef Tender and Flavorful?
The key to tender beef is slicing it against the grain, which helps break down the muscle fibers. Marinating the beef with soy sauce and cornstarch helps lock in moisture and flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Use a sharp knife and slice the meat thinly. Aim for about 1/4 inch thick.
- Let it marinate for at least 10-15 minutes; this makes all the difference in tenderness.
- Cook it quickly over high heat; just a few minutes until it’s browned but not overcooked keeps it juicy!
Stir-frying is fast, so have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before starting to cook. Enjoy making this dish! 🍽️
Healthy Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) lean beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 small carrot, julienned (optional for color)
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, minced
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
For Cooking:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Red pepper flakes or fresh chili (optional, to taste)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time and about 10 minutes to cook. Overall, you’ll have a delicious and healthy dinner ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for a busy weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, cornstarch, and black pepper. Let it marinate for 10-15 minutes. This helps make the beef tender and flavorful!
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the remaining soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and beef broth (or water). Set this sauce aside for later.
3. Cook the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until it’s browned but not fully cooked. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
4. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until these ingredients are fragrant.
5. Stir-Fry Cabbage and Carrots:
Add the sliced cabbage and optional carrots to the pan. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the cabbage starts to soften but remains slightly crunchy.
6. Combine and Sauce It Up:
Return the beef to the pan and pour the sauce over everything. Stir well to combine and let it cook together for another 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. This allows the beef to finish cooking and the sauce to thicken a bit.
7. Adjust and Garnish:
Give it a taste and add extra soy sauce or red pepper flakes if you want more flavor or spice. Garnish the dish with the green parts of the green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve this flavorful stir fry hot over steamed brown rice or whole grain noodles for a complete, healthy meal. Dig in and enjoy the goodness!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Other Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While lean beef is great for this stir fry, you can also substitute with chicken, pork, or even shrimp. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, try using tofu or tempeh instead!
How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
For a gluten-free version, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce (if using) is also gluten-free. This way, you can still enjoy all the flavors without the gluten!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave. You might want to add a splash of water or broth to reinvigorate the dish and avoid it drying out!
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli, or mushrooms. Just make sure to adjust your cooking time slightly to ensure everything is cooked but still crisp!
