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Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a savory, quick-fix dish that turns budget-friendly ingredients into a satisfying meal. With ground beef, tender cabbage, garlic, and soy sauce as its foundation, this stir fry delivers rich umami flavor with just the right amount of crunch.
This simple stir fry is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and wholesome in under 30 minutes. The combination of lean protein and vegetables makes it a naturally low-carb option that’s also endlessly adaptable. Serve it with rice or keep it keto with cauliflower rice or simply as-is.
What Is the Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry?
This stir fry is a fusion-style take on classic Chinese comfort food. It brings together seasoned ground beef and stir-fried cabbage with a flavorful sauce made of soy, garlic, sesame oil, and a touch of ginger. Red pepper flakes and green onions lift it with brightness and mild heat.
Traditionally, stir-fries use thinly sliced meat, but ground beef speeds things up while staying just as delicious. It’s a one-pan wonder that comes together in minutes, with ingredients you likely have in your pantry.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients you probably have on hand.
- Versatile: Pair with rice, noodles, or keep it low-carb.
- Flavor-Packed: Bold umami flavor with garlic, sesame oil, and soy.
- Healthy & Balanced: High-protein, veggie-rich, and customizable for keto or gluten-free diets.
Ingredients for Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
- 1 lb ground beef
- 5 cups chopped green cabbage (about half a head)
- 3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- Salt and pepper to taste
How To Make the Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Once fully cooked, remove excess grease if necessary.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Push the beef to one side of the pan. Add olive oil, white parts of the green onions, and garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Cabbage
Add chopped cabbage, sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes to the pan. Stir everything together, tossing the cabbage with the beef.
Step 4: Add Sauce and Simmer
Drizzle in soy sauce and cook for another 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is wilted but still crisp.
Step 5: Finish and Garnish
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with green onion tops and serve hot.
What to Serve with Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
This stir fry goes great with fluffy jasmine rice or brown rice. To keep it low-carb, serve it with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. You can also add a fried egg on top or a side of kimchi for extra punch.
For a more complete spread, consider serving it alongside Asian Cucumber Salad or a simple miso soup to round out the meal.
Top Tips for Perfecting Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
- Don’t overcook the cabbage—you want it tender but with bite.
- Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
- Toast the sesame oil briefly for more intense flavor.
- If using pre-shredded cabbage, check for freshness.
- Add more soy sauce or a splash of rice vinegar to adjust seasoning to your taste.
Storage Instructions
Let leftovers cool before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second bursts until warmed through.
To freeze, portion into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Green cabbage is ideal for stir fry because it holds its shape well and absorbs sauces nicely. Napa cabbage also works for a softer texture.
Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative. It works well with the same seasonings and reduces overall fat content while keeping flavor.
Absolutely. This recipe is low in carbs thanks to the cabbage and contains no added sugars, making it perfect for keto or low-carb diets.
Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of chili oil during cooking. Sriracha or sambal oelek also make great spicy condiments.
Yes, you can chop veggies and mix the sauce in advance. Cook everything fresh for best texture, but leftovers store well for meal prep.
Soy sauce is a base, but you can add hoisin, oyster sauce, or a bit of rice vinegar for variation. A dash of fish sauce deepens the flavor too.
Want More Dinner Ideas?
You might also enjoy the Garlic Parmesan Cheeseburger Bombs for a flavorful, snackable dinner option. Or check out the Creamy Beef and Shells, a one-pan weeknight classic.
Craving a twist? Try Cheddar Crusted Ground Beef and Rice Casserole, hearty and baked with a crunchy cheese top. The Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta offers comfort with every creamy bite.
Need another versatile ground beef idea? Taco Ranch Bites are perfect for parties or quick dinners.
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Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Spatula
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 5 cups chopped green cabbage about half a head
- 3 green onions sliced, white and green parts separated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
- 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 0.5 tsp ground ginger
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain grease if necessary.
- Push beef to one side. Add olive oil, garlic, and white parts of green onions. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chopped cabbage, sesame oil, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine with the beef.
- Drizzle in soy sauce. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is wilted but still crisp.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with green onion tops and serve hot.