This Chinese ground beef and cabbage stir fry is quick, tasty, and perfect for a weeknight meal! It combines juicy beef with crunchy cabbage and a hint of soy sauce.
You can whip this up in no time, making it a go-to when I’m short on dinner ideas. Plus, who doesn’t love a one-pan meal with less mess to clean up? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I usually stick with lean ground beef, but you could use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative. For a vegetarian option, crumbled tofu or tempeh works nicely!
Cabbage: Green cabbage is perfect for this recipe. If you can’t find it, Napa or savoy cabbage are great substitutes, adding a slightly different texture and flavor.
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic give a wonderful kick to the dish. If you’re in a pinch, you can use powdered forms, but fresh is always better for flavor.
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is a must for that salty umami flavor. For a gluten-free option, try tamari. You could also use coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter taste.
Oyster Sauce: This adds depth, but if you’re avoiding seafood, hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little sugar can be a tasty alternative.
How Do I Get My Cabbage Tender but Still Crisp?
Cooking cabbage just right can be tricky. You want it tender but still a little crunchy. Here’s how:
- After you add the cabbage to the beef and onions, keep the heat high.
- Stir-fry for around 5 minutes. You want to see it wilt but not turn mushy.
- Feel free to taste a piece to check if it’s to your liking!
By cooking it quickly at a high temperature, you preserve its bright color and nutrients. Happy cooking!
How to Make Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Garnish:
- 3 green onions, chopped
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, for additional heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stir fry takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, making a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick, tasty, and perfect for a busy night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Skillet:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want the pan nice and hot for a good stir fry!
2. Cook Garlic and Ginger:
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Stir it around for about 30 seconds until it smells wonderful and fragrant. This is the base of your flavor!
3. Brown the Ground Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as it browns. Make sure it’s fully cooked and no longer pink.
4. Drain Excess Fat:
If there’s a lot of fat in the skillet, carefully drain it off. You want to keep it lean for a healthier meal.
5. Add Vegetables:
Now, toss in the sliced onion and shredded cabbage. Stir-fry everything together for about 5 minutes, until the cabbage is tender but still has a little crunch. This adds great texture!
6. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and black pepper. Mix it well until everything is combined.
7. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce over the cooked beef and cabbage mixture. Stir everything together to ensure it’s coated evenly in that delicious sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to let the flavors blend.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish your stir fry with chopped green onions and add crushed red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. Serve hot over rice or noodles, and enjoy your tasty meal!
Can I Substitute Ground Beef with Another Meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork can be great alternatives. Just keep in mind that leaner meats like turkey may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid drying them out.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, just microwave or warm it in a pan over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water to keep it moist if needed.
Can I Make This Stir Fry Vegetarian?
What Vegetables Can I Add or Substitute?
You can easily add or replace vegetables based on your preference! Bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or even broccoli work well in this stir fry. Just slice them thinly and add them to the skillet when you introduce the cabbage for even cooking.
