Unleash the flavors of Asia with this delightful Sesame Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry recipe. This dish showcases the succulent taste of flank steak combined with the crunchiness of green cabbage and carrots, all tossed in a vibrant sesame ginger sauce. It's a quick and easy dish, perfect for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough for hosting guests.
Photos of Sesame Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
For this recipe, you might need to pay attention to a few ingredients if they're not a staple in your kitchen. The flank steak can be found in the meat section of the supermarket, but you can also substitute it with other tender cuts of beef if you prefer. Similarly, avocado oil is chosen for its high smoke point which is ideal for stir-frying, but can be replaced with other high-heat oils like grapeseed or canola. The sesame ginger sauce requires chili garlic sauce and ground ginger which are usually located in the international or spice aisle.
Ingredients for Sesame Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Flank steak: This cut of beef is flavorful and lean, making it suitablefor stir-frying.
Avocado oil: A high smoke point oil, perfect for stir-frying and sauteing.
White onion, green cabbage, carrots: These vegetables add the perfect crunch and color contrast to the dish.
Garlic cloves: They impart a fragrant aroma and spicy flavor.
Soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil: These are the main components of the Sesame ginger sauce that bring an Asian flair to the dish.
Maple syrup: Adds a hint of sweetness to balance the savory and spicy flavors.
Cornstarch: It's used to thicken the sauce, giving it a glossy finish.
Ground ginger: Introduces a warm, spicy flavor to the sauce.
One reader, Flynn Anthony says:
This sesame beef and cabbage stir-fry recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the sesame ginger sauce is divine. The combination of tender beef, crunchy cabbage, and savory sauce is simply irresistible. It's a quick, easy, and delicious meal that's now a staple in my kitchen.
Essential Techniques for Making Sesame Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
How to prepare the sesame ginger sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, water, cornstarch, maple syrup, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, ground ginger, and sesame oil until combined. Set aside.
How to season the steak: Season the flank steak with sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper.
How to cook the steak: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large sauté pan over high heat. Add the steak and sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes, tossing occasionally, until cooked through. Transfer the steak to a clean plate and set aside.
How to sauté the vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan, along with the onion. Sauté for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the green cabbage, garlic, and carrots, and stir to combine. Continue cooking for about 2 to 4 more minutes, or until the cabbage has wilted to the desired level of crispness.
How to combine the ingredients: Add the cooked steak and sauce to the vegetables, and toss to combine for about 30 seconds, or until the sauce thickens up.
How to garnish and serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with desired toppings. Enjoy!
How To Make Sesame Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Delicious cabbage stir fry packed with filling sesame beef and tossed in a sesame ginger sauce makes for a hearty meal! Whip this up in just 30 minutes.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Stir-Fry:
- 1lbflank steak,thinly sliced, cut into bite-sized pieces
- sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper
- 2tbspavocado oil,divided
- 1large white onion,peeled, thinly sliced
- 1small green cabbage,roughly chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 4garlic cloves,peeled, thinly sliced
- ⅔cupcarrots,shredded
For Optional Toppings:
- green onions,thinly-sliced
- sesame seeds,toasted
For Sesame Ginger Sauce:
- ½cupsoy sauce,low-sodium
- ⅓cupwater
- 2tbspcornstarch
- 2tbspmaple syrup,or desired sweetener
- 2tbsprice vinegar
- 2tspchili garlic sauce,or to taste
- 1tspground ginger
- ½tspsesame oil,toasted
Instructions
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Whisk all the sauce ingredients together in a small bowl or shake them together in a mason jar until combined. Set aside.
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Season the steak with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wok or large sauté pan over high heat.
-
Add the steak and sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes, tossing occasionally, until cooked through. Transfer the steak to a clean plate and set aside.
-
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan, along with the onion. Sauté for 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add the green cabbage, garlic, and carrots, and stir to combine. Continue cooking for about 2 to 4 more minutes, or until the cabbage has wilted to the desired level of crispness.
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Add the cooked steak and sauce to the vegetables, and toss to combine for about 30 seconds, or until the sauce thickens up. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
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Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with desired toppings. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Transfer to sealed containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 345.54kcal
- Fat: 17.28g
- Saturated Fat: 4.86g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9.04g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.69g
- Carbohydrates: 19.32g
- Fiber: 1.72g
- Sugar: 8.88g
- Protein: 27.63g
- Cholesterol: 77.11mg
- Sodium: 1831.53mg
- Calcium: 77.39mg
- Potassium: 682.52mg
- Iron: 2.57mg
- Vitamin A: 169.93µg
- Vitamin C: 6.38mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfecting This Stir-Fry
When preparing the flank steak, it's crucial to cut it against the grain. This means slicing it perpendicular to the long strands of muscle, or 'grain', in the meat. This technique breaks up the muscle fibers, making the steak more tender and easier to chew. Also, remember to let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking and before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Stir-Fry Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and marinate the steak the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
One-pot cooking: Consider using a large wok or sauté pan to cook the entire dish in one go, minimizing clean-up time.
Pre-measure ingredients: Have all the ingredients pre-measured and arranged in order of use to streamline the cooking process.
Quick-cooking cuts: Opt for quick-cooking cuts of beef, such as sirloin or ribeye, to reduce cooking time.
Multi-task: While the steak is cooking, prep the vegetables to make the most of your time in the kitchen.
Efficient chopping: Use a sharp knife and efficient chopping techniques to speed up the prep work.
Substitute Ingredients For Sesame Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
flank steak - Substitute with sirloin steak: Sirloin steak is a lean and flavorful cut that can be used as a substitute for flank steak in stir-fry recipes. It has a similar texture and can be cooked quickly at high heat.
avocado oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a suitable substitute for avocado oil in stir-fry recipes.
white onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions have a slightly stronger flavor compared to white onions, but they can be used as a substitute in stir-fry recipes without significantly altering the taste.
green cabbage - Substitute with napa cabbage: Napa cabbage has a milder flavor and tender texture, making it a great substitute for green cabbage in stir-fry recipes.
garlic cloves - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for fresh garlic cloves in stir-fry recipes. Use 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic.
carrots - Substitute with bell peppers: Bell peppers can add a sweet and crunchy texture similar to carrots in stir-fry recipes. They also provide a pop of color and flavor.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce and can be used as a substitute in stir-fry recipes without compromising the flavor.
maple syrup - Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a substitute for maple syrup in the sesame ginger sauce, providing a similar level of sweetness and flavor.
rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute for rice vinegar in the sesame ginger sauce, adding a tangy and slightly fruity flavor.
chili garlic sauce - Substitute with sriracha: Sriracha can be used as a substitute for chili garlic sauce in the sesame ginger sauce, providing a spicy kick and garlicky flavor.
sesame oil - Substitute with peanut oil: Peanut oil can be used as a substitute for sesame oil in the sesame ginger sauce, adding a nutty flavor and enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Best Way to Present Sesame Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Elevate the plating: Arrange the stir-fry in a visually appealing manner, ensuring that the colors and textures of the ingredients are showcased beautifully on the plate.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Introduce a crispy element, such as delicate sesame seeds or finely chopped green onions, to add a textural contrast to the dish.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of minimalism by allowing some of the plate to remain empty, creating a sense of balance and sophistication in the presentation.
Highlight the sauce: Drizzle the sesame ginger sauce with precision, using a squeeze bottle or a small spoon, to create an artistic and appetizing design on the plate.
Emphasize the umami factor: Garnish the dish with a sprinkle of umami-rich ingredients, such as toasted sesame seeds, to enhance the overall flavor profile and add a touch of elegance.
Consider the plate shape and color: Select a plate that complements the colors of the dish and enhances its visual appeal, ensuring that the presentation is as captivating as the flavors.
Incorporate edible flowers or microgreens: Introduce delicate edible flowers or vibrant microgreens to add a pop of color and a touch of refinement to the presentation.
Pay attention to the placement of each component: Thoughtfully position the elements of the stir-fry on the plate, ensuring that each ingredient is showcased with intention and precision.
Use high-quality serving utensils: Select elegant and polished serving utensils that complement the dish, adding a touch of sophistication to the overall presentation.
Create a harmonious composition: Strive to create a visually balanced and harmonious composition on the plate, ensuring that every element contributes to the overall aesthetic appeal of the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Stir-Fry
- Wok: A versatile round-bottomed cooking vessel, typically used for stir-frying, steaming, pan-frying, deep-frying, poaching, boiling, braising, searing, stewing, making soup, smoking, and roasting nuts.
- Sauté pan: A wide, straight-sided pan that is ideal for sautéing, frying, and making sauces.
- Tongs: Essential for flipping and turning the beef and vegetables while stir-frying.
- Whisk: Used for mixing and blending the ingredients for the sesame ginger sauce.
- Mason jar: Can be used for shaking and storing the sesame ginger sauce.
- Mixing bowl: Used for marinating the steak and mixing the sauce ingredients.
- Plate: Used for holding the cooked steak before adding it back into the stir-fry.
- Knife: Essential for slicing the flank steak, onion, and garlic.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping and slicing ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring the ingredients for the sesame ginger sauce.
Storing and Freezing Sesame Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
- Let the sesame beef and cabbage stir-fry cool completely to room temperature before storing or freezing.
- For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled stir-fry to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.
- If you plan to freeze the stir-fry, follow these steps:
- Divide the cooled stir-fry into individual serving portions and place them in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
- Squeeze out as much air as possible from the bags before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, ensuring they lie flat for even freezing.
- The sesame beef and cabbage stir-fry can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat the frozen stir-fry, you have two options:
- Thaw the desired portion in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in a skillet or wok over medium heat until warmed through.
- For a quicker method, transfer the frozen stir-fry directly to a skillet or wok and reheat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it's heated through and any excess liquid has evaporated.
- When reheating, you may need to add a splash of water or chicken broth to help loosen up the sauce and prevent the stir-fry from drying out.
- Keep in mind that the texture of the vegetables may soften slightly after freezing and reheating, but the flavors will still be delicious.
How to Reheat Leftover Sesame Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Reheat the sesame beef and cabbage stir-fry in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to help steam the vegetables and prevent them from drying out. Stir frequently until heated through, about 3-5 minutes.
For a crispy texture, spread the leftover stir-fry on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the sheet in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the beef and vegetables are heated through and slightly crispy around the edges.
If you have a microwave-safe container with a lid, you can reheat the sesame beef and cabbage stir-fry in the microwave. Place the leftovers in the container, cover with the lid, and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes. Stir the contents and continue microwaving in 30-second intervals until heated through.
For a quick and easy lunch, transform your leftover stir-fry into a delicious wrap. Warm up a large tortilla or flatbread, then place a generous portion of the reheated sesame beef and cabbage stir-fry in the center. Add some fresh lettuce, tomato, or avocado for extra crunch and flavor. Roll up the wrap tightly and enjoy your tasty creation.
Create a flavorful fried rice dish with your leftover stir-fry. In a large skillet or wok, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Add some beaten eggs and scramble until cooked. Add cooked rice, your leftover sesame beef and cabbage stir-fry, and some soy sauce to taste. Stir-fry the mixture until the rice is heated through and slightly crispy. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Interesting Trivia About Sesame Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
The sesame beef and cabbage stir-fry recipe is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of tender beef, crunchy cabbage, and a savory sesame ginger sauce. This dish is a great source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. It's a perfect meal for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy and flavorful stir-fry.
Is Making This Stir-Fry Recipe at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this sesame beef and cabbage stir-fry recipe is quite high. The ingredients are relatively affordable and readily available. The use of flank steak is balanced by the abundance of cabbage and carrots, making it a cost-effective option for a household. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25. The dish offers a satisfying and flavorful meal that is both economical and nutritious. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is This Stir-Fry Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This sesame beef and cabbage stir-fry recipe is a relatively healthy dish, offering a balance of protein, vegetables, and flavor. Here's a breakdown of its healthy aspects:
- Flank steak provides a lean source of protein
- Cabbage, onion, garlic, and carrots offer a variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber
- The use of avocado oil for cooking is a healthier choice compared to oils high in saturated fats
- The homemade sesame ginger sauce allows for control over the ingredients, reducing the likelihood of added preservatives or excessive sugar
However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:
- The sodium content may be high due to the use of soy sauce. Opting for a low-sodium soy sauce or using less of it can help reduce the overall sodium content.
- The maple syrup in the sauce adds extra sugar to the dish. While it contributes to the flavor profile, reducing the amount or substituting it with a natural sweetener like honey could be beneficial.
- Increasing the proportion of vegetables to meat would boost the fiber and nutrient content while reducing the overall calorie density of the meal.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this stir-fry, consider the following suggestions:
- Incorporate a wider variety of vegetables, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or bok choy, to increase the diversity of nutrients
- Serve the stir-fry over a bed of brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice to add more fiber and complex carbohydrates
- Experiment with different lean protein sources, such as chicken or tofu, to vary the dish and cater to individual preferences or dietary restrictions
- Add a sprinkle of crushed nuts, such as cashews or peanuts, for an extra crunch and a boost of healthy fats
Editor's Opinion on This Sesame Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
This sesame beef and cabbage stir-fry recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The tender flank steak pairs beautifully with the crunchy cabbage and carrots, while the sesame ginger sauce adds a perfect balance of savory and sweet notes. The dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it a great option for a busy weeknight. The use of fresh ingredients and the homemade sauce elevate the overall taste and quality of the dish. It's a versatile recipe that can be easily customized with additional vegetables or protein. Overall, it's a delicious and satisfying stir-fry that is sure to impress!
Enhance Your Sesame Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Sesame Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for a satisfying and wholesome meal. The flank steak is tender and juicy, complemented by the crunchy cabbage and carrots. The savory and slightly sweet sesame ginger sauce adds a delightful umami flavor, enhancing the overall dish. With carefully selected ingredients and a well-balanced sauce, this recipe promises to deliver a delightful dining experience, earning the trust of users seeking a delicious and reliable stir-fry recipe.
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