If you’re craving a meal that’s quick, bursting with flavor, and packed with wholesome veggies, this Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe will absolutely hit the mark. Combining tender ground beef with crisp cabbage and vibrant aromatics, all enveloped in a savory, slightly spicy sauce, this dish offers a perfect balance of textures and tastes. It’s an easy go-to for busy weeknights, yet feels satisfying enough to share with friends or family, making it one of those recipes you’ll want to keep close in your culinary toolkit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this dish, and luckily, it relies on simple, everyday staples that come together to create something truly special. Each component plays an essential role, from the ground beef’s hearty richness to the cabbage’s crunch, while the sauce layers in savory, tangy, and slightly spicy notes that brighten every bite.
- 1 pound lean ground beef: Provides rich, savory protein and a satisfying texture.
- 1 small head green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced: Adds a refreshing crunch and sweetness.
- 3 green onions, sliced: Give both fresh sharpness and a pop of color garnish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings warm, aromatic depth to the dish.
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger, grated: Offers a bright, zesty kick that elevates the flavors.
- 1 medium carrot, julienned: Introduces subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari: Adds the essential salty umami foundation.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce: Enhances the sauce’s complexity with savory richness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Balances sweetness and salt with gentle acidity.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Infuses a fragrant nuttiness to round out the profile.
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce: Delivers a controlled spicy warmth to enliven the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper: Adds subtle heat while blending well with soy flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar or sweetener: Helps to soften and marry the savory ingredients.
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For stir-frying, ensuring everything cooks evenly with a nice sear.
How to Make Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the sauce
Before cooking, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, white pepper, and sugar in a small bowl. This lovely mix is the heart of your protein and vegetables, lending that classic Chinese stir-fry flavor that makes this dish irresistible. Setting it aside lets the flavors meld, so it’s ready for the perfect finish.
Step 2: Brown the ground beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This step creates those delicious browned bits that add a caramelized savoriness to the dish. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, about 4 to 5 minutes, then get ready to bring on the aromatics.
Step 3: Infuse aromatics
Now add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of the green onions to the pan. Stir-fry for about a minute until everything releases its fragrant aroma. This step is magic because these simple ingredients elevate the whole dish with bright, fresh layers of flavor that make each bite exciting.
Step 4: Cook the vegetables
Toss in the sliced cabbage and julienned carrot. Stir-fry everything together for 5 to 7 minutes. You want the cabbage to soften but still keep a tender-crisp bite—it’s this contrast that keeps the dish feeling fresh and satisfying rather than heavy. The carrots add a mild sweetness and burst of color that brighten up the plate.
Step 5: Finish with sauce
Pour the previously prepared sauce over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat every piece evenly and let it cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and soak into the ingredients. This step brings harmony to the dish, combining all those bold, balanced flavors you’ve been building throughout.
Step 6: Plate and serve
Once the stir-fry is hot and glossy with sauce, remove it from heat. Garnish generously with the green parts of the sliced green onions for a fresh, slightly sharp contrast and an inviting splash of green. Serve immediately to enjoy all the textures and flavors at their best.
How to Serve Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or extra green onions can elevate your dish beautifully. Adding fresh cilantro or a drizzle of chili oil also personalizes it with extra flair and brightness. These simple garnishes not only amp up the presentation but add that final hit of texture and flavor to make the dish feel restaurant-worthy right at home.
Side Dishes
This stir-fry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice, which soaks up the flavorful sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, try serving it alongside cauliflower rice or even crispy wonton chips for a textural contrast. Stir-fried garlic green beans or snap peas complement the hearty beef and cabbage with their fresh crunch, rounding out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe wrapped in lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held bite. You can also use it as a filling for savory pancakes or fold it into warm steamed buns for an irresistible snack. These presentation ideas make the dish versatile and exciting beyond just the skillet, offering new ways to enjoy its delicious flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover stir-fry keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s a fantastic lunch option that reheats quickly without losing its charm. Just cool before storing to maintain freshness and prevent condensation, which can make ingredients soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish in portions using freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It freezes best for up to 2 months. When freezing, leave some space at the top because the contents may expand slightly. Defrost overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Avoid microwaving directly from frozen to preserve texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use ground pork or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground pork or chicken works great in this recipe and will give the dish a slightly different flavor profile. Just adjust cooking times as needed, ensuring the meat is fully cooked through.
How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level comes from the sriracha or chili garlic sauce but is quite mild overall. You can easily adjust it by adding more or less to suit your personal heat preference without overpowering the other flavors.
Is it necessary to use oyster sauce?
Oyster sauce adds depth and a lovely umami richness, but if you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute with a mushroom-based stir-fry sauce or simply increase the soy sauce and add a touch of hoisin sauce for sweetness.
Can I prepare ingredients ahead of time?
Yes! You can slice the cabbage, julienne the carrot, and prep the aromatics a day ahead. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge to keep everything fresh and make cooking faster.
What’s the best way to slice the cabbage for this stir-fry?
Thinly slicing the cabbage ensures it cooks quickly and retains a tender-crisp texture. Using a sharp knife or mandoline to get even, fine slices will help the cabbage meld beautifully with the beef and sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe is such a gem to have in your rotation. It’s fast, full of vibrant flavors, and flexes easily to what you have on hand. I encourage you to dive in, experiment with your favorite tweaks, and enjoy making this cozy, delicious dish your own. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a revived favorite that feels both fresh and comfortingly familiar.
Print
Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Description
This Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful dish combining lean ground beef with crisp cabbage and vibrant aromatics, all cooked in a savory sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight meal that balances protein and vegetables with Asian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 pound lean ground beef
Vegetables
- 1 small head green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green portions)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
Sauces and Oils
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Spices and Sweeteners
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar or sweetener
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, ground white pepper, and sugar until well combined. Set this sauce mixture aside for later use.
- Brown the ground beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is browned and fully cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Infuse aromatics: Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white portions of the sliced green onions to the browned beef. Stir-fry this mixture for about 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring the aromatics release their flavors.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the thinly sliced cabbage and julienned carrot to the skillet. Stir-fry the vegetables with the beef for 5 to 7 minutes until the cabbage becomes tender but still crisp, maintaining a nice texture.
- Finish with sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetable mixture. Toss everything thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. Continue cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce is heated through and slightly reduced.
- Plate and serve: Remove the stir-fry from heat. Garnish with the green portions of the sliced green onions for a fresh finish. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute tamari for soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha according to your preferred spice level.
- For a lower-fat version, use extra-lean ground beef or ground turkey.
- Adding a splash of water or broth while stir-frying the vegetables can help them cook evenly without drying out.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
