Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

This Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that brings together the best of simple ingredients. The tender beef, crisp cabbage, and aromatic garlic-ginger combination create a satisfying, balanced meal that is both easy to prepare and packed with umami.

Whether you’re looking for a low-carb dinner option or just need a quick weeknight meal, this dish is a fantastic choice. Serve it over steamed rice for a comforting, classic experience or enjoy it on its own for a lighter take. Either way, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a homemade stir-fry bursting with flavor.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1/2 head cabbage, shredded
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, grated
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sugar

Directions:

Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
Stir in the garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Add the shredded cabbage to the pan and stir well to combine.
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sugar. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp.
Sprinkle with chopped green onions and black pepper. Stir well and serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes

Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry: A Quick and Flavorful Meal

Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a simple yet delicious dish that brings bold flavors and healthy ingredients together in one pan. This dish is inspired by traditional Chinese stir-fry techniques, combining the savory richness of ground beef with the fresh crunch of cabbage. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner, a meal prep option, or a low-carb recipe, this stir-fry is a fantastic choice.

The Origins of Chinese Stir-Fry

Stir-frying is a fundamental cooking technique in Chinese cuisine, known for its ability to preserve the natural textures and flavors of ingredients while adding depth through sauces and seasonings. The concept of stir-frying dates back thousands of years and has been a staple in Chinese households for generations. The high-heat method allows for quick cooking, ensuring that vegetables stay crisp and meats remain tender.

Chinese stir-fries often include a balance of flavors—savory, sweet, spicy, and umami—all coming together in harmony. This particular recipe keeps things simple while still delivering a rich taste, making it an excellent option for both beginners and seasoned cooks.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

There are many reasons why Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a must-try meal:

Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and cabbage are affordable ingredients that stretch well, making this a cost-effective meal.
Healthy and Nutritious: Cabbage is packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, while beef provides protein and essential nutrients.
Low-Carb and Gluten-Free Options: You can easily adapt this dish to fit a low-carb or gluten-free diet by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Versatile and Customizable: You can adjust the spice level, swap in different vegetables, or even use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef.

The Key Ingredients That Make This Dish Shine

One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. While it requires just a handful of ingredients, each one plays an important role in building the overall flavor profile:

Ground Beef: Adds a rich, meaty taste and protein to the dish. Using lean ground beef reduces excess grease while still keeping the stir-fry flavorful.
Cabbage: This humble vegetable provides a crunchy texture and absorbs the delicious sauce beautifully. It also adds a slight sweetness that balances the savory components.
Garlic and Ginger: These aromatics are essential in Chinese cooking, adding depth and warmth to the dish.
Soy Sauce and Oyster Sauce: These umami-packed condiments create a flavorful base, enhancing the taste of the beef and cabbage.
Sesame Oil: A small amount of sesame oil adds a nutty, aromatic finish to the stir-fry.
Green Onions: These bring freshness and a mild onion flavor, rounding out the dish.

How to Serve Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

One of the great things about this stir-fry is how versatile it is when it comes to serving options. Here are some great ways to enjoy it:

Over Rice: Serve it with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a balanced meal.
With Noodles: Toss it with lo mein, rice noodles, or even zucchini noodles for a stir-fry noodle dish.
As a Lettuce Wrap: For a low-carb and keto-friendly option, serve the beef and cabbage mixture in crisp lettuce cups.
With a Side of Steamed Vegetables: Pair it with broccoli, bok choy, or snap peas for added nutrition and variety.

Tips for the Best Stir-Fry

To make sure your Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

Use High Heat: Stir-frying is all about quick cooking at high temperatures. This helps to retain the crisp texture of the cabbage and enhances the flavors.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches, if necessary, ensures that everything gets evenly browned and doesn’t steam.
Prep Everything Before Cooking: Since stir-frying happens quickly, it’s important to have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready to go before you start.
Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Everyone’s preference for saltiness and spice is different. Start with the recommended amounts and adjust to taste.

Variations and Additions

If you want to customize this dish further, there are plenty of ways to make it your own:

Add More Vegetables: Try adding bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, or bean sprouts for extra color and nutrition.
Make It Spicy: Increase the heat by adding chili flakes, Sriracha, or chopped fresh chilies.
Try a Different Protein: Swap ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, pork, or even tofu for a different twist.
Boost the Sauce: If you prefer a saucier stir-fry, double the amount of soy sauce and oyster sauce and add a splash of chicken broth.

Health Benefits of Cabbage and Beef

This dish is not just delicious—it’s also packed with health benefits.

Cabbage is rich in vitamins C and K, antioxidants, and fiber, making it great for digestion and overall health. It’s also low in calories but high in volume, helping you feel full without overeating.
Beef provides high-quality protein, iron, and B vitamins, which are essential for muscle health, energy levels, and overall well-being.
Garlic and ginger have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, making this dish a great option for a nourishing meal.

Conclusion

Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a simple yet satisfying dish that embodies the best of Chinese home cooking. With minimal ingredients, a quick cooking time, and an explosion of flavors, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Plus, its versatility allows you to customize it to your taste and dietary needs.

Whether you serve it with rice, noodles, or enjoy it on its own, this stir-fry is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try, and experience the delicious balance of savory beef, crunchy cabbage, and aromatic seasonings in every bite!

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