Cabbage and Beef Stir-Fry

This cabbage and beef stir-fry is a quick, flavorful dish that combines tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and aromatic seasonings. It’s a simple one-pan meal that’s ready in minutes and perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy this stir-fry is to prepare with everyday ingredients I usually have on hand. It’s healthy, hearty, and full of flavor without being heavy. I also enjoy that it’s versatile—I can keep it mild or spice it up, and it pairs well with rice, noodles, or even on its own.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 pound ground beef

• 4 cups green cabbage, shredded

• 1 medium onion, sliced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions

1. I heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

2. I add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula for about 5–7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, I drain it off.

3. I stir in the sliced onion, garlic, and ginger, cooking for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.

4. I add the shredded cabbage, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if I want some heat). I cook for another 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is tender but still has a slight crunch.

5. I season with salt and pepper, remove from the heat, and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

6. I serve it immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, so I can have it ready in just 25 minutes.

Variations

I like to toss in sliced bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch and color. When I want it spicier, I add a dash of sriracha or another hot sauce before serving. For a low-carb version, I eat it as is, but it also pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles for a heartier meal.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If it feels a little dry, I splash in a bit of soy sauce or water to refresh it.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, I sometimes use ground turkey, chicken, or even pork instead of beef for a lighter variation.

How do I keep the cabbage from getting soggy?

I make sure not to overcook it. I like to stir-fry just until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, I replace the beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh, or I add extra veggies like mushrooms and zucchini.

What should I serve with cabbage and beef stir-fry?

I often serve it with rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice. It’s also filling enough to enjoy on its own.

Can I freeze cabbage and beef stir-fry?

Yes, I can freeze it, but I prefer eating it fresh since cabbage can lose its crunch after freezing. If I do freeze it, I store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and reheat gently on the stove.

Conclusion

I find this cabbage and beef stir-fry to be one of the most satisfying and convenient meals I can make. It’s quick, flavorful, and adaptable to whatever I have in my kitchen. Whether I keep it simple or add extra veggies and spice, it always makes for a wholesome and comforting dish.

Cabbage and Beef Stir-Fry

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Cabbage and Beef Stir-Fry is a quick, satisfying one-pan meal loaded with savory ground beef, tender-crisp cabbage, and simple seasonings. It’s comforting, versatile, and perfect for busy weeknights or easy meal prep.

• Author: Lizaa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stir-Fry
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey or chicken)
• 1 small head of green cabbage, shredded
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
3. Stir in onion and garlic; cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add shredded cabbage and continue stir-frying until cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp.
5. Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and any optional spices. Mix well.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot.

Notes

• Don’t overcook the cabbage—keep it slightly crisp for best texture.
• Use pre-shredded cabbage to save prep time.
• Great served over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.
• Can be made vegetarian with tofu, tempeh, or extra vegetables.
• Add carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms for variety.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 640mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg