This Savory Skillet Beef and Cabbage is fast, flavorful, and better than takeout. Tender slices of beef are seared until juicy, then tossed with crisp-tender cabbage and onions in a bold garlic soy glaze finished with sesame oil. It’s a simple, protein-packed skillet dinner that delivers big flavor in just 30 minutes.
Contents
Perfect for busy weeknights, low-carb meals, or anyone craving a satisfying beef and cabbage stir fry without heavy sauces.
Why You’ll Love This Beef and Cabbage Recipe
- Juicy, tender beef sliced against the grain
- Crisp-tender cabbage with deep savory flavor
- Bold garlic soy stir-fry sauce
- One-pan, quick, and weeknight-friendly
- Naturally low-carb and high-protein
Ingredients for Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
- 1 lb flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Green onions or sesame seeds, for garnish
How to Make Skillet Beef and Cabbage
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat.
- Add beef in a single layer and sear for 2–3 minutes, until browned but still tender. Remove and set aside.
- Add remaining oil to the pan and sauté onion for 2 minutes, until slightly softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in cabbage and cook for 3–4 minutes, until wilted but still slightly crisp.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Return beef to the skillet and pour the sauce over the mixture.
- Toss and stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
- Remove from heat and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds.
What to Serve with Beef and Cabbage
This garlic soy beef skillet pairs perfectly with:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Fried rice
- Rice noodles
- Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
Tips for Tender Stir-Fry Beef
- Always slice against the grain for maximum tenderness
- Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan
- Keep cabbage slightly crisp for the best texture
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat: Quickly in a hot skillet or microwave
- Freezing: Not recommended (cabbage softens)
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: ~360 kcal per serving
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
