If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, satisfying meal that comes together quickly and feels both comforting and a little bit exotic, then the Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry with Hoisin Peanut Sauce Recipe is going to be your new weeknight hero. This dish combines tender, savory ground beef with tender-crisp cabbage and onions, all enveloped in a luscious hoisin peanut sauce that’s at once sweet, nutty, and a touch spicy. Each bite bursts with flavor and texture, making it a perfect way to elevate simple ingredients into something truly memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the balance right in this stir fry is all about using ingredients that bring harmony to the dish in terms of flavor, texture, and color. Each one plays an essential role; from the fresh crunch of cabbage to the creamy depth of peanut butter, every component deserves attention.
- 4 cups green cabbage (chopped): Adds a fresh, crisp texture and mild sweetness that balances rich beef.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Brings subtle sweetness and depth as it caramelizes slightly during cooking.
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef: Provides hearty protein and a tender, juicy base for the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Packs aromatic punch and warmth, essential for a flavorful stir fry.
- 1 teaspoon ginger (grated): Adds bright, zesty notes that elevate the overall profile.
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce: Brings tangy sweetness and a little savory complexity to the sauce.
- 3 heaping tablespoons creamy peanut butter: Creates a rich, silky texture and nutty flavor that’s utterly addictive.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Gives depth and umami, essential for balancing sweetness.
- 1/2 tablespoon sriracha sauce (or more to taste): Adds a gentle kick of heat, letting you customize the spice level.
How to Make Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry with Hoisin Peanut Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a skillet over medium-high and adding your ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, letting it get that wonderful browned texture which forms the base of so much flavor. You want to cook it until it’s just browned, around 5-6 minutes. If your beef is lean, no need to drain the fat, but with fattier cuts, you might want to spoon a bit out to keep things from getting greasy.
Step 2: Introduce Aromatics
Next, stir in your minced garlic and grated ginger. These two ingredients pack an incredible punch to awaken the senses. Let them cook just about 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn them, as that could add bitterness rather than deliciousness.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Time to add chopped cabbage and onion to the skillet. Toss everything together and let it sauté for 8-10 minutes. The cabbage should soften but still hold a little crunch, and the onions should turn translucent and sweet. This step builds layers of texture and flavor and lets the vegetables soak up any meaty goodness.
Step 4: Create the Hoisin Peanut Sauce
Take the skillet off the heat and stir in hoisin sauce, creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, and sriracha. This sauce is the magic that ties the dish together—it’s savory, sweet, creamy, and just spicy enough. Taste it and feel free to adjust any of the sauces or spice until it feels just right to you. Serve immediately, ideally over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up every drop of deliciousness.
How to Serve Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry with Hoisin Peanut Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry with Hoisin Peanut Sauce Recipe even more inviting, sprinkle fresh scallions or chopped peanuts on top. These garnishes provide extra color, crunch, and a fresh snap that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This stir fry works wonderfully with simple side dishes like steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or even noodles to soak up the flavorful sauce. A light cucumber salad or pickled vegetables on the side can add a refreshing brightness to the plate as well.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your stir fry in lettuce cups for a hands-on experience that’s casual but oh-so-delicious. Or, plate it atop cauliflower rice for a low-carb version with the same rich flavor. You can even wrap it in rice paper rolls with fresh herbs for a fresh take on presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry with Hoisin Peanut Sauce Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after sitting overnight, making it a fantastic next-day meal.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but since cabbage softens more when frozen and thawed, it’s best to consume it fresh if possible. If freezing, package it tightly in freezer-safe containers and consume within 2 months to maintain the best taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or use a microwave, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. You may want to add a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the sauce and keep everything moist during reheating.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even a plant-based alternative will work beautifully in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the protein’s fat content and texture.
Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat?
The recipe includes sriracha for a mild kick, but you can completely control the spice level. Omit the sriracha for no heat or add more if you like things fiery. It’s all about what suits your palate.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Certainly! Crunchy peanut butter will add some extra texture and nuttiness to the sauce, creating a slightly different but equally delicious experience. Just make sure to stir well to combine everything.
What can I serve with this stir fry for a complete meal?
Besides rice or noodles, pairing with steamed or roasted vegetables, spring rolls, or even a light soup makes a balanced and satisfying meal that complements the rich flavors.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, be sure to use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and check that your hoisin sauce is gluten-free as some brands may contain wheat. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully satisfying about the Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry with Hoisin Peanut Sauce Recipe—it’s a dish that brings warmth, comfort, and a hint of indulgence without any fuss. Whether you’re cooking for busy weeknights or inviting friends for a casual dinner, this recipe promises bold flavors with simple ingredients. Give it a try soon, and you may just find it becomes one of your favorite go-to meals!
Print
Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry with Hoisin Peanut Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
This Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender ground beef with crisp green cabbage, enhanced by a savory and slightly spicy sauce made from hoisin, peanut butter, soy sauce, and sriracha. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal, it offers a deliciously balanced mix of protein and vegetables.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups green cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 pound extra lean ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 3 heaping tablespoons creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon sriracha sauce (or more to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to a skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks and continue until the beef is just browned, about 5-6 minutes. If using lean beef, retain the rendered fat; with fattier beef, spoon out excess fat as preferred.
- Sauté garlic and ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add vegetables: Incorporate the chopped cabbage and onion into the skillet. Sauté while stirring occasionally for 8-10 minutes, or until the cabbage softens and the onions become tender to your liking.
- Finish with sauce: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the hoisin sauce, creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, and sriracha sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning or spice levels as desired. Serve immediately, optionally over rice and garnished with scallions for color.
Notes
- Use extra lean ground beef for a lighter dish, or adjust fat removal if using fattier beef.
- Adjust sriracha to control the spice level to your preference.
- Serving over steamed rice or cauliflower rice works well to complete the meal.
- For added texture, garnish with chopped scallions or crushed peanuts (optional).
