Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that is both incredibly flavorful and wonderfully satisfying, this Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is an absolute winner. It’s a quick and easy meal bursting with savory notes from the ginger and garlic, balanced by the crisp freshness of cabbage, and a comforting warmth from the ground beef. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or trying to impress friends without a fuss, this recipe brings a bright, homey touch to the classic stir-fry experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple with a handful of essentials you most likely already have in your kitchen. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the lean ground beef providing hearty protein to the cabbage adding a lovely crunch and a subtle sweetness, while the aromatics and sauces bring everything together with incredible depth.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Provides the savory base that makes this stir-fry wonderfully filling.
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced: Adds crisp texture and balances the richness of the beef.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant sharpness that wakes up the entire dish.
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated: Offers a warm, zesty kick essential to authentic Chinese flavors.
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce: Adds saltiness and that classic umami depth without overpowering.
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil: For browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics perfectly.
- 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish): Brightens up the final dish with fresh, mild onion flavor and color.
- 1 tsp sesame oil: A fragrant finish that brings a nutty, toasted essence to your stir-fry.
How to Make Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before turning on the heat, mince the garlic and grate the fresh ginger carefully. Slice your green cabbage into thin, even strips that will cook quickly and maintain a satisfying crunch, ensuring every bite is perfect.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
Warm up the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When you see it shimmering and just starting to ripple, it means your pan is ready for the beef—this step ensures a beautiful browning for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the lean ground beef to the hot skillet. Use a spatula to break it up and cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. This caramelization adds a delicious depth to your stir-fry.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic and Ginger
Next, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir them into the beef and let them cook for about a minute until their incredible aromas fill the kitchen. This step infuses the dish with authentic Chinese flavors that are key to this stir-fry.
Step 5: Add the Cabbage
Now add the thinly sliced cabbage to the pan. Stir well to combine, allowing the cabbage to soften slightly but remain tender-crisp. Cooking it for 3 to 4 minutes strikes the perfect balance between freshness and warmth.
Step 6: Season with Soy Sauce
Pour in the low-sodium soy sauce and give everything a thorough stir. This seasoning brings all the components together, coating the beef and cabbage in a savory glaze, and letting it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes deepens the flavors beautifully.
Step 7: Finish with Sesame Oil and Garnish
Turn off the heat, then drizzle the teaspoon of sesame oil over your stir-fry and gently fold it in. Finally, sprinkle the chopped green onions on top to add a fresh, vibrant crunch and a pop of color before serving.
How to Serve Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Garnishes
To elevate your stir-fry from great to unforgettable, garnish with chopped green onions for a crisp bite and a fresh pop of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or a few chili flakes to add texture and a little heat.
Side Dishes
This Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is fantastic on its own, but serving it alongside steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice transforms it into a complete meal. You could also enjoy it with simple boiled noodles or a crisp Asian cucumber salad for refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try scooping the stir-fry into butter lettuce leaves for a fun, hand-held meal. It’s a delightful way to make dinner feel special while adding a refreshing crunch. Alternatively, stuffing the mixture into steamed bao buns offers a tasty twist that’s perfect for sharing at casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meal, store any leftover Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps wonderfully for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This stir-fry freezes well if you want to save it for longer. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, label them, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, it’ll thaw quickly in the fridge overnight, making meal prep a breeze.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the stir-fry gently on the stove over medium heat or microwave it until steaming hot. Adding a splash of water or a little soy sauce during reheating can help revive the moisture and flavor for a meal that tastes almost freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use other meats in this stir-fry?
Absolutely! While ground beef is fantastic here, you can substitute ground pork, turkey, or chicken to suit your taste or dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
This version is mild and family-friendly, but you can easily add heat by including chili flakes, fresh chopped chilies, or a splash of chili oil during cooking.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the ground beef with firm tofu or a textured vegetable protein and use vegetable broth or additional soy sauce for depth.
How long does it take to cook?
From start to finish, this Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry comes together in about 20 to 25 minutes, making it a quick option for busy nights.
What do I do if my cabbage is too bitter?
Slicing the cabbage very thin and cooking it just until it softens helps mellow its flavor. You can also add a pinch of sugar when adding soy sauce to balance any bitterness.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious and comforting. It’s so quick and adaptable that you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become one of your new favorites.
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Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A quick and flavorful Chinese-style ground beef and cabbage stir-fry featuring tender ground beef, crunchy cabbage, and aromatic garlic and ginger, all brought together with savory soy sauce and a hint of sesame oil. Perfect for a healthy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Mince the garlic and grate the fresh ginger. Thinly slice the green cabbage into strips to ensure they cook quickly and evenly.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil until it shimmers, indicating it’s hot enough for cooking.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the hot skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until it is browned and fully cooked through, breaking apart any clumps.
- Sauté Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger with the cooked beef. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Cabbage: Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently until the cabbage softens slightly but retains some crunch.
- Add Soy Sauce: Pour in 3 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce and mix well to coat all the ingredients. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Finish and Garnish: Drizzle the stir-fry with 1 teaspoon sesame oil for a nutty aroma and flavor. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and keep the dish light.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or diced fresh chili with the garlic and ginger.
- Ensure the cabbage is thinly sliced to cook evenly and quickly.
- Low-sodium soy sauce helps to control the sodium intake while still offering rich flavor.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles to make a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Chinese ground beef stir-fry, cabbage stir-fry, easy beef recipes, quick Chinese dinner, healthy stir-fry, low sodium recipes, sesame oil stir-fry
