This Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick and tasty meal! With tender beef and crisp cabbage, it’s packed with flavor and comes together in no time.
I love how simple it is to whip this up on a busy night. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies—who doesn’t love a colorful plate? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish! You can use lean beef for a lighter option, or even ground turkey or chicken for a healthier twist. If you want a richer flavor, pork is a great substitute too.
Cabbage: I love green cabbage for its crunch, but you can swap in Napa cabbage for a milder flavor or even bok choy for a different texture. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, thinly sliced broccoli slaw works great!
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic make a big difference in flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use ground ginger and garlic powder, but fresh is always tastier. You can also skip them entirely for a simpler taste.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is simply a healthier alternative. If you’re gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead. I sometimes add a tablespoon of rice vinegar for some tang!
How Do I Get the Cabbage Just Right in a Stir-Fry?
Getting cabbage cooked perfectly is key for this dish. You want it crispy but tender. Here’s how:
- Start by heating the pan well before adding your oil. This ensures a good sear.
- When you add the cabbage, keep the heat high. Stir-fry it for just enough time to soften but still maintain some bite—about 4-5 minutes should do.
- Stir occasionally but not continuously, giving the cabbage time to caramelize slightly for added flavor.
Trust me, this will elevate your stir-fry to a whole new level!
Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef
- 4 cups cabbage, thinly sliced (about half a medium head)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stir-fry takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick dish that you can have on the table in no time, perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re short on time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat It Up:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure your pan is nice and hot so the beef browns well!
2. Brown the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the pan. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Keep stirring until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s a lot of fat, drain some of it off.
3. Add Flavor:
Now it’s time to let the aroma fill your kitchen! Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the sliced green onions. Cook everything together for 1-2 minutes until it smells amazing.
4. Cabbage Time:
Add the sliced cabbage to your pan. Stir-fry it for about 4-5 minutes, tossing it around until it softens a bit but still has some crunch. You want that delightful texture!
5. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if you’re using it), sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. This sauce will add all the taste to your stir-fry!
6. Combine & Cook:
Pour the sauce over the beef and cabbage mixture. Stir everything well to make sure it’s all coated with that tasty sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Be sure to taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed!
7. Serve It Up:
Remove your stir-fry from the heat and garnish with the green parts of the sliced green onions. Serve it hot over steamed white rice for a complete meal.
Enjoy this quick, flavorful, and easy Chinese-style ground beef and cabbage stir-fry! It’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great substitutes if you’re looking for a lighter option. They will cook similarly, but make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the fat content of the meat.
What Can I Add to the Stir-Fry for Extra Veggies?
Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots! Just make sure to slice them thinly so they cook quickly. Add them in after the garlic and ginger for best results!
How Can I Make This Dish Spicy?
If you love spice, you can increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add some diced fresh chilies when cooking. For a different flavor kick, consider adding sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the sauce mixture!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.