Let’s be honest—after a long day at work, the last thing you want to do is figure out what’s for dinner. But what if I told you that this Sesame Ginger Beef & Cabbage Stir-Fry is not only delicious and crave-worthy, it’s also the perfect meal prep to power you through the week? Packed with flavor, loaded with veggies, and ready in under 30 minutes—this one’s a keeper!
This is a no-fuss, bold, and satisfying recipe that’ll have you skipping the delivery app and feeling proud of your homemade skills. Let’s get cooking!
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Calories: 318kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 102mg | Sodium: 1633mg | Potassium: 977mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 4715IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 127mg | Iron: 4mg
Why This Stir-Fry Is a Meal Prep Powerhouse:
- Healthier Than Takeout: You control the oil, sodium, and sugar—no mystery ingredients here!
- Weeknight Hero: Takes less than 30 minutes, start to finish. That’s faster than delivery!
- Protein-Packed: Lean beef keeps you satisfied longer—no mid-afternoon crashes.
- Veggie-Loaded: Napa cabbage and carrots add crunch, color, and nutrients.
- Budget-Friendly: A few simple ingredients = 3–4 servings at the cost of one takeout order.
- Flavor Explosion: Savory, gingery, and just a little sweet—this sauce is next-level.
- Reheats Like a Dream: Tastes just as good (if not better!) the next day. Perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Beef (12 oz thinly sliced): This is your main source of protein and the heart of the dish. Flank steak or sirloin works well. Thinly sliced beef cooks quickly and absorbs flavor well, making it perfect for stir-frying. It adds richness and a savory bite that pairs beautifully with the bright, tangy sauce and crisp vegetables.
- White Onion (½ sliced): Onions bring natural sweetness and depth to the dish. When cooked, they soften and mellow out, creating a flavor base that complements both the beef and the sauce. Plus, they add a subtle crunch if left slightly underdone—great for texture contrast.
- Garlic (3 cloves, thinly sliced): Garlic infuses the dish with that signature aromatic kick. When sautéed, it becomes slightly nutty and rounds out the savory flavors. It’s a pantry staple that makes everything taste more “home-cooked.”
- Baby Carrots (½ cup, thinly sliced): These bring in a natural sweetness and a bit of crunch. Carrots hold up well in stir-fries and balance out the savory and tangy notes in the sauce. Plus, they’re loaded with nutrients like beta-carotene for eye health!
- Napa Cabbage (2 cups, sliced): Light, slightly sweet, and tender, napa cabbage wilts just enough to soak up the sesame ginger sauce without losing its texture. It bulks up the dish, making it more satisfying and veggie-packed—great for volume eating if you’re watching your calories.
- Green Onions (2 tbsp, chopped – for garnish): These finish the dish with a fresh pop of flavor and color. They’re mild but aromatic, and add that classic stir-fry “zing” right at the end. Don’t skip ‘em—they make a difference!
- Soy Sauce (3 tbsp): This is the salty umami base that gives the dish its signature savory flavor. It balances everything out and ties the beef and veggies together.
- Rice Wine Vinegar (1 tbsp): This brightens the sauce and adds a gentle tang that cuts through the richness of the beef. It helps balance sweet, salty, and savory.
- Sugar (¼ tsp): Just a touch helps balance the saltiness of the soy sauce and enhances the natural sweetness of the carrots and onion. It’s not a “sweet” sauce—it’s all about balance!
- Sesame Oil (1 tsp): Tiny amount, BIG flavor. Sesame oil adds a toasty, nutty aroma that screams “Asian takeout,” but in the best homemade way. It’s rich, so a little goes a long way.
- Cornstarch (1 tsp): This thickens the sauce and helps it coat the beef and vegetables beautifully. Without it, the sauce would be too runny and not cling as well.
- Minced Ginger (1 tsp): Ginger brings warmth, freshness, and zing. It’s energizing and adds a clean, sharp note that brightens the whole dish—great for digestion too!
How to prepare Sesame Ginger Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
- Prep Everything First: Start by prepping all your ingredients so everything is ready when it’s time to cook. Slice the beef into thin strips (across the grain for tenderness). Slice the onion, garlic, carrots, and napa cabbage. In a small bowl, mix together the sauce ingredients: soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, cornstarch, and minced ginger. Stir well until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. Set the sauce aside—you’ll need it soon!
- Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over high heat. Once hot, add a small drizzle of olive oil (about 1 tablespoon). Swirl it around the pan, then carefully add your sliced beef. Spread it out in a single layer and let it sear undisturbed for about 1–2 minutes to get some browning. Then stir and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and browned on all sides. Remove from heat if you’re unsure—no pink should be visible.
- Sauté Onion & Garlic: Add the sliced onion and garlic directly into the pan with the cooked beef. Stir them around and let them cook for about 1 minute until they start to soften and become fragrant. You’re just looking for the onions to look slightly translucent and the garlic to smell amazing—not browned.
- Add the Veggies and sauce: Add the sliced carrots and napa cabbage and stir for a minute. Give your sauce one more stir (the cornstarch may have settled at the bottom), then pour it into the hot pan. Stir everything together really well so that all the beef and veggies are coated in the sauce. Continue to cook for 2–3 more minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly and the cabbage has softened but still has a bit of crunch.
- Finish and Garnish: Turn off the heat and sprinkle the chopped green onions on top. Give everything one last gentle toss to mix it in. Let it cool slightly before portioning it out into containers for meal prep—or serve it hot with your favorite rice or noodles.
Meal Prep Tips for Beef Stir Fry
- Add a Carb Base: To make your meal more filling, pairi it with brown rice or rice noodles. Use cauliflower rice as a low-carb option
- Include a fresh crunch: Cucumber salad with rice vinegar and sesame seeds is a great option.
- Top with extra flavor: Toasted sesame seeds add a nice nutty crunch. Crushed peanuts or cashews are also a great option
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pre-shredded cabbage or bagged coleslaw mix instead of napa cabbage?
Absolutely! Pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix is a great time-saver. Just make sure it doesn’t include dressing—just plain veggies. Napa cabbage is more tender and delicate, but green or savoy cabbage also works.
The sauce didn’t thicken—what went wrong?
Make sure your pan is hot when you add the sauce, and that you stirred the cornstarch mixture before pouring (it settles quickly). If needed, let it simmer for another minute or two to thicken up. You can also dissolve a little more cornstarch in water and stir it in.
What if I don’t have rice wine vinegar?
You can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.
Sesame Ginger Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Beef and Vegetables:
For the Sesame Ginger Sauce:
Instructions
Video
Notes
Nutrition