Quick Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Beef: I recommend using sirloin or flank steak because they’re tender and quick to cook. You can substitute with chicken, tofu, or even shrimp for a different flavor or dietary needs. Just adjust cooking times accordingly!

Cabbage: Green cabbage is perfect here for a bit of crunch. If you have it on hand, try using Napa cabbage for a slightly sweeter taste, or even Brussels sprouts if you want a different twist!

Vegetable Oil: Canola or peanut oil works great for stir-frying due to their high smoke point. If you need a substitute, grapeseed or sunflower oil can also work. Olive oil isn’t ideal as it has a lower smoke point.

Ginger & Garlic: Fresh is always best! However, if you don’t have fresh ginger, you can use ground ginger, but reduce the amount. Garlic powder is a fine backup too if you’re in a pinch.

How Do You Stir-Fry Like a Pro?

Stir-frying is all about high heat and quick cooking, which helps keep your ingredients tender and colorful. Here are some key tips:

• Preheat your pan until it’s hot and shiny. A well-heated pan prevents sticking.
• Keep your ingredients moving! Stir them constantly to ensure even cooking.
• Cook in batches if your pan is small. This avoids steaming your ingredients.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; it lowers the temperature and affects texture.
• Let the sauce cook at the end to thicken. Add it after the veggies are cooked to keep them crunchy!

Follow these tips, and you’ll be stir-frying like a pro in no time!

Quick Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Stir-Fry:

• 1 pound (450g) beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1/2 head of green cabbage, sliced into thin strips
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (such as canola or peanut oil)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 3 green onions, chopped (separate white and green parts)

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon Chinese rice wine or dry sherry (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water or beef broth
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar

For Seasoning:

• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This stir-fry recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 10 minutes for cooking, bringing the total to around 20 minutes. It’s quick and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sauce:

In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice wine (if using), cornstarch, and water or beef broth until smooth. This will be your flavorful sauce, so set it aside for now.

2. Cook the Beef:

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until it’s hot but not smoking. Add the thinly sliced beef in a single layer and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until it’s nicely browned but not fully cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.

3. Stir-Fry the Aromatics:

In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Toss in the minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant and aromatic.

4. Add the Cabbage:

Now, add the sliced cabbage to the pan. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, until the cabbage begins to soften but still retains some crunch. It should be vibrant in color!

5. Combine Everything:

Return the beef to the pan. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the beef and cabbage, stirring well to combine everything perfectly.

6. Cook Until Ready:

Allow everything to cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and the beef is fully cooked. Taste and add sugar, salt, and pepper as needed, stirring to combine.

7. Garnish and Serve:

Remove your stir-fry from the heat. Sprinkle with the green parts of the green onions and sesame seeds if you like. Serve hot with steamed white rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Enjoy your delicious and quick Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry!

FAQ for Quick Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

Can I Use Different Cuts of Beef?

Absolutely! While sirloin and flank steak are great options, you can also use tender cuts like ribeye or even chuck steak. Just slice it thinly and adjust cooking times as needed.

Can I Add Other Vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to add a mix of vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Just make sure to chop them into similar sizes so they cook evenly. You might need to sauté them a bit longer depending on the vegetables you choose.

How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?

To make this stir-fry gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative. Ensure the oyster sauce is also labeled gluten-free, or consider making a homemade version using a gluten-free recipe.

What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to help revive the sauce. Enjoy your stir-fry warmed up for a quick meal!