Sweet and Sour Beef and Cabbage: A Deliciously Tangy & Easy Weeknight Meal

Are you searching for a quick, satisfying, and flavor-packed dinner that won’t leave you slaving in the kitchen for hours? Look no further than this delightful Sweet and Sour Beef and Cabbage recipe! This dish combines tender beef with the humble cabbage in a tantalizing sweet and sour sauce, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s both budget-friendly and incredibly easy to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables! This recipe is easily customizable to your liking; you can adjust the sweetness, sourness, and spiciness levels to create a dish that’s perfectly tailored to your palate. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to create this culinary masterpiece.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet and Sour Beef and Cabbage

Before we get to the recipe itself, let’s take a moment to appreciate why this Sweet and Sour Beef and Cabbage is destined to become a family favorite:

* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you’re short on time.
* **One-Pan Wonder:** Less cleanup is always a win! This dish is primarily cooked in one pan or wok, minimizing the dishes you’ll need to wash afterward.
* **Flavorful and Satisfying:** The combination of tender beef, crunchy cabbage, and tangy sweet and sour sauce is incredibly satisfying and bursting with flavor.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Cabbage is an inexpensive vegetable, and you can use a less expensive cut of beef, making this a budget-friendly meal.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize the recipe to your liking by adjusting the sweetness, sourness, and spiciness levels. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots.
* **Healthy-ish:** Packed with protein from the beef and vitamins from the cabbage, this meal is a relatively healthy option compared to takeout.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious Sweet and Sour Beef and Cabbage, you’ll need the following ingredients:

* **Beef:** 1 pound ground beef, or thinly sliced steak (flank steak, sirloin, or even stew meat will work).
* **Cabbage:** 1/2 head of medium cabbage, shredded (about 4 cups).
* **Onion:** 1 medium onion, chopped.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves garlic, minced.
* **Ginger:** 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger).
* **Soy Sauce:** 1/4 cup.
* **Rice Vinegar:** 2 tablespoons (or apple cider vinegar).
* **Brown Sugar:** 2 tablespoons (adjust to taste).
* **Ketchup:** 2 tablespoons.
* **Cornstarch:** 1 tablespoon.
* **Water:** 1/4 cup.
* **Sesame Oil:** 1 teaspoon (optional, for added flavor).
* **Vegetable Oil:** 1-2 tablespoons, for cooking.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a little heat).
* **Sesame Seeds:** 1 tablespoon (for garnish).
* **Green Onions:** 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish).
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

* **Beef:** Ground beef is the most budget-friendly and convenient option. If using steak, slice it thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. Stew meat will need to be cooked longer until tender.
* **Cabbage:** Green cabbage is the most common, but you can also use red cabbage or Napa cabbage. Napa cabbage will be more tender and cook faster.
* **Vinegar:** Rice vinegar is preferred for its delicate flavor, but apple cider vinegar or white vinegar can be used as a substitute. Adjust the amount to taste.
* **Brown Sugar:** You can substitute honey or maple syrup for brown sugar. Adjust the amount to taste.
* **Ketchup:** Adds a classic sweet and tangy flavor. Tomato paste can be used if desired.
* **Ginger:** Fresh ginger is always best, but ground ginger is a convenient alternative.
* **Soy Sauce:** Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended to control the saltiness of the dish. Tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) is a great alternative.

## Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Sweet and Sour Beef and Cabbage

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking!

**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**

* Shred the cabbage, chop the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger (if using fresh).
* If using steak, slice it thinly against the grain.
* In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, cornstarch, and water. This is your sweet and sour sauce. Set aside.

**Step 2: Cook the Beef**

* Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
* Add the ground beef (or sliced steak) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
* Season the beef with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

**Step 3: Add the Aromatics**

* Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the skillet with the beef.
* Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is softened and fragrant.

**Step 4: Add the Cabbage**

* Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet.
* Stir-fry the cabbage with the beef and aromatics for 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage is slightly softened but still has a bit of crunch.

**Step 5: Add the Sweet and Sour Sauce**

* Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the beef and cabbage mixture.
* Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly. This should take about 1-2 minutes.

**Step 6: Simmer and Thicken**

* Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to soften further.
* If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water to reach desired consistency. If the sauce is too thin, simmer for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.

**Step 7: Finish and Serve**

* Stir in the sesame oil (if using) for added flavor.
* Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more soy sauce for saltiness, vinegar for sourness, or brown sugar for sweetness.
* Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
* Serve hot over rice, noodles, or on its own.

## Tips for the Best Sweet and Sour Beef and Cabbage

* **Don’t Overcook the Cabbage:** The cabbage should be slightly softened but still have a bit of crunch. Overcooked cabbage will become mushy.
* **Adjust the Sweetness and Sourness:** Taste the sauce and adjust the amount of brown sugar and vinegar to your liking. Some people prefer a sweeter sauce, while others prefer a more sour sauce.
* **Use a Hot Pan:** A hot pan is essential for stir-frying the beef and cabbage. This will help to prevent the ingredients from steaming and becoming soggy.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan:** If you’re using a smaller skillet, cook the beef and cabbage in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding the pan will lower the temperature and cause the ingredients to steam instead of stir-fry.
* **Prepare Ingredients in Advance:** This recipe comes together quickly, so it’s helpful to have all the ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as bell peppers, onions, carrots, or broccoli. Add them along with the cabbage and stir-fry until they are tender-crisp.
* **Spice It Up:** If you like a little heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use tamari (gluten-free soy sauce) instead of regular soy sauce.

## Serving Suggestions

This Sweet and Sour Beef and Cabbage is delicious served in a variety of ways:

* **Over Rice:** Serve it over steamed white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice for a classic and satisfying meal.
* **With Noodles:** Serve it with lo mein noodles, chow mein noodles, or rice noodles for a heartier dish.
* **In Lettuce Wraps:** For a low-carb option, serve the beef and cabbage in lettuce wraps.
* **As a Side Dish:** Serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, pork, or fish.
* **In Egg Rolls:** Use the mixture as a filling for homemade egg rolls.

## Variations and Additions

Here are a few variations and additions to customize this recipe to your liking:

* **Sweet and Sour Chicken and Cabbage:** Substitute chicken for the beef.
* **Sweet and Sour Pork and Cabbage:** Substitute pork for the beef.
* **Sweet and Sour Tofu and Cabbage:** For a vegetarian option, substitute tofu for the beef. Press the tofu to remove excess water and then cube it before stir-frying.
* **Add Pineapple:** Add chunks of pineapple to the dish for a tropical twist.
* **Add Bell Peppers:** Add sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green) for extra flavor and color.
* **Add Carrots:** Add shredded carrots for added sweetness and crunch.
* **Add Broccoli:** Add broccoli florets for extra nutrients and fiber.

## Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

**Make Ahead:**

You can prepare the sweet and sour sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also chop the vegetables in advance and store them in the refrigerator.

**Storage:**

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (approximate per serving)

* Calories: Approximately 350-400
* Protein: 25-30g
* Fat: 20-25g
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g
* Fiber: 3-5g

*Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

## Printable Recipe Card

[Include a formatted printable recipe card here with Ingredients, Instructions, and Notes]

## Sweet and Sour Beef and Cabbage Recipe

**Yields:** 4 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 20 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound ground beef, or thinly sliced steak
* 1/2 head of medium cabbage, shredded (about 4 cups)
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
* 1/4 cup soy sauce
* 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar (adjust to taste)
* 2 tablespoons ketchup
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1/4 cup water
* 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
* 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
* 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
* 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped (for garnish)
* Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Shred the cabbage, chop the onion, mince the garlic, and grate the ginger (if using fresh). If using steak, slice it thinly against the grain. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, ketchup, cornstarch, and water. Set aside.
2. Cook the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or sliced steak) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Season the beef with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is softened and fragrant.
4. Add the Cabbage: Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet. Stir-fry the cabbage with the beef and aromatics for 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage is slightly softened but still has a bit of crunch.
5. Add Sweet and Sour Sauce: Pour the sweet and sour sauce over the beef and cabbage mixture. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly (about 1-2 minutes).
6. Simmer and Thicken: Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to soften further.
7. Finish and Serve: Stir in the sesame oil (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or on its own.

**Notes:**

* Adjust the sweetness and sourness to your liking.
* Don’t overcook the cabbage.
* Add other vegetables as desired.

## Conclusion

This Sweet and Sour Beef and Cabbage recipe is a delicious, easy, and budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With its flavorful sauce, tender beef, and slightly crunchy cabbage, it’s sure to become a new family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple instructions, and enjoy a truly satisfying and flavorful meal. Happy cooking!

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## Related Posts

* [Link to another beef recipe] * [Link to another cabbage recipe] * [Link to another stir-fry recipe]