If you’re hunting for a fast, flavorful weeknight meal that punches way above its weight, look no further than this Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry. This vibrant stir fry combines savory ground beef, crunchy cabbage, and an aromatic, umami-filled sauce for a dish that tastes like it came straight out of your favorite Chinese diner, but it’s ready in just 25 minutes. Every bite brings together juicy beef, sweet-tender cabbage, and those classic stir fry flavors you crave. Trust me, it’s the kind of quick dinner you’ll have on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry needs just a handful of fresh, easy-to-find ingredients. Each one has a role to play, adding a layer of taste, texture, or color you wouldn’t want to miss!
- Ground beef (1 lb): Go for 80-85% lean for the juiciest, most flavorful stir fry—don’t be afraid to swap in ground turkey or pork for a twist!
- Vegetable oil (1 tablespoon): Neutral oil like canola or sunflower keeps things sizzling and lets the flavors shine.
- Yellow onion, diced (1 small): Adds sweet depth and the perfect little crunch, beautifully balancing the rich beef.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Because what’s a stir fry without that garlicky punch?
- Fresh ginger, grated (1 tablespoon): Lifts the entire dish with brightness and warmth—fresh really is best here.
- Green cabbage, thinly sliced (6 cups): The star veggie! Tender, juicy, and a great sponge for all that killer sauce.
- Soy sauce (2 tablespoons): Salty, savory goodness that makes every bite sing.
- Oyster sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds a touch of sweetness and deep umami that’s totally signature.
- Hoisin sauce (1 tablespoon): Gives complexity and a subtle tang—this is the secret to that takeout flavor.
- Sesame oil (1 teaspoon): It’s all about the aroma! Just a drizzle lifts the whole dish at the end.
- Red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Like a little heat? This brings a gentle kick, or skip for families.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Season to bring all the flavors together—taste as you go!
- Green onions, sliced for garnish (2): Fresh and colorful, they take your plating up a notch.
- Cooked rice for serving: Fluffy steamed rice is the cozy, classic base for soaking up every drop of sauce.
How to Make Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the ground beef. Break up the meat with your spoon or spatula, letting it brown evenly. In about 5–6 minutes, you’ll see beautiful caramelized bits and that irresistible aroma will fill your kitchen. If there’s a lot of grease, go ahead and drain most of it—just leave a little for flavor and sizzle.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
When the beef is nearly done, stir in the diced onion, garlic, and fresh ginger. Sauté this trio for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often. The onion should soften, and there should be an amazing cloud of savory fragrance rising from the pan—a sure sign that magic is happening!
Step 3: Add the Cabbage
Toss in the thinly sliced cabbage. At first, it might look like a mountain, but don’t worry—it cooks down fast! Stir regularly and watch those gorgeous ribbons of green wilt, turning tender-crisp in about 5–7 minutes. You’re looking for cabbage that still has life and crunch, so don’t overcook it.
Step 4: Whisk and Pour the Sauce
While the cabbage cooks, whisk together your soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and (if using) red pepper flakes in a small bowl. When the cabbage hits that perfect texture, pour the sauce all over the beef and veggies. Give everything a thorough toss to coat—this sauce ties your Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry together!
Step 5: Simmer, Season, and Serve
Let everything bubble together for another 2–3 minutes, just so the flavors have a chance to really mingle. Now’s the moment to taste and add salt and black pepper as you like. Serve your stir fry hot over fluffy cooked rice. Don’t forget a sprinkle of sliced green onions right before serving for that fresh pop of color!
How to Serve Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry
Garnishes
A handful of sliced green onions makes this dish truly pop visually and adds a lovely crunch. If you’re a sesame fan, a shower of toasted sesame seeds is always a win. For a restaurant-style finish, a few flecks of extra red pepper flakes or a quick drizzle of chili oil look great and taste even better.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs beautifully with steamed white or brown rice, of course. For a classic takeout-style spread, serve it alongside simple egg drop soup or steamed dumplings. If you’re craving veggies, a plate of stir fried snap peas or a fresh cucumber salad makes a refreshing contrast, cutting the richness of the beef.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not spoon your Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry into crisp lettuce leaves for an interactive dinner? Or pile the mixture atop noodles for a cozy bowl dinner. Leftovers even make a dynamite filling for savory hand pies or wanton wraps. There are so many playful ways to enjoy this crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry keeps really well in the fridge. Let it cool to room temperature, then tuck it into an airtight container. You’ll want to enjoy it within 3 to 4 days for the best texture and taste—it actually gets even better as the flavors meld overnight!
Freezing
This stir fry freezes beautifully. Pack cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip bags, pressing out as much air as you can. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just remember that some cabbage texture softens on thawing, but the taste is still spot-on.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your portions in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen things up. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works fine—just use a microwave-safe container and heat in short bursts, stirring each time, until piping hot. Serve freshly garnished to wake up the flavors!
FAQs
Is Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry spicy?
Not by default! The basic recipe is very family-friendly. If you like heat, simply add a bit more red pepper flakes or serve with chili oil at the table.
Can I make this stir fry gluten-free?
Absolutely—just swap in gluten-free soy sauce and check that your oyster and hoisin sauces are GF as well. Most stores carry these options now, so you can enjoy all the flavors without worry.
What type Main Course
Regular green cabbage is perfect for this Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry: it softens yet holds up to the sauce. You can also try napa or even purple cabbage for a change in texture and color.
Does this work with other ground meats?
Definitely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork all make tasty spins on this stir fry. Adjust your cooking times slightly if needed, as leaner proteins may cook more quickly.
How can I make this lower in carbs?
Try serving it over cauliflower rice or just enjoy it on its own, like a hearty stir-fry bowl. It’s filling, flavorful, and totally satisfying either way.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is one of those no-fuss, big-flavor dinners you’ll reach for again and again. Whether you’re fresh out of ideas or just craving something warm and homemade, give this recipe a spot in your weeknight rotation—you won’t regret it!
Print
Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Savory ground beef, tender-crisp cabbage, and a delicious sauce come together to create a satisfying meal that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 6 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
For Serving:
- Cooked rice
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.
- Cook Aromatics: Add diced onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until fragrant and onion is softened.
- Add Cabbage: Stir in sliced cabbage and cook until tender-crisp.
- Make Sauce: Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
- Combine: Pour sauce over beef and cabbage, cook briefly to combine flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Serve hot over rice, garnish with green onions.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or pork instead of beef.
- For a low-carb version, serve with cauliflower rice or enjoy on its own.
- Napa cabbage or purple cabbage can also be used.
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