This Healthy Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is quick and tasty! It features tender beef strips stir-fried with crisp cabbage and colorful veggies. A perfect one-pan meal!
You can whip it up in about 30 minutes—talk about a weeknight win! I love serving it over rice for an extra boost. Who knew healthy could taste this good? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lean Beef: I love using flank steak for its rich flavor, but sirloin works just as well. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider chicken breast or tofu. Both will soak up the flavors nicely!
Cabbage: Green cabbage is a must for this dish, but you can try Napa cabbage for a sweeter touch. If you’re not a fan, get creative with broccoli or bok choy!
Carrot: Carrots add sweetness and color. You can replace them with sliced bell peppers or snap peas if you prefer. They add crunch and are just as vibrant!
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is great for keeping the dish healthier. Coconut aminos is a fantastic gluten-free alternative if you need one!
Oyster Sauce: Although optional, it enriches the flavor. You can skip it or substitute with mushroom sauce for a vegan option.
How Do You Get Perfectly Sautéed Vegetables?
The key to perfectly cooked veggies in your stir fry is high heat and quick cooking. Here’s how you can achieve that:
- Make sure your wok or skillet is hot before adding oil. This prevents sticking!
- Add the garlic and ginger first, and stir-fry for just a few seconds until fragrant. Don’t let them burn!
- Cook the vegetables in batches if needed; overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of sautéing. Aim for around 4-5 minutes just until they’re bright and crisp-tender.
By following these steps, your vegetables will maintain their vibrant colors, textures, and nutrients, making the dish both healthy and beautiful!
How to Make Healthy Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 12 oz (340 g) lean beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional for color and flavor)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for depth)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or canola oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for mild heat)
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Healthy Chinese Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry takes about 10-15 minutes for prep and another 10-15 minutes for cooking. In total, you can have a delicious, healthy meal ready in just about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Beef:
In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and the cornstarch mixed with water. Mix everything well and let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes. This helps tenderize the beef and adds flavor!
2. Heat the Oil:
In a large wok or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, you’re ready to add the beef.
3. Cook the Beef:
Add the marinated beef in a single layer to the hot skillet. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until the beef is browned but not fully cooked. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same pan, stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds until they’re fragrant! Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
5. Add the Vegetables:
Now, toss in the sliced cabbage, julienned carrot, red bell pepper (if you’re using it), and chopped green onions. Stir-fry everything for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender and vibrant.
6. Combine Everything:
Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir-fry everything together for another 2 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and the sauce coats everything evenly.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat. If you like, garnish your stir fry with sesame seeds. Serve it hot over cooked brown rice or quinoa for a delicious and healthy meal!
FAQ
Can I Use Other Vegetables in This Stir Fry?
Absolutely! While cabbage and carrots are great choices, you can easily swap them for bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy, depending on your preference or what you have on hand. Just keep the cooking times in mind, as some vegetables may cook faster than others.
Can I Make This Stir Fry Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and vegetables ahead of time! Just store them separately in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply stir-fry them together and add the sauce for a quick meal.
Can I Use Chicken Instead of Beef?
Definitely! Chicken breast or thighs can be excellent substitutes for beef in this recipe. Just cut the chicken into thin slices and follow the same cooking instructions. Adjust the cooking time as needed until the chicken is cooked through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for even warming or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. Enjoy your meal again!
