Stir fries are one of the best options for a midweek dinner — quick, healthy, and endlessly adaptable to whatever you have in the fridge. Once your ingredients are prepped, this Chinese beef stir fry can genuinely be on the table in minutes, making it a brilliant choice for busy family evenings.
This version uses cabbage as the main vegetable, but stir fries are wonderfully flexible. Swap in pepper strips, green beans, asparagus, carrot strips, beansprouts, or anything else that needs using up — it’s a great way to clear out the vegetable drawer without anyone noticing.
Chinese Beef Stir-Fry Recipe
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 2 x sirloin steaks
- ½ cabbage, shredded
- 1 large red onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 large green chilli, halved and thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 30g piece of peeled ginger, grated
- 30ml rapeseed oil
- 50ml soy sauce
- 15ml lime juice
- Sea salt and black pepper
Method
1. Thinly slice the steak, discard any fat and season with some salt and black pepper.
2. In a large wok, heat the oil until hot, then add the steak and fry for a few minutes to seal.
3. Add the onion, cabbage, garlic and chilli, and stir fry for about 4 minutes.
4. Then add the ginger and cook for another minute.
5. Add the soy sauce and the lime juice.
6. Cook, stirring, for 3–4 minutes, then serve with rice or noodles.
Recipe courtesy of Aldi.
A Few Tips for Busy Nights
If you’re cooking for children who aren’t keen on spice, halve the chilli or leave it out altogether — the ginger, garlic and soy sauce still give plenty of flavour. Slicing the steak thinly and having all your vegetables prepped before you turn on the heat makes the whole thing come together fast, so it’s worth doing your chopping earlier in the day if you can.
Leftovers reheat well the next day, and this stir fry works just as nicely with rice, noodles, or even tucked into a wrap for a quick lunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes. Sirloin works well because it’s tender and cooks quickly, but you could use rump or fillet steak too. Whatever cut you choose, slice it thinly against the grain for the best texture.
What vegetables can I use instead of cabbage?
Almost anything you have to hand — pepper strips, green beans, asparagus, carrot strips or beansprouts are all great alternatives. Stir fries are a good way to use up whatever vegetables need eating.
Can I make this ahead or freeze it?
Stir fries are best cooked fresh and eaten straight away, as the vegetables can lose their crunch on reheating. However, you can prep and slice the beef and vegetables in advance and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Is this recipe suitable for younger children?
Yes, with a small adjustment. Reduce or leave out the green chilli if you’re cooking for children who don’t like heat, and check that the beef is sliced thinly and cooked through.
What can I serve this with?
Rice or noodles both work well. It also pairs nicely with a simple side of steamed greens if you’d like to bulk out the meal.
You Might Also Enjoy
- Chinese Pork Lettuce Wraps are a Delicious and Healthy Idea for Dinner
- Try This Sweet and Sour Pork Recipe for a New Family Favourite
Save This for Your Next Midweek Dinner
If this one’s a keeper, save it to your recipe collection or share it with a friend who’s stuck for weeknight dinner ideas — it’s the kind of recipe worth having on hand for busy evenings.
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