Here’s a recipe for a Savory Beef and Cabbage Stir-fry that’s quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner and can be served with rice, noodles, or just on its own for a low-carb meal.
🥢 Savory Beef and Cabbage Stir-fry Recipe
🔪 Prep Time: 15 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 15 minutes
🍽️ Serves: 4
🧂 Ingredients
For the Stir-fry:
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1 lb (450g) beef (flank steak or sirloin), thinly sliced against the grain
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1/2 head of green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
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1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced (optional)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1-inch piece of ginger, grated
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2 green onions, chopped (separate whites and greens)
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2 tbsp neutral oil (like vegetable or canola oil)
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1 tbsp sesame oil (for flavor)
For the Marinade/Sauce:
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp oyster sauce
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1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)
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1 tbsp rice vinegar or mirin
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1 tsp sugar or honey
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1 tsp cornstarch (helps thicken the sauce and tenderize the beef)
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2 tbsp water
🥣 Instructions
1. Marinate the Beef
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In a bowl, combine:
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2 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp oyster sauce
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1 tbsp hoisin sauce (if using)
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1 tbsp rice vinegar
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1 tsp sugar or honey
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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1 tsp cornstarch
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2 tbsp water
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Add the sliced beef to this marinade, mix well, and let it sit for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
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Slice cabbage into thin shreds.
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Julienne or thinly slice the carrot if using.
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Mince garlic, grate ginger, and chop the green onions (separate white and green parts).
3. Stir-fry the Beef
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Heat 1 tbsp of neutral oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat.
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Add the marinated beef (in a single layer if possible). Sear for 2–3 minutes without stirring too much so it browns nicely.
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Stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes until mostly cooked through.
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Remove beef from the pan and set aside.
4. Cook the Veggies
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In the same pan, add another 1 tbsp of neutral oil.
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Add garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onion. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add the sliced cabbage and carrots. Stir-fry for 3–5 minutes, until cabbage softens but still has a bit of crunch.
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If needed, add a splash of water to help steam the cabbage.
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5. Combine and Finish
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Return the cooked beef to the pan.
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Drizzle in 1 tbsp sesame oil and toss everything together.
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Stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
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Taste and adjust seasoning (add soy sauce or a pinch of salt if needed).
🌿 Garnish and Serve
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Sprinkle the green parts of the green onions over the top.
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Serve hot with:
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Steamed rice
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Noodles (soba, rice noodles, or egg noodles)
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Or enjoy it low-carb as-is!
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🔁 Optional Add-ins:
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Mushrooms (shiitake, button, or wood ear)
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Bell peppers
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Chili flakes or fresh chili for heat
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A drizzle of chili oil or sriracha for spice lovers