Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry: A Weeknight Wonder

Craving a flavorful, healthy, and lightning-fast dinner? Look no further than this beef and cabbage stir-fry! It’s a budget-friendly dish packed with vibrant veggies and tender beef, all coated in a savory, umami-rich sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a quick weekend meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This stir-fry relies on simple, readily available ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
• 1 medium head of cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 carrots, peeled and julienned
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (optional, but adds depth)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Making the Magic Happen

The key to a successful stir-fry is all about the prep and the high heat. Get everything chopped and ready to go before you start cooking.

1. Whisk the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients and set aside.
2. Sear the Beef: Heat one tablespoon of oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add the beef and stir-fry until browned, about 2-3 minutes. Remove the beef and set aside.
3. Stir-fry the Veggies: Add the remaining oil to the wok. Add the onion, carrots, and cabbage and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Combine and Simmer: Return the beef to the wok. Add the garlic and ginger and stir-fry for another minute until fragrant. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
5. Serve: Serve immediately over rice or noodles.

Tips and Tricks for Stir-Fry Success

Here are a few tips to elevate your stir-fry game:

• Velveting the Beef: For extra tender beef, try velveting it. Marinate the sliced beef in a mixture of cornstarch, soy sauce, and a little oil for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Wok: If you overcrowd the wok, the vegetables will steam instead of stir-fry. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Get Creative with Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

This beef and cabbage stir-fry is a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight meal. With a little practice, you’ll be whipping up this flavorful dish in no time. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your wok, and enjoy!