Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

This Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a flavorful, one-pan dish that is both quick and easy to make. With savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and a delicious stir-fry sauce, this dish makes a satisfying meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with vegetables, lean protein, and bold flavors, it’s a healthier alternative to take-out that the whole family will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy

Ready in under 30 minutes, this stir fry is the perfect solution for busy evenings when you want a delicious meal without a lot of fuss.

2. One-Pan Meal

With just one pan needed for cooking, cleanup is a breeze. The ground beef and cabbage cook together in the same skillet, making it a convenient meal.

3. Healthy and Flavorful

Packed with protein from ground beef and fiber from cabbage, this dish is both nutritious and delicious. The stir-fry sauce adds depth of flavor without excessive calories.

4. Versatile

Feel free to add extra veggies or change the seasonings based on your preference. This stir fry can easily be customized to suit your tastes.

5. Budget-Friendly

Ground beef and cabbage are affordable ingredients, making this a great meal for anyone looking to eat well on a budget.

this RECIPE

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 cups cabbage, shredded
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced (optional)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
• 1 green onion, sliced (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Variations

• Add More Veggies: You can add carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra crunch and flavor.
• Make It Spicy: Increase the red pepper flakes or add some chili paste to the stir fry sauce for an extra kick.
• Swap Protein: If you prefer, you can swap the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork.
• Use Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: For a lighter version, substitute regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and ginger (if using) and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage

Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and stir to combine with the onions and garlic. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage begins to soften but still has some crunch.

Step 4: Stir in the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, hoisin sauce (if using), and red pepper flakes (if desired). Pour the sauce over the cabbage and beef mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Serve

Taste the stir fry and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and serve hot over rice or noodles, if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Cook the Beef in Batches: If you’re making a larger batch, consider cooking the beef in batches so it browns evenly without steaming.
• Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: Cabbage should be tender but still slightly crisp. Don’t overcook it, as it will lose its texture.
• Customize the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the sauce to your liking by adding more soy sauce, vinegar, or hoisin for sweetness.

How to Serve

• Over Rice: Serve this stir fry over steamed white or brown rice for a hearty meal.
• With Noodles: You can also serve it with your favorite Asian noodles like rice noodles or lo mein for a filling dish.
• As a Side: If you’re making this as a side, it pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, fish, or tofu.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or in the microwave.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let the stir fry cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it in a skillet or microwave.

Reheating

To reheat, place the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to keep it moist. Stir occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?

Yes, you can use pre-shredded cabbage to save time, but fresh cabbage is preferred for its better texture and flavor.

2. Can I add other vegetables to the stir fry?

Absolutely! Feel free to add carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, or any other veggies you like to make it more colorful and nutritious.

3. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce in place of regular soy sauce.

5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.

6. What can I serve this stir fry with?

Serve this stir fry with steamed rice, noodles, or as a stand-alone dish.

7. Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, this stir fry can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container.

8. How can I make it spicier?

Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add chili paste to the sauce for a spicier kick.

9. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients and cook the dish ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

10. Can I use hoisin sauce?

Yes, hoisin sauce adds sweetness and depth to the dish, but it’s optional. You can leave it out if you prefer a less sweet flavor.

Conclusion

This Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is the ultimate comfort food with a healthy twist. It’s packed with protein, vegetables, and tons of savory flavor. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, making it the perfect weeknight dinner option. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or just on its own, it’s sure to become a family favorite!

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