Sesame-Glazed Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick, savory stir-fry featuring tender beef strips and crisp cabbage in a rich sesame-tamari glaze, perfect for weeknight dinners. This asian-inspired beef (low-carb) ready in about 27 minutes pairs ounces flank steak, shredded cabbage, tablespoon sesame oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 12 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 8 ounces flank steak, thinly sliced, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned but not fully cooked; remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add remaining 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil to skillet, then add 2 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 cups shredded cabbage and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until edges begin to golden and cabbage softens.
  4. Step 4: Return 8 ounces beef to skillet, add 1 tablespoon tamari, 1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the beef.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sesame-Glazed Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (12 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sesame-Glazed Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ounces flank steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sesame-Glazed Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sesame-Glazed Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Sesame-Glazed Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry low-carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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