Name: Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (preferably lean); 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded; 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch piece of ginger, grated; 2 tablespoons soy sauce (ensure it’s a gluten-free variety if needed); 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish); Cooked rice or quinoa (for serving)

This Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is a delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-make meal that combines savory flavors and wholesome ingredients. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish is not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrients, offering a satisfying meal without being heavy. Ground beef and cabbage come together with aromatic ginger, garlic, and soy sauce for a flavorful stir fry that will leave everyone at the table wanting more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe offers a great balance of flavors and textures, with the savory ground beef complemented by the tender yet crisp cabbage. The dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights, and the ingredients are simple yet flavorful. The addition of sesame oil and oyster sauce gives the stir fry its signature Chinese flavor, while the optional red pepper flakes add a nice touch of heat. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or the whole family, this healthy stir fry is a great choice for a satisfying meal.

Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, grated
2 tablespoons soy sauce (ensure it’s a gluten-free variety if needed)
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Cooked rice or quinoa (for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Ingredients
- Gather all your ingredients and chop the cabbage, onion, and green onions. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
Cook the Ground Beef
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Add Aromatics
- Once the beef is browned, add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
Incorporate Cabbage
- Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the beef and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp.
Season the Stir Fry
- Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Garnish and Serve
- Remove the stir fry from heat and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot over cooked rice or quinoa.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh.
Add More Veggies: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
Make it Spicy: If you love spice, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add chili paste to ramp up the heat.
Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent the stir fry from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork as a substitute for ground beef.

2. How can I make this recipe spicier?

You can add extra red pepper flakes, chili paste, or chopped fresh chili peppers to increase the heat.

3. Can I use frozen cabbage?

Fresh cabbage is recommended for the best texture, but you can use frozen cabbage if that’s what you have available. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.

4. Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, this stir fry can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

5. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make the dish vegetarian, swap the ground beef for tofu, tempeh, or another plant-based protein.

6. What can I serve with this stir fry?

This stir fry pairs well with cooked rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

7. Can I freeze this stir fry?

Yes, you can freeze the stir fry. Store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.

8. How do I prevent the cabbage from becoming too soft?

To keep the cabbage slightly crisp, avoid overcooking it. Aim for about 5-7 minutes of cooking time once it’s added to the skillet.

9. Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

Yes, using low-sodium soy sauce is a great option if you’re looking to reduce the salt content in the dish.

10. Can I make this stir fry without oyster sauce?

If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can substitute it with hoisin sauce or simply use an additional tablespoon of soy sauce.

Conclusion

This Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is a versatile, quick, and delicious dish that packs a punch of flavor. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s perfect for busy nights when you need something healthy and satisfying. Whether you stick to the original recipe or make your own variations, this stir fry will become a go-to in your weekly meal rotation.