Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a go-to recipe you can whip up in just 20 minutes! when you are looking for a quick and budget-friendly dinner that’s healthy and delicious. It’s packed with savory, garlicky flavor, tender beef, and crunchy cabbage—perfect for busy weeknights. Whether you’re meal-prepping or craving takeout-style food at home, this dish hits all the right notes.
Equipment You’ll Need
(Click on the equipment names below to view.🛒)
- Large non-stick skillet or wok
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board & knife
- Grater (for fresh ginger)
- Small bowl (for sauce mixing)
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) ground beef
3 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional but adds great flavor)
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper (optional for spice)
2 green onions, sliced
1 tsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for thickening, optional)
Instructions
Step 1
Prep Ingredients—Slice the cabbage thinly, mince the garlic and ginger, and chop the green onions.
Step 2
Cook Ground Beef—In a large skillet or wok, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3
Add aromatics—garlic and ginger—to the cooked beef. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4
Toss in the sliced cabbage. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until cabbage starts to soften but still has a bit of crunch.
Step 5
Sauces & Spices—Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper. Mix well to coat everything evenly
Step 5
Optional Thickening—Mix cornstarch with water and pour it into the pan. Stir until sauce slightly thickens (1–2 minutes).
Step 6
Finish & Serve—Turn off the heat. Top with green onions and a drizzle of sesame oil. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Why I Love This:
This recipe is comforting, high-protein, and incredibly easy to make. The ground beef adds richness, while the cabbage keeps things light and crisp. Plus, it’s customizable with veggies, spice level, and protein options like chicken or tofu.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the cabbage—keep it crisp for the best texture.
- Want it saucier? Double the soy sauce + a splash of broth or water.
- Use pre-shredded cabbage for faster prep.
- Make it spicy with more chili flakes or a dash of Sriracha.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground chicken, turkey, or even pork pairs well with this recipe.
Q2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and skip the oyster sauce or find a gluten-free version.
Q3. Can I meal prep this dish?
Absolutely! Store it in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Q4. Can I freeze it?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 months. Reheat in a pan or microwave until hot.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over jasmine or basmati rice.
Try it with noodles or lettuce wraps for a low-carb version.
Add a side of steamed dumplings or egg drop soup for a full meal.
Top with a fried egg for extra protein!
Conclusion:
This Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a delicious and fast dinner solution that’s packed with flavor, protein, and veggies. Simple ingredients, one pan, and dinner is done in under 30 minutes. Bookmark this one—you’ll want to make it again and again!
