Easy Cabbage and Beef Stir Fry Recipe
This Easy Cabbage and Beef Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender flank steak with crisp cabbage and aromatic garlic and carrots. Marinated in a blend of soy sauces, rice wine, and spices, the beef is seared to perfection and tossed with vegetables for a deliciously balanced stir-fry that’s ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 0.67 lb cabbage (300 g)
- 1/4 carrot
- 5 cloves garlic, sliced
Beef Marinade
- 0.67 lb flank steak (300 g), sliced 1/4 inch thick against the grain
- 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice wine, Shaoxing wine, or dry sherry
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda (add only before cooking if marinating overnight)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon oil
Cooking and Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon oil (for sautéing and frying)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
- Dash of black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the beef: Slice the flank steak against the grain into 1/4 inch thick pieces to ensure tenderness. Proper slicing is key for an enjoyable texture.
- Marinate the beef: Combine soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, rice wine, baking soda, cornstarch, and oil with the sliced beef. Mix thoroughly and let it marinate for 10 minutes. If marinating overnight, omit the baking soda and add it just before cooking.
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and slice the cabbage and carrot, and slice the garlic cloves. Set aside for cooking.
- Sauté aromatics and vegetables: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and carrots and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant. Add the cabbage, cover the pan, and steam for 1 minute. Then uncover and stir for another minute to cook until cabbage is slightly tender but still crisp. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Brown the beef: In the same pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef in a single layer to ensure a good sear. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes on each side until medium rare and nicely browned.
- Combine and season: Return the cooked cabbage and vegetables to the pan with the beef. Add salt and black pepper, then stir fry everything together for 1 minute to combine flavors. Finish by drizzling sesame oil over the dish for added aroma and taste.
- Serve: Transfer the stir fry to a plate and serve hot for a delicious and balanced meal.
Notes
- For tender beef, slice against the grain and consider velveting techniques for extra softness.
- Do not add baking soda to the marinade if marinating beef overnight; add it just before cooking to avoid over-tenderizing.
- You can substitute rice wine with Shaoxing wine or dry sherry depending on availability.
- Adjust the amount of soy sauces for saltiness preference.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Find it online: http://bitezly.com/easy-cabbage-and-beef-stir-fry-recipe/
