Japanese Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry (Sukiyaki-Inspired)

Ingredients

• 250 g boneless beef (thinly sliced, e.g., sirloin or flank)
• 300 g green cabbage (shredded)
• 1/2 medium yellow onion (thinly sliced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp mirin
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp neutral oil (for cooking)
• 1 tsp cornstarch(optional)
• 1 tbsp water(optional)
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional, for serving)(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prep (15 minutes): Slice beef thinly, shred cabbage, and thinly slice onion. Mince garlic.

2. 2

   Make the glaze: In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, and rice vinegar. If using cornstarch, whisk it with water and set aside.

3. 3

   Cook (15 minutes): Heat neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Sear beef in a single layer for 2–3 minutes until browned; remove to a plate.

4. 4

   Stir-fry vegetables: Add onion and garlic to the pan and cook 30–60 seconds. Add cabbage and stir-fry 6–8 minutes until crisp-tender.

5. 5

   Combine and glaze: Return beef to the pan, pour in the glaze, and toss to coat for 2–3 minutes. If using cornstarch slurry, stir it in and cook 30–60 seconds until lightly thickened. Finish with sesame oil and serve.