This Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is quick, tasty, and healthy. With just a few ingredients, you get a delicious meal that’s full of flavor and color.
I love how the beef and cabbage come together in just one pan—less mess! Plus, it’s a great way to get in those veggies without even realizing it. Yum! 😋
All I do is brown the beef, toss in the cabbage, and let it all cook until tender. It’s a simple dish that always leaves me feeling satisfied and happy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I typically use lean ground beef for a balance of flavor and reduced fat. If you prefer, ground turkey or chicken works great too as a lighter option!
Cabbage: Green cabbage is the star here, but you can switch it up with savoy or napa cabbage for a different texture and taste. Don’t forget, chopping the cabbage finely helps it cook faster and blend well with the beef.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger are key for flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder and ground ginger can work, but fresh brings a vibrant taste!
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is a great choice if you’re watching your salt intake. You can also use tamari for a gluten-free version.
Oyster Sauce: This boosts the umami flavor, but if you don’t have it, you can skip it or use a splash more soy sauce instead. Some like to add hoisin sauce as a sweet alternative too!
How Do I Ensure My Cabbage Is Perfectly Tender Yet Crisp?
Cooking cabbage just right can be tricky! Here’s how to do it:
- Start by shredding the cabbage evenly. This helps it cook faster and more uniformly.
- Once the garlic and ginger are fragrant, quickly add the cabbage.
- Keep the heat high and stir frequently. This keeps the cabbage vibrant and slightly crisp.
- Cook for just 5-7 minutes until soft but not mushy, retaining a bit of crunch.
This way, you’ll get a lovely contrast in textures with the beef—such a satisfying meal!
Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and easy weekday meal that can be made in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Skillet:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the meat to get a nice browning effect.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it until it’s fully browned. Use a spatula to break it apart, which should take about 4-5 minutes. You want it to be browned nicely but not burnt!
3. Add Flavor:
Once the beef is browned, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry these together for about 1 minute until they’re fragrant—this will make your kitchen smell amazing!
4. Toss in the Cabbage:
Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and mix everything well. The cabbage will cook down quickly, so don’t worry if it seems like a lot at first.
5. Season the Mix:
Pour in the soy sauce, and if you’re using it, the oyster sauce. Then, sprinkle the sugar and black pepper over everything. Give it a good stir to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated.
6. Stir-Fry to Perfection:
Continue to stir-fry everything together for about 5-7 minutes. You want the cabbage to be tender but still slightly crisp—this will add a wonderful texture to your dish.
7. Final Touches:
Give it a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you want, you can add a little more soy sauce or pepper!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done, remove from heat and sprinkle the chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top as a garnish. Serve it hot over a bed of steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal!
Enjoy your quick and flavorful Chinese ground beef and cabbage stir-fry!
FAQs for Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are excellent alternatives if you prefer a lighter option. You can also use pork for a twist on flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes, feel free to get creative! Bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas would work wonderfully in this stir-fry. Just be sure to adjust cooking time according to the vegetables you choose!
How Can I Thicken the Sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the dish during the last minute of cooking and let it simmer until it thickens.
