Healthy Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Beef: I like using flank steak for its tenderness and flavor. You can also use sirloin or even ground beef if that’s what you have on hand. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try turkey or tofu for a vegetarian twist!

Cabbage: Green cabbage is the star here, but you can mix it up with Napa cabbage or even bok choy for a different taste and texture. If you’re in a pinch, shredded Brussels sprouts could work as a substitute!

Carrots: Fresh carrots add crunch and sweetness. If you have other veggies lingering in your fridge, like bell peppers or snow peas, feel free to toss them in too.

Sauces: Low-sodium soy sauce keeps it healthier, but you can substitute tamari for a gluten-free option. If you skip the oyster sauce, just add an extra splash of soy sauce for depth.

How Do You Get the Beef to Stay Tender?

Slicing the beef thinly against the grain is crucial for tenderness. This technique breaks down muscle fibers, making it less chewy. Here’s how: hold the beef firmly, and cut in thin strips across the grain.

Also, be careful not to overcook the beef; it should be browned but not fully cooked through when you remove it from the pan. This keeps it juicy. Once you’re ready to mix it back in with the veggies, it’ll finish cooking just enough.

What’s the Best Way to Stir-Fry Veggies?

Stir-frying is all about high heat and quick movements! Make sure your pan is hot before adding oil. This helps everything cook evenly and retain a nice crunch. Here are some quick tips:

• Start with aromatics like garlic and ginger to flavor the oil quickly.
• Add the veggies in stages: start with ones that take longer to cook (like carrots), then follow with quicker-cooking ones (like cabbage).
• Add a bit of water or broth to create steam—it speeds up cooking while keeping veggies vibrant!

These tips should help you create a fantastic Healthy Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry with ease! Enjoy your cooking!

Healthy Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Stir Fry:

• 12 oz (340g) lean beef (such as flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain
• 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
• 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional for depth)
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for natural sweetness)
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or other neutral oil) for stir-frying
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for mild heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp water or beef broth (to help steam the cabbage)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and approximately 15 minutes of cooking time, totaling about 25 minutes. It’s a quick and easy dish perfect for a weeknight dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef:

Start by slicing the beef thinly against the grain. This helps keep it tender during cooking. Once sliced, set it aside while you prep the other ingredients.

2. Make the Sauce:

In a small bowl, mix the low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), hoisin sauce (if using), and toasted sesame oil. This flavorful sauce will add depth to the dish. Set the sauce aside.

3. Cook the Beef:

Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot but not smoking. Add the sliced beef to the pan and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, just until it’s browned but not fully cooked. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.

4. Sauté the Aromatics:

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, and sauté the minced garlic, minced ginger, and sliced onion. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the onion begins to soften.

5. Add the Vegetables:

Next, add the shredded cabbage and julienned carrots to the pan. Stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes, then add the water or beef broth. This will help steam the cabbage and soften it nicely.

6. Combine Ingredients:

Return the beef to the pan and pour in the sauce mixture. If you’d like a little extra heat, toss in the crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the beef is cooked through and the vegetables are tender-crisp.

7. Season and Serve:

Once everything is well mixed and cooked to your liking, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed. Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve hot with steamed rice or your preferred side.

Enjoy this delicious, quick, and healthy Chinese beef and cabbage stir fry that’s full of flavor and loaded with good-for-you ingredients!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use a Different Protein for This Stir Fry?

Absolutely! You can substitute the beef with chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian option. If using tofu, opt for firm or extra-firm tofu for the best texture, and be sure to press it to remove excess moisture before cooking.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of water can help maintain moisture.

Can I Make This Stir Fry Gluten-Free?

Yes! To make this dish gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Ensure that any other sauces you use, like hoisin and oyster sauce, are labeled gluten-free as well.

What Other Vegetables Can I Add?

The beauty of stir-fries is their versatility! Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, snow peas, or mushrooms. Just remember to adjust the cooking time as needed for different veggies!