Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is the kind of quick and satisfying recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat. With tender strips of beef, crisp cabbage, and a savory stir-fry sauce, this dish delivers bold flavor, balanced nutrition, and total weeknight convenience.
Whether you’re looking for a low-carb dinner, trying to use up leftover cabbage, or need a high-protein, one-pan meal that comes together fast—this stir fry checks all the boxes. It’s budget-friendly, keto-friendly, and perfect for those busy nights when you need something hearty, healthy, and homemade.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Stir Fry Recipe
(Fast, flexible, and full of flavor!)
– Ready in under 30 minutes — perfect for easy weeknight dinners
– One-pan recipe = minimal cleanup
– Packed with high protein and fiber for a balanced, satisfying meal
– Made with simple, budget-friendly ingredients
– Low-carb and keto-friendly
– Easily customizable — toss in your favorite veggies or change up the sauce
– Serve it with rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own for a light, clean plate
– Great for meal prep — reheats beautifully
– Bursting with umami-rich flavor
– A smart way to use leftover cabbage and reduce food waste
This dish fits beautifully into your keto meal plan, healthy eating for two, or even your high protein ready made meals list when prepping ahead!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Ground beef or thinly sliced beef strips
- Green cabbage, shredded
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh ginger, grated or minced
- Soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free option)
- Sesame oil
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
- Green onions, sliced
- Optional: chili flakes or sriracha for added heat
- Optional: rice vinegar or lime juice for a touch of brightness
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving (optional)
How to Make Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry – Step-by-Step 🥢🔥
(Fast, flavorful, and made with simple ingredients in just one pan!)
1. Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the beef (ground or thinly sliced) and cook until browned and fully cooked through.
– If using ground beef, break it apart as it cooks.
– Once done, remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, add a bit of oil if needed.
Sauté minced garlic and grated ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This builds the bold flavor base for your stir fry.
3. Stir-Fry the Cabbage
Add shredded cabbage to the skillet. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes, just until it softens but still has a bit of crunch. The texture is key!
4. Bring It All Together
Return the cooked beef to the pan and stir to combine with the cabbage.
5. Add the Sauce and Seasoning
Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like more heat.
6. Optional Tangy Finish
For added brightness, splash in a bit of rice vinegar or fresh lime juice. This adds a light, zesty touch that balances the richness.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Enjoy on its own, or pair with rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb high protein meal.
Serving & Timing
– Servings: 4
– Prep Time: 10 minutes
– Cook Time: 15 minutes
– Total Time: 25 minutes
Flavor Variations to Try 🌈
(Customize it to fit your mood, your diet, or your leftovers!)
– Low-Carb/Keto Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or on its own for a keto-friendly, high protein meal.
– Spicy Version: Add sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
– Add Extra Veggies: Stir in bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, or snap peas for more color and crunch.
– Sweet & Savory Twist: Add a drizzle of honey or hoisin sauce for that craveable umami-sweet flavor.
– Try Different Proteins: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or tofu for a delicious twist that still fits your healthy meal plan.
Storage & Reheating Tips 🥡
(Perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches!)
– Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
– Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
– Note: The cabbage will soften slightly after storing, but the flavors get even better the next day!
Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or thinly sliced beef strips
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated or minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced
- optional chili flakes or sriracha for heat
- optional rice vinegar or lime juice for brightness
- optional cooked rice or noodles for serving
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up if using ground beef. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add cabbage and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until slightly wilted but still crisp.
- Return the beef to the pan and stir everything together.
- Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or chili flakes.
- Optional: Add a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice for extra brightness.
- Top with green onions and serve hot, with or without rice or noodles.
Nutrition
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of sliced beef?
Yes, ground beef is an excellent option for this dish and cooks even faster, making it a great time-saver.
Do I need to cook the cabbage before adding it to the stir fry?
No, simply add the raw cabbage directly to the skillet, where it will cook to the perfect tenderness while still keeping some crispness.
Can I freeze this dish?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. However, be aware that the cabbage may become softer upon reheating.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce, this dish can easily be made gluten-free.
What type of beef is best if I’m slicing it thinly?
Flank steak, skirt steak, or sirloin work wonderfully when sliced thinly against the grain, ensuring the meat stays tender.
Can I add noodles to the stir fry?
Absolutely! Stir in cooked noodles, such as rice noodles, udon, or ramen, at the end to make the dish even heartier.
What can I serve this stir fry with?
This stir fry is fantastic with rice, noodles, or even served in lettuce wraps for a lighter option.
How do I keep the cabbage from getting soggy?
The key to keeping cabbage crispy is to cook it quickly over high heat, which will prevent it from becoming too soft.
Can I use red cabbage?
Yes, you can use red cabbage, but note that it will alter the flavor slightly and change the color of the dish.
Is this dish spicy?
This recipe is not inherently spicy, but you can add heat by using chili flakes, sriracha, or chili garlic sauce to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts – A Stir Fry You’ll Crave Again and Again 🥢❤️
(Fast. Flavorful. Totally flexible.)
This Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is the ultimate go-to for quick family meals and healthy weeknight dinners. With just one pan, simple ingredients, and bold, umami-packed flavor, it checks every box:
✔️ High protein
✔️ Low-carb and keto-friendly
✔️ Ready in under 30 minutes
✔️ Great for meal prep
✔️ Easy cleanup
Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own, this stir fry delivers satisfying comfort without the fuss. And thanks to its customizable nature, you can switch up the veggies, protein, or spice level to keep things exciting—perfect for rotating into your best dinner prep meals or budget-friendly meal plans for two.
This recipe is a reminder that healthy eating for two (or more) doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. Just a few wholesome ingredients and one skillet is all you need.
Give it a try this week—and enjoy every savory, satisfying bite!
I made a half recipe using ground beef. I added carrot matchsticks for color and taste. I had about 4oz of dry lo mein noodles that I cooked and added to the dish.
It’s tasty and filling. I might try it with sliced beef next time.