Beef And Napa Cabbage Stir Fry

Beef And Napa Cabbage Stir Fry is a medium Chinese recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Cook! Stacey Cook on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 40 min

Cost: $12.10 total, $3.02 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Beef Tri‑Tip (Thinly sliced across the grain)
  • 1/2 head Napa Cabbage (Separate leafy and stem parts; cut stem into diagonal strips)
  • 3 slices Fresh Ginger (Thin slices)
  • 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
  • 2 stalks Green Onions (Cut into 2‑inch sections; keep stems and leaves separate)
  • 2 tablespoons Soy Sauce (Light Chinese soy sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon Dark Soy Sauce (Adds color and depth)
  • 1 tablespoon Oyster Sauce (Chinese oyster sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon Rice Wine (Shaoxing wine, optional for deglazing)
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar (Helps caramelize)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Baking Soda (Tenderizes beef)
  • 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (Divided: some for marinating, some for slurry)
  • 2 tablespoons Water (For marinating the beef)
  • 2 tablespoons Cooking Oil (High smoke‑point oil such as vegetable or canola)
  • 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil (Adds nutty flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt (Seasoning)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Crushed Black Pepper (To taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare aromatics

    Slice the ginger into three thin pieces, mince the garlic cloves, and cut the green onions into 2‑inch sections, keeping stems and leaves separate.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Prep napa cabbage

    Separate the tender leafy portion from the tougher stem. Cut the stem half lengthwise then slice at an angle into bite‑size pieces. Keep the leafy part whole for later.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Slice beef

    Trim any excess fat from the tri‑tip and cut across the grain into thin strips about ¼‑inch wide.

    Time: PT3M

  4. Marinate beef

    In a mixing bowl combine soy sauce, oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, water, sugar, baking soda, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, cooking oil, and sesame oil. Add the beef strips, toss to coat evenly, and let sit for 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Make cornstarch slurry

    Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water in a small bowl until fully dissolved.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Stir‑fry cabbage stems

    Heat the wok over medium‑high heat, add 1 tablespoon oil, then sprinkle the sugar and salt. Immediately add the cabbage stem pieces and stir‑fry for about 1 minute.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium-high heat

  7. Add leafy cabbage

    Add the leafy cabbage pieces, continue stir‑frying for another 40 seconds, then remove all cabbage from the wok and set aside.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium-high heat

  8. Sizzle ginger

    Add a splash more oil if needed, then add the ginger slices. Let them sizzle briefly (about 30 seconds).

    Time: PT30S

    Temperature: medium-high heat

  9. Cook beef

    Add the marinated beef in a single layer, spread it out, and let it sear until the bottom is lightly golden, about 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: medium-high heat

  10. Add green onion stems

    Stir in the green onion stems and let them sizzle for 30 seconds.

    Time: PT30S

    Temperature: medium-high heat

  11. Add garlic and flip beef

    Flip the beef, add the minced garlic, and stir‑combine.

    Time: PT30S

    Temperature: medium-high heat

  12. Deglaze with rice wine

    Pour in the rice wine and stir‑fry until the beef is about 70% cooked, roughly 1 minute.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium-high heat

  13. Season beef

    Add the remaining soy sauce and dark soy sauce, stirring until the beef color is even.

    Time: PT30S

    Temperature: medium-high heat

  14. Thicken sauce

    Stir the cornstarch slurry to recombine, then pour it into the wok. Cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens and bubbles, about 1 minute.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium-high heat

  15. Finish and serve

    Return the cabbage (both stem and leafy parts) to the wok, add the green onion leaves and a pinch of crushed black pepper. Toss everything together for another minute, then serve immediately over steamed rice.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: medium-high heat

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
12g
Fat
20g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Contains Gluten

Allergens: Soy, Shellfish

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Beef And Napa Cabbage Stir Fry

Recipe by Cook! Stacey Cook

A quick and easy Chinese‑style stir‑fry featuring tender beef slices, crisp napa cabbage, and a savory soy‑oyster sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner served over rice.

MediumChineseServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
15m
Prep
13m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
38m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$12.10
Total cost
$3.02
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Marinating the beef with baking soda and cornstarch for tenderness.
  • Stir‑frying cabbage stems first to keep leafy parts from overcooking.
  • Adding the cornstarch slurry at the right moment to create a glossy sauce.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter – use a splatter guard if needed.
  • Handle raw beef with clean hands and sanitize surfaces.
  • Ensure beef reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F (63°C).

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of beef and napa cabbage stir fry in Chinese cuisine?

A

Stir‑frying beef with napa cabbage is a classic home‑cooked dish in many Chinese households, especially in northern regions where beef is more common. It showcases the balance of savory soy‑based sauces with the crisp texture of napa cabbage, reflecting the Chinese emphasis on quick, high‑heat cooking.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of beef and napa cabbage stir fry in Chinese cuisine?

A

In northern China, the dish often uses beef and a darker soy sauce for richer color, while in the south, lighter soy sauce and a touch of rice vinegar are added. Some regions substitute beef with pork or add chili oil for heat.

cultural
Q

How is beef and napa cabbage stir fry traditionally served in Chinese meals?

A

It is typically served hot, directly from the wok, alongside steamed white rice and sometimes a small bowl of clear soup. The dish is meant to be eaten immediately to preserve the crispness of the cabbage.

cultural
Q

During which Chinese celebrations or occasions is beef and napa cabbage stir fry commonly prepared?

A

While not a holiday‑specific dish, it is a popular weekday family dinner and is often prepared for gatherings because it can be made quickly and pairs well with other festive dishes during Lunar New Year or family reunions.

cultural
Q

What makes beef and napa cabbage stir fry special or unique in Chinese cuisine?

A

The combination of tender, quickly‑seared beef with the natural sweetness and crunch of napa cabbage, all coated in a glossy soy‑oyster sauce, highlights the Chinese culinary principle of contrasting textures and flavors in a single stir‑fry.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for beef and napa cabbage stir fry versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include beef (often flank or tri‑tip), napa cabbage, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing rice wine, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Substitutes can be tamari for soy sauce, hoisin for oyster sauce, and flank steak instead of tri‑tip.

cultural
Q

What other Chinese dishes pair well with beef and napa cabbage stir fry?

A

It pairs nicely with steamed jasmine rice, a simple egg drop soup, pickled cucumber salad, and a side of stir‑fried bok choy or garlic green beans for a balanced meal.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making beef and napa cabbage stir fry?

A

Common errors include overcooking the beef, which makes it tough; adding the cabbage too early, resulting in soggy leaves; and forgetting to stir the cornstarch slurry before adding, which can cause lumps.

technical
Q

Why does this beef and napa cabbage stir fry recipe use baking soda in the beef marinade?

A

Baking soda raises the pH on the surface of the meat, weakening protein bonds and keeping the beef tender during the brief high‑heat stir‑fry, a technique common in Chinese wok cooking.

technical
Q

Can I make beef and napa cabbage stir fry ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can marinate the beef and pre‑cut the vegetables up to a few hours ahead. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator and re‑heat quickly in a hot wok just before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cook! Stacy Cook specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Cook! Stacy Cook focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes that emphasize quick weeknight meals, clear step‑by‑step instructions, and practical cooking tips for home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cook! Stacy Cook's approach to Chinese cooking differ from other Chinese cooking channels?

A

Cook! Stacy Cook presents Chinese dishes with a focus on simplicity and everyday ingredients, avoiding overly complex techniques while still preserving authentic flavors, unlike some channels that emphasize restaurant‑style precision.

channel

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