Dinner

Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

ByElla Hart July 18, 2025July 18, 2025

When you need something fast, flavorful, and seriously satisfying, this Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry answers the call every time. Packed with juicy ground beef, tender cabbage, and earthy shiitake mushrooms, it’s laced with gingery-garlicky goodness and finished with a glossy, savory sauce. Everything comes together in just one pan, making it the kind of weeknight hero that feels special yet effortless. Serve it over a fluffy bowl of rice and you’ve got a comfort food classic that always gets devoured. If you’ve never tried Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry before, you’re in for an absolute treat!

Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is how accessible but essential each ingredient is. Every item plays its part to build layers of flavor, color, and just the right textures that keep you coming back for more.

Ground beef (1 pound): The star of the show, bringing the hearty bite and savory flavor base to the dish.
Cabbage (4 cups, cut into strips): Adds gentle crunch and sweetness, soaking up the tasty sauce as it softens.
Shiitake mushrooms (1 cup, sliced thin): Their deep, almost meaty flavor adds earthy richness and makes every bite interesting.
Sesame oil (1 tablespoon): A must for that authentic nutty aroma that gives serious stir fry vibes.
Neutral cooking oil (1 tablespoon): Lets ingredients sizzle without overpowering the other flavors—think grapeseed or canola.
Ginger (about 1-inch, minced): Brings sharp, zippy brightness that cuts through the richness intelligently.
Garlic (2 cloves, chopped small): Provides deep aroma and warmth with every forkful.
Soy sauce (3 tablespoons): Delivers essential salty depth, tying all the elements together.
Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a round, slightly sweet umami punch—skip if you need to, but it’s a winner if you have it.
Green onions (4, finely chopped): For their gentle bite and extra pop of color right at the end.
Salt and pepper: Seasoning makes the other flavors shine—taste at the end for your perfect balance.
Cooked white rice: Soft, neutral, and always ready to soak up those fabulous stir fry juices.

How to Make Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Step 1: Prep Everything First

A stir fry moves quickly, so have everything sliced, minced, and ready to toss in the pan. Once your knife work is done, the rest is a breeze!

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Get your largest skillet or wok hot over medium heat, then swirl in the neutral cooking oil. Let it heat up until shimmering—this helps everything sizzle, not steam.

Step 3: Start with Aromatics

Add in your minced ginger and garlic, stirring for about 30 seconds. They should become fragrant but not browned—this is your flavor base, so enjoy that first whiff.

Step 4: Brown the Beef

Drop in the ground beef, breaking it apart with your spatula. Sear the beef until it’s deeply browned and crumbly, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is key for building meaty flavor and texture.

Step 5: Cook the Veggies

Add the shiitake mushrooms and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally until they soften and deepen in color. Then pile in the cabbage, tossing well; let it wilt and release some liquid for 5 minutes or so—it should stay bright and keep a little crunch.

Step 6: Finish with Sauce and Green Onions

Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. Give everything a good stir to coat evenly, then shower in those chopped green onions. No need to overcook—just enough for all the flavors to marry. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Serve

Scoop generous helpings over bowls of hot cooked rice. This is when the kitchen starts smelling like your favorite restaurant, and those first bites always deliver pure joy.

How to Serve Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra green onions or a dusting of toasted sesame seeds right before serving adds crunch and color. If you want more zip, try a dash of chili oil or sriracha at the table—totally optional, but it can take Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry up another notch.

Side Dishes

This stir fry shines over steamed white or brown rice, but you could also pair it with noodles or even quinoa for a twist. If you want something light, add a simple cucumber salad or blanched Asian greens on the side for freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry into lettuce cups for a finger-food style dinner, tuck it into rice paper rolls, or pile it into grain bowls with extra veggies. For parties, serve it family-style in a big bowl, letting everyone scoop their own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover stir fry into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavor gets even richer as it sits, making lunchtime the next day something to look forward to!

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, portion Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or a dash of soy sauce to freshen it up. You can microwave it in a covered dish too, stirring halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I make Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry without mushrooms?

Absolutely! While shiitakes add delicious depth, you can swap for button or cremini mushrooms, or skip them if you prefer—your stir fry will still taste fantastic.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Definitely! Substitute the ground beef for crumbled firm tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based meat alternative. Amp up the vegetables for extra heartiness.

What should I do if I can’t find oyster sauce?

No worries—just add a little extra soy sauce, or try a splash of hoisin sauce for sweetness. The dish will still have plenty of savory flavor.

Do I have to use white rice?

Not at all! Try brown rice, jasmine rice, quinoa, or wrap your Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry in lettuce leaves for a low-carb, crunchy meal.

Can I prep the ingredients in advance?

Chop the cabbage, mushrooms, and aromatics a day ahead to save time when dinner rolls around. Stir frying goes so much smoother when everything is ready to toss in the pan.

Final Thoughts

I’m always thrilled to share recipes that become true family favorites, and Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is definitely one of those magical meals. It’s fast, packed with flavor, and totally customizable. I hope you give it a try—your taste buds (and anyone lucky enough to join you for dinner) will thank you!