Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

Introduction

This Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful meal packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nutritious and satisfying in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 450g (1 lb) lean ground beef
• 1/2 head green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 small onion, finely sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil for cooking
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Step 2: Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Step 3: Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
4. Step 4: Add onion and carrot, stir-frying for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly softened.
5. Step 5: Toss in the sliced cabbage and stir-fry until wilted but still crisp, about 4 to 5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Mix well so the beef and vegetables are coated evenly.
7. Step 7: Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
8. Step 8: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with crumbled firm tofu or tempeh.
• Use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.
• Add a splash of water or broth if the pan gets too dry while stir-frying vegetables.
• Include other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking when reheating to keep the vegetables crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative and will absorb the sauce flavors nicely.

Is this dish spicy?

This recipe is mild by default, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to increase the heat according to your preference.

Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

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4.8 from 54 reviews

A flavorful and healthy Chinese-inspired ground beef and cabbage stir-fry that’s quick to prepare and packed with nutritious vegetables and savory sauces. This dish combines lean ground beef with crisp cabbage, carrot, and aromatic garlic and ginger, making it a perfect weeknight meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Chinese
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 450g (1 lb) lean ground beef
• 1/2 head green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 small onion, finely sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

Sauces and Oils

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil for cooking

Seasonings and Garnishes

• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat the oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to prepare for sautéing the protein and vegetables.
2. Cook the ground beef: Add 450g (1 lb) of lean ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the dish lean.
3. Add garlic and ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and fresh ginger. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, releasing their aromatic flavors.
4. Add vegetables: Toss in the finely sliced onion and julienned carrot. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until they begin to soften.
5. Cook the cabbage: Add the thinly sliced green cabbage, continuing to stir-fry for 4–5 minutes until the cabbage is wilted but still retains a slight crispness.
6. Mix in sauces and seasoning: Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir thoroughly to coat the ground beef and vegetables evenly with the savory sauce.
7. Adjust seasoning: Taste the stir-fry and season with salt, pepper, or the optional crushed red pepper flakes according to your preference.
8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the dish before serving to add color and extra flavor.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content for a healthier version.
• For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
• You can add crushed red pepper flakes to add a spicy kick if desired.
• Serve this dish on its own or with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Keywords: Chinese ground beef stir fry, cabbage stir fry, healthy Chinese recipes, quick stir fry, low fat dinner, easy weeknight dinner