This Easy Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick and tasty meal. With tender beef and crunchy cabbage, it’s packed with flavors that everyone will love.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef: I recommend using flank steak or sirloin for their tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try chicken breast or tofu for a vegetarian twist!
Napa Cabbage: This cabbage is tender and sweet, perfect for stir-fries. If you can’t find it, regular green cabbage or bok choy works well, too.
Soy Sauce: A must for the umami flavor! If you need a gluten-free option, tamari is a great choice. Low-sodium soy sauce is another alternative if you want to cut down on salt.
Oyster Sauce: It adds richness to the dish. For a vegetarian take, use mushroom sauce or a soy sauce-based alternative for that similar depth in flavor.
Green Onions: These add a fresh crunch! If you don’t have them, you can substitute with chives or leeks for a slightly different taste!
How Do You Ensure Your Beef Is Tender?
To keep the beef tender, slicing it against the grain is crucial. This breaks up the muscle fibers and results in a more mouthwatering texture. Also, marinating the beef with a bit of soy sauce helps it stay juicy.
- Be sure not to overcrowd the pan when cooking the beef. This allows it to sear rather than steam.
- Cook the beef just until it’s browned; overcooking will lead to chewiness.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Cabbage Without Losing Crunch?
Stir-frying is the key! Cook the cabbage on high heat to keep it crisp. Stir it just enough so it wilts slightly but maintains some bite.
- Start with the garlic and ginger; it enhances the aroma!
- Add the cabbage and stir-fry quickly—about 3-4 minutes should do it!
Easy Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
- 4 cups Napa cabbage, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced diagonally
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup beef broth or water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked steamed rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes of cooking time. Overall, you can expect to have this delicious meal ready in about 20 minutes! It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
In a medium bowl, mix the sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and a pinch of pepper. Allow it to marinate for about 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. This step adds flavor and helps tenderize the beef!
2. Cook the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until it is browned and just cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Then, add the minced garlic, ginger, and the white part of the green onions. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant—your kitchen will smell amazing!
4. Add Cabbage:
Add the chopped Napa cabbage to the pan and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes. You want it to be tender but still crisp, so keep an eye on it!
5. Combine Ingredients:
Return the cooked beef to the pan. Pour in the beef broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to mingle.
6. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):
If you like your sauce thicker, add the cornstarch slurry. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens up nicely.
7. Adjust Seasoning:
Give it a taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. This step is important to ensure the flavors are just right for you!
8. Serve:
Garnish your stir-fry with the green part of the green onions and serve hot over a bed of steamed rice. Enjoy your delicious homemade Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a leaner alternative, chicken breast or pork tenderloin works great. For a vegetarian option, try tofu or tempeh—just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Yes, you can prep the beef and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Store the marinated beef in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to cook right before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for extra color and nutrition. Just adjust the cooking time for the added veggies to ensure everything cooks evenly.
