Introduction
Need a weeknight dinner that’s fast, hearty, and bursting with flavor? The Quick Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry has you covered. 🥘💨 Packed with tender ground beef, crunchy cabbage, and a savory-sweet sauce, this dish comes together in just 20 minutes — perfect for busy nights when you want something healthy but delicious.
This one-pan meal balances protein, veggies, and bold Asian flavors, making it both comforting and light. Serve it with rice, noodles, or enjoy it low-carb on its own!
(Focus Keyword: Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry)
Ingredients List
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 3 cups cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned (optional for color)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional for thickness)
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon sugar (or honey)
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes or Sriracha (optional)
Substitution Tip:
Use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter option. Add bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch.
(NLP Keywords: Asian stir-fry recipe, ground beef cabbage recipe, easy weeknight meal, low-carb stir fry)
Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Dinner faster than takeout — and fresher, too!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Add garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Toss in the Vegetables
Add the sliced cabbage and carrots. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until the cabbage begins to soften but still has a slight crunch.
Step 4: Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and cornstarch slurry (if using). Pour over the beef and cabbage mixture.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through. Sprinkle with green onions before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium.
- Swap beef for lean turkey or tofu crumbles for a lighter version.
- Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener for keto-friendly results.
- Add more leafy greens like spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a balanced meal.
- Try it with rice noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Top with sesame seeds, fried egg, or chili oil for extra flair.
- Pair with Miso soup or Asian cucumber salad for a complete dinner.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the pan: Cook in batches if needed for proper searing.
- Skipping the aromatics: Garlic and ginger are key to authentic flavor.
- Overcooking cabbage: Keep it crisp — stir-fry just until tender.
- Forgetting balance: Adjust soy sauce and vinegar for perfect umami harmony.
Storing Tips
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Keeps well for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of soy sauce to revive flavors.
Conclusion
This Quick Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is the definition of fast comfort food — simple ingredients, bold flavors, and a perfect balance of texture. 🥬🥢 Whether you serve it with rice or on its own, it’s a go-to dinner that never disappoints.
Try it tonight for a delicious, homemade alternative to takeout — ready in 20 minutes flat!
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix instead of cabbage?
Yes — it’s a great shortcut and works perfectly!
2. Can I make it spicier?
Absolutely — add chili paste, crushed red pepper, or Sriracha.
3. Is this meal meal-prep friendly?
Yes! It reheats well and makes a great high-protein lunch.
4. Can I make it vegetarian?
Use tofu or tempeh instead of beef and vegetable-based sauces.
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