Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

If you’re craving a quick, healthy, and unbelievably flavorful dinner, this Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is just what you need! Imagine tender ground beef, savory shiitake mushrooms, and sweet, crisp cabbage—all tossed together in a deeply savory sauce. This dish is a weeknight hero, as it comes together in a snap and brings bold, satisfying flavor without a lot of fuss. Whether you’re trying to sneak some veggies into dinner or want a satisfying meal that leaves you feeling nourished (not weighed down), you’ll find yourself coming back to Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how easy it is to make something so tasty with just a handful of everyday basics! Each ingredient in Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry was chosen for maximum flavor, just the right bite, and colorful appeal. Here’s what you’ll need for this stir fry magic:

• Ground Beef: The hearty, savory base that fills you up and pairs perfectly with all the veggies.
• Green Cabbage: Sliced fresh for a gorgeous crunch and sweetness that soaks up the sauce.
• Mushrooms (shiitake or any you love): They bring a deep earthiness—shiitake add a touch of umami—but white or cremini mushrooms work too!
• Green Onions: Brings a punch of fresh flavor and doubles as a beautiful garnish at the end.
• Garlic: Two cloves, minced, for irresistible aroma and an extra savory layer.
• Ginger: One inch, minced finely—don’t skip this! It brightens the entire dish.
• Soy Sauce: The salty, umami-packed backbone that ties everything together.
• Oyster Sauce (optional): Adds depth and an extra glossy richness—but the stir fry still shines if you leave it out.
• Sesame Oil: For toasty notes and authentic stir fry flavor, just a little goes a long way.
• Vegetable Oil: Keeps things sizzling in the skillet as you cook.
• Salt and Pepper: A final touch, just to bring all the flavors into focus.
• Cooked Rice (for serving): The perfect foundation to soak up every last drop of savory goodness!

How to Make Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Step 1: Prep the Veggies and Aromatics

Start by slicing the cabbage into fine ribbons and the mushrooms into tender bites. Chop your green onions, set a few aside for that picture-perfect garnish, and finely mince both garlic and ginger. Doing this up front means everything will come together lightning-fast once the skillet gets hot. Mise en place—that’s chef speak for “get everything ready”—is your best friend with stir fries!

Step 2: Sizzle the Beef and Aromatics

Next, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Toss in your garlic and ginger, letting them sizzle for about 30 seconds to release those mouthwatering aromas. Add the ground beef and break it up with your spatula, cooking until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink—about 5 to 7 minutes. This is where all the savory magic begins.

Step 3: Add Mushrooms and Cabbage

When your beef is browned, toss in those sliced mushrooms and sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes until they soften up and release their juices. Then add the cabbage. Stir well, watching as the bright green shreds begin to wilt and pick up all those delicious pan juices. Give it 5 to 7 minutes—you want the cabbage tender but still with a satisfying bite.

Step 4: Make the Signature Sauce

Pour in the soy sauce, drizzle with oyster sauce (if you’re using it), and finish with a flourish of sesame oil. Give everything a big, enthusiastic stir so the sauce hugs every strand of cabbage and piece of beef. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper, just how you like it. This quick sauce is what transforms your skillet into Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry bliss.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

When everything looks glossy and irresistible, remove your skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped green onions. Now’s the time to scoop generous portions over fluffy, hot rice. If you want it extra homey, scatter more green onions on top for that fresh finish. Dinner is ready—grab your chopsticks!

How to Serve Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Garnishes

The finishing touch that makes Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry truly special is a vibrant sprinkle of fresh green onions. You can also add a pinch of toasted sesame seeds or a tiny splash of chili oil for a little heat. These simple garnishes bring color and an extra layer of flavor that take your homemade dish to new heights.

Side Dishes

This stir fry is fantastic piled over a bowl of steamed or jasmine rice, but it also welcomes a little company! Serve it alongside simple miso soup, a quick cucumber salad, or steamed broccoli for a colorful dinner plate that’s both filling and nourishing. Leftover stir fry also makes a fantastic lunch, and pairs well with any favorite Asian-inspired side.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, wrap portions of the stir fry in crisp lettuce leaves and enjoy Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry as hand-held wraps. If you’re feeling fancy, serve it in individual bowls with a little shredded carrot on top, or top with a fried or soft-boiled egg for a comforting rice bowl experience. Your imagination is the only limit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a perfect meal-prep option for busy weeks. The flavors deepen as it sits, so tomorrow’s lunch will be even more delicious.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze portions of stir fry (without rice) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Just note that the texture of the cabbage might get a bit softer after freezing, but the flavor will still be wonderful.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop your Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry into a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to keep things juicy. Microwave reheating works too—just cover loosely and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between. Serve hot and top with more green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu all work beautifully in this stir fry if you prefer a lighter or plant-based version. Just follow the same steps for browning and seasoning, and you’ll have a delightful twist on Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, plus a gluten-free oyster sauce (or omit it), you can easily make this dish gluten-free. Double-check your condiments to be sure, because most of the flavor in Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry comes from the sauce ingredients.

Which type of cabbage works best?

Green cabbage is the classic choice, but feel free to experiment with Napa or even red cabbage for a colorful spin. Each brings a slightly different texture and taste, but all will make your stir fry sing!

Can I add other vegetables?

Totally! This stir fry is forgiving—try adding bell peppers, matchstick carrots, snap peas, or even baby spinach for extra veg power. Just make sure to add heartier veggies (like carrots) at the same time as the mushrooms, so they soften properly.

How do I prevent mushy cabbage?

The best tip is not to overcook! Stir often and stop as soon as the cabbage is just wilted and bright green. This keeps your Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry fresh, flavorful, and wonderfully crisp every time.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats a meal that’s quick, comforting, and loaded with flavor. Give Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry a spot in your weeknight dinner rotation—you’ll love how fast, flexible, and family-friendly it is. Fire up that skillet, grab your favorite rice, and enjoy every savory bite!

Print