This Vietnamese Beef and Red Cabbage Bowl is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the essence of Vietnam right to your kitchen. Tender beef, crunchy red cabbage, and fragrant jasmine rice come together in a stunning display of color and taste. It’s perfect for family-style serving, topped with spicy habanero for an extra kick!
Budget Information
The total cost for this delightful Vietnamese Beef and Red Cabbage Bowl is approximately $15.00, yielding about four hearty servings. This brings the cost to around $3.75 per serving, making it a budget-friendly meal packed with flavor!
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe strikes a harmonious balance between tender, marinated beef and the crunchy texture of red cabbage, all elevated by a kick of vibrant spices. The contrast in colors makes your meal visually appealing, while the fresh herbs and lime juice add a zesty finish that brightens every bite. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a dish that looks as good as it tastes? It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure!
Ingredients + Optional Substitutions
To make this Vietnamese Beef and Red Cabbage Bowl, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb beef flank steak ($8.00) – Any thinly sliced beef works well!
- 4 cups red cabbage, shredded ($2.50) – Green cabbage can be used as a substitute.
- 2 cups jasmine rice ($1.50) – Feel free to use basmati or brown rice if desired.
- 1/4 cup fish sauce ($1.00) – Soy sauce can be a suitable alternative for a vegetarian option.
- 1/4 cup lime juice ($0.75) – Fresh limes are always best, but bottled lime juice works in a pinch.
- 2 tablespoons sugar ($0.25) – You can opt for honey or agave if you want a natural sweetener.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ($0.30) – Garlic powder could be an alternative if that’s all you have.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes ($0.10) – Leave this out or adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance!
- Fresh cilantro for garnish ($1.20) – Chopped green onions can substitute for a different flavor.
Step-by-step Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Begin by preparing your beef. In a mixing bowl, combine the fish sauce, lime juice, sugar, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Whisk these ingredients together until the sugar is dissolved. This marinade is your secret weapon for infusing the beef with that irresistible flavor!
Step 2: Slice your flank steak thinly against the grain. The thinner the slices, the more tender each bite will be! Add the beef to the marinade, ensuring all the meat is coated. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the fridge if you have time to let those flavors really marry.
Step 3: While the beef marinates, prepare your jasmine rice according to the package instructions. Make sure you rinse it well before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps it become fluffy!
Step 4: After marinating, heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef, letting it sear without crowding the pan. This step is crucial to achieve that delicious caramelization and browned edges! Cook until browned and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Step 5: In a large serving bowl, layer the cooked jasmine rice, followed by the shredded red cabbage. Arrange the cooked beef on top. This colorful assembly is not just visually stunning—it’s about to be out-of-this-world delicious!
Step 6: Finish off the dish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a few lime wedges on the side for that extra zing. If you’re feeling daring, slice up some habanero pepper for those who love heat—Texan style, of course!
Nutritional Facts
Here are the estimated nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the bowl in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Fresher is always better, but this bowl still holds its flavor well even the next day!
Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal, serve your Vietnamese Beef and Red Cabbage Bowl with a side of spring rolls or crispy fried tofu. Add a small dish of soy sauce for dipping and maybe even a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra texture and flavor. This meal is versatile enough to fit any occasion!
Reader Tips or Helpful Notes
If you’re unsure about the quantity of cabbage to use, remember it wilts down when dressed with lime juice, so don’t be afraid to go generous! Additionally, if you’re looking to make this dish gluten-free, just swap that fish sauce with coconut aminos. You can always get creative with veggies—think carrots or bell peppers for added crunch!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use other cuts of beef? Absolutely! Skirt steak or sirloin work wonderfully, too.
Is this dish spicy? It has a mild spiciness, but you can adjust the heat level to your liking.
Can I make this vegetarian? Definitely! Substitute beef with tofu or tempeh for a delightful twist.
How do I store extra marinated beef? Store it in the fridge for up to two days; just make sure to cook it thoroughly.
What if I don’t have red cabbage? No problem! Regular green cabbage or even shredded carrots will work great.
