🎉 Introduction
When your tastebuds are calling for something quick, hearty, and packed with flavor, nothing beats a sizzling skillet of Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry. This dish is the perfect fusion of savory beef, tender-crisp cabbage, bold aromatics, and a rich, umami sauce that coats every bite.
It’s a go-to weeknight meal that’s budget-friendly, protein-packed, and loaded with vegetables, making it ideal for busy families and solo foodies alike. Whether you’re craving comfort food or prepping healthy meals for the week, this dish delivers satisfaction without fuss. Plus, it contains no alcohol and is made with pure beef—no pork at all, ensuring it’s family- and culturally-friendly.
So, grab your skillet and let’s turn a few simple ingredients into a stir-fry that’s bursting with flavor and texture.
🧰 Equipment Needed
Make this stir-fry magic happen with just a few everyday kitchen tools:
- Large skillet or wok
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Garlic press or grater
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Small bowl for mixing the sauce
- Stove or induction cooktop
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need for this easy and satisfying stir-fry:
Protein:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
Vegetables & Aromatics:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and grated
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
Sauce:
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp sesame oil (divided)
Tip: You can swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it lighter.
👩🍳 Directions
Let’s bring this sizzling stir-fry to life in under 30 minutes:
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
- Thinly slice the cabbage and separate the green onion parts.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, chicken broth, and cornstarch. Set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
- Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes.
- Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Drain excess fat if necessary, but leave a bit for flavor.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
- Push the beef to one side of the pan.
- Add the remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil to the empty space.
- Sauté garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Cook the Cabbage
- Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet.
- Stir everything together and cook for 4–5 minutes, until the cabbage softens but retains some crunch.
Step 5: Add Sauce and Simmer
- Pour the prepared soy sauce mixture into the skillet.
- Stir well to coat all ingredients and cook for 2–3 more minutes, until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef and veggies.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Turn off the heat and sprinkle in the green parts of the green onions.
- Serve immediately over steamed rice, noodles, or on its own for a low-carb option.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Yield: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: ~25 minutes
Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep lunches, or a healthy takeout alternative!
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For meal prep, portion into individual containers with rice or noodles.
Freezer-Friendly:
- Freeze cooked stir-fry for up to 2 months. Let cool completely before freezing.
Reheating:
- Microwave on medium power for 1–2 minutes, or reheat in a skillet with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce.
🥄 Variations
Switch it up with these delicious, family-friendly variations:
Ground Chicken or Turkey
- Use lean ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
Add More Veggies
- Add carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to boost color and nutrition.
Low-Carb Version
- Serve over cauliflower rice or enjoy it straight from the pan with no base at all.
Spicy Stir-Fry
- Add chili flakes, sriracha, or chili garlic paste for a spicy kick.
Sweet and Savory Sauce
- Add 1 tsp honey or maple syrup to the sauce for a hint of sweetness.
Vegan Version
- Swap the beef for plant-based ground meat and use vegetable broth.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish reheats beautifully and holds up well in the fridge or freezer.
2. Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it fully gluten-free.
3. Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Yes, but red cabbage will be slightly tougher and may take longer to cook.
4. How do I keep the cabbage crisp?
Cook it only until just softened. Avoid overcooking to keep that satisfying crunch.
5. Is this dish spicy?
Not at all! But you can easily add spice if you prefer a little heat.
6. What’s the best beef to use?
Lean ground beef (85–90%) is ideal—flavorful but not greasy.
7. Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
Yes! Pre-shredded coleslaw mix works great for faster prep.
8. What can I serve this with?
Try white rice, brown rice, soba noodles, or even inside a lettuce wrap.
9. Is sesame oil necessary?
It adds authentic flavor, but you can use avocado or olive oil if needed.
10. How do I make it saucier?
Double the soy sauce-broth-cornstarch mixture and adjust seasonings to taste.
🏁 Conclusion
This Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is the ultimate example of how a handful of everyday ingredients can create a meal that’s bold, comforting, and completely crave-worthy. It’s perfect for when you need dinner fast but still want something nutritious, filling, and full of flavor.
In just under 30 minutes, you can have a skillet full of sizzling, saucy beef paired with tender cabbage and zesty aromatics, all coated in a savory sauce that hits every note.
So, the next time you’re stuck with ground beef and some veggies, remember: this recipe is your flavorful fallback. Quick to make. Easy to clean up. Always satisfying.
Satisfy Your Cravings with Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Let’s bring this sizzling stir-fry to life in under 30 minutes:
- Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
- Thinly slice the cabbage and separate the green onion parts.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, chicken broth, and cornstarch. Set aside.
- Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes.
- Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Drain excess fat if necessary, but leave a bit for flavor.
- Push the beef to one side of the pan.
- Add the remaining 1 tbsp sesame oil to the empty space.
- Sauté garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet.
- Stir everything together and cook for 4–5 minutes, until the cabbage softens but retains some crunch.
- Pour the prepared soy sauce mixture into the skillet.
- Stir well to coat all ingredients and cook for 2–3 more minutes, until the sauce thickens and clings to the beef and veggies.
- Turn off the heat and sprinkle in the green parts of the green onions.
- Serve immediately over steamed rice, noodles, or on its own for a low-carb option.
Notes
Absolutely! This dish reheats beautifully and holds up well in the fridge or freezer. 2. Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it fully gluten-free. 3. Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Yes, but red cabbage will be slightly tougher and may take longer to cook. 4. How do I keep the cabbage crisp?
Cook it only until just softened. Avoid overcooking to keep that satisfying crunch. 5. Is this dish spicy?
Not at all! But you can easily add spice if you prefer a little heat. 6. What’s the best beef to use?
Lean ground beef (85–90%) is ideal—flavorful but not greasy. 7. Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
Yes! Pre-shredded coleslaw mix works great for faster prep. 8. What can I serve this with?
Try white rice, brown rice, soba noodles, or even inside a lettuce wrap. 9. Is sesame oil necessary?
It adds authentic flavor, but you can use avocado or olive oil if needed. 10. How do I make it saucier?
Double the soy sauce-broth-cornstarch mixture and adjust seasonings to taste. 🏁 Conclusion This Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is the ultimate example of how a handful of everyday ingredients can create a meal that’s bold, comforting, and completely crave-worthy. It’s perfect for when you need dinner fast but still want something nutritious, filling, and full of flavor. In just under 30 minutes, you can have a skillet full of sizzling, saucy beef paired with tender cabbage and zesty aromatics, all coated in a savory sauce that hits every note. So, the next time you’re stuck with ground beef and some veggies, remember: this recipe is your flavorful fallback. Quick to make. Easy to clean up. Always satisfying.
