Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

This Chinese ground beef and cabbage stir-fry is a quick, flavorful, and budget-friendly dish perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with tender beef, crisp cabbage, and a savory sauce, it’s a satisfying meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Serve it over rice for a complete meal or enjoy it on its own for a low-carb option.

What Is Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry?

Chinese ground beef and cabbage stir-fry is a simple yet delicious dish featuring browned ground beef, shredded cabbage, and a savory sauce made with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. The combination of garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes adds depth of flavor, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
  • Budget-Friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
  • Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with protein and fiber.
  • Customizable – Adjust spice levels and add veggies as desired.
  • Low-Carb Option – Enjoy it without rice for a keto-friendly meal.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • ½ head cabbage, shredded
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
  • 2 cups cooked rice (for serving, optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cooking the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess grease if necessary.

2. Adding Aromatics

Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Cooking the Cabbage

Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet. Stir well and cook for 5-6 minutes until softened.

4. Adding the Sauce

Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2 minutes.

5. Serving the Stir-Fry

Remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot over rice or enjoy on its own.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve over steamed white or brown rice for a hearty meal.
  • Pair with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
  • Add a side of stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas.

Storing and Freezing

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through.

Freezing Instructions

Allow the stir-fry to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Recipe Variations

  • Spicy Kick – Increase red pepper flakes or add Sriracha.
  • Vegetarian Option – Swap ground beef for crumbled tofu or mushrooms.
  • Extra Veggies – Add bell peppers, carrots, or bok choy for more texture.
  • Low-Sodium Version – Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce oyster sauce.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative to beef.

What can I use instead of oyster sauce?
Hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little honey can be used as a substitute.

How do I prevent the cabbage from becoming too soggy?
Cook it just until softened to maintain some crunch, and avoid overcooking.

This Chinese ground beef and cabbage stir-fry is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, it’s a great recipe to have in your meal rotation. Try it today and let me know how it turns out!

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Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry


  • Author: Julia Childley
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Chinese ground beef and cabbage stir-fry is a quick, flavorful, and budget-friendly dish made with tender ground beef, crisp cabbage, and a savory sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a weeknight meal. Serve it over rice or enjoy it on its own for a low-carb option.


Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • ½ head cabbage, shredded
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
  • 2 cups cooked rice (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  • Cook the Ground Beef:
    Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.

  • Add Aromatics:
    Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

  • Cook the Cabbage:
    Add shredded cabbage and stir well. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened.

  • Add Sauce Ingredients:
    Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine and cook for another 2 minutes.

  • Serve:
    Remove from heat, garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and serve hot over rice or enjoy on its own.

Notes

  • Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.
  • Freezing: Allow to cool, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Substitutions: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • Spicy Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of Sriracha.
  • Low-Carb Option: Serve without rice or pair with cauliflower rice.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-Fry
  • Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: Approximately 320 per serving (without rice)
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