Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick, easy, and flavorful weeknight dinner that combines savory ground beef with tender cabbage, bell peppers, and a delicious sauce. This one-pan dish is packed with protein, veggies, and bold flavors from soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. It’s a healthy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy nights or meal prep, and it pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a simple yet tasty dish that’s perfect for a quick and healthy dinner. The ground beef adds richness, while the cabbage provides a satisfying crunch. The stir-fry sauce, made with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic, brings everything together with a savory, slightly sweet flavor. It’s easy to make, customizable with your favorite veggies, and can be served on its own or over steamed rice for a complete meal. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to recipe for busy nights!

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or leaner)

• 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for extra umami flavor)

• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness)

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

• Green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Ingredients:

1. Shred the Cabbage: Cut the cabbage in half and remove the core. Shred the cabbage into thin strips, similar to the texture of coleslaw.

2. Slice the Veggies: Slice the bell pepper and onion into thin strips. Mince the garlic and grate the fresh ginger.

Cook the Ground Beef:

3. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the beef, if necessary.

4. Season the Beef: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant.

Make the Stir-Fry:

5. Add the Veggies: Add the sliced onion, bell pepper, and shredded cabbage to the pan with the beef. Stir everything together and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage wilts and softens but still retains some crunch.

6. Make the Stir-Fry Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and sesame oil (if using). Pour the sauce over the beef and cabbage mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly.

7. Simmer and Adjust Seasoning: Let the stir fry simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.

Serve:

8. Serve and Garnish: Serve the stir fry hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. You can enjoy it as is, or serve it over steamed rice or noodles for a more filling meal.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 15-20 minutes

• Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables such as carrots, snow peas, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.

• Spicy Version: For some heat, add red pepper flakes, chili paste, or fresh chopped chili peppers to the stir fry sauce.

• Add Tofu: For a vegetarian option, replace the ground beef with crumbled firm tofu, or add it alongside the beef for extra protein.

• Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and omit the oyster sauce or use a gluten-free alternative.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or even shrimp. If using chicken or turkey, lean ground meat works best.

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?

Yes, you can use pre-shredded cabbage from the store to save time, or you can also substitute it with coleslaw mix if needed.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! Add some chili flakes, chili paste, or a diced jalapeño to the stir fry for a spicy kick.

Is this dish keto-friendly?

Yes! This stir fry is low in carbs and perfect for a keto diet. Just be mindful of the sauce ingredients and use a sugar-free or lower-carb alternative to hoisin sauce, if needed.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this stir fry can be frozen for up to 2 months. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and reheat it in the skillet or microwave when ready to enjoy.

Conclusion

Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With its savory beef, tender cabbage, and delicious stir-fry sauce, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy to make and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb dinner or a tasty meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, this stir fry will definitely hit the spot. Try it tonight for a healthy, savory meal the whole family will enjoy!