If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet comes together quickly on a busy weeknight, this Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe is your new best friend. It combines savory, tender ground beef with crisp, vibrant cabbage all coated in a luscious, garlicky sauce. This recipe balances hearty protein and fresh veggies in a way that feels both comforting and light, making it perfect for dinner any day of the week. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, straightforward, and packed with those classic Chinese-style flavors that make your taste buds sing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients together is key to making this dish shine. Each component is simple yet essential, bringing a perfect blend of savory, aromatic, and textural elements that transform humble staples into something special.
- 1 lb lean ground beef: Provides the rich, hearty protein base without too much fat, keeping your stir-fry flavorful yet balanced.
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage: Adds a wonderful crunch and slightly sweet, earthy notes that brighten the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic gives a pungent aroma and depth of flavor that instantly wakes up the palate.
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated: Fresh ginger adds warmth and a hint of spiciness that pairs perfectly with garlic and beef.
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce: Brings that signature salty, umami kick without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 2 tbsp sesame oil: Sesame oil lends a toasty, nutty essence that’s indispensable in Chinese cooking.
- 3 green onions, sliced: For a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color when used as a garnish.
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the stir-fry moist and helps build a silky sauce when combined with soy sauce and cornstarch.
- 1 tbsp cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to coat every bite deliciously without being gloopy.
How to Make Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by chopping the green cabbage into manageable pieces so it cooks evenly but maintains that satisfying crunch. Mince the garlic and grate the fresh ginger for that irresistible aroma. Finally, slice the green onions thinly; these will add a lovely fresh garnish at the end.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook it for around 5 to 7 minutes until fully browned. The trick here is to get some nice caramelization on the beef for extra flavor. If there’s a lot of fat released, drain it off to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger
Once the beef is browned, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir and cook for about one minute until you can smell that fantastic fragrant aroma filling the kitchen. This step unlocks the magic flavors that make this stir-fry so irresistible.
Step 4: Cook the Cabbage
Next, add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Sauté everything together for around five minutes until the cabbage softens a bit but is still delightfully crisp. This balance of texture makes every bite interesting and keeps things vibrant.
Step 5: Mix the Sauce and Combine
In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, chicken broth, cornstarch, and sesame oil until smooth. Pour this into the skillet over the beef and cabbage mixture. Stir everything well to combine and cook for another two minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and evenly coat all the ingredients.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once the sauce has thickened to a glossy finish, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top to add freshness and a pop of color. Your Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is now ready to serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions are a simple but perfect garnish, bringing a subtle crispness and vibrant green color. For an extra touch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of chili oil if you like that little spark of heat. These finishing touches elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
Though this stir-fry is satisfying on its own, serving it with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy brown rice makes it a hearty meal. Alternatively, try it alongside simple fried rice or steamed dumplings for a more indulgent experience that complements the beef and cabbage flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get creative, serve the stir-fry over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist. Another fun idea is to wrap spoonfuls in lettuce leaves for a refreshing take on lettuce wraps. This adds crunch and allows everyone to customize their own bites, making the meal interactive and fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers from your Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining their flavor and texture when properly refrigerated.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully too. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags and it will last for up to 2 months. Just be mindful that cabbage may soften slightly upon thawing, but the overall flavor will remain rich and delicious.
Reheating
For reheating, warm the stir-fry gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Adding a splash of water or broth can help refresh the sauce. Avoid microwaving as it can sometimes lead to uneven heating and soggy texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground pork, turkey, or chicken work wonderfully in this recipe and will give you a slightly different but equally tasty twist. Just adjust cooking times based on the protein chosen.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap the ground beef for firm tofu or tempeh crumbles. Using vegetable broth in place of chicken broth keeps it fully vegetarian while still providing great flavor.
How spicy is the Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe?
This recipe is mild by default, highlighting savory and aromatic flavors. If you love heat, you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of chili garlic sauce when cooking the garlic and ginger.
What’s the best way to chop the cabbage?
Slice the cabbage into bite-sized pieces or roughly chopped shreds to ensure it cooks quickly while retaining some crunch. Larger pieces may take longer to soften, affecting the texture balance.
Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?
Definitely! You can chop the cabbage, mince garlic and ginger, and slice green onions a few hours or even a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge to keep them fresh until you are ready to cook.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe is truly a gem in the kitchen—simple, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. I promise once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. It’s perfect comfort food that fits beautifully into busy lifestyles without compromising on taste or nutrition. So grab your skillet, gather these humble ingredients, and enjoy creating a delicious meal that feels like a warm hug in every bite!
Print
Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick, flavorful dish combining lean ground beef with crunchy cabbage and aromatic garlic and ginger, all brought together in a savory soy-based sauce. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner, it offers a balanced, protein-rich meal with a delightful texture and vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 lb lean ground beef
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 3 green onions, sliced
Sauce and Others
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, mince the garlic cloves, grate the ginger, and slice the green onions thinly. Having all ingredients ready will ensure smooth cooking.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the lean ground beef. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until the meat is fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the dish lean.
- Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the cooked beef in the skillet. Stir constantly for about one minute until they become fragrant, infusing the beef with their aroma.
- Cook Cabbage: Add the chopped green cabbage to the skillet and sauté everything together for about five minutes. Cook until the cabbage is slightly wilted but still retains a satisfying crunch to add texture.
- Make Sauce and Combine: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, chicken broth, cornstarch, and sesame oil until smooth. Pour this sauce mixture evenly over the beef and cabbage in the skillet.
- Thicken Sauce and Serve: Stir the skillet contents well to incorporate the sauce thoroughly. Continue cooking for another two minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the ingredients nicely. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce and chicken broth to control salt content.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with firm tofu or a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adjust the amount of ginger and garlic according to taste preference.
- Serve this stir-fry over steamed rice or noodles for a more filling meal.
- To enhance flavor, you can add a splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of chili flakes if you like heat.
