Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

Looking for a quick dinner that checks all the boxes for flavor, texture, and pure satisfaction? The Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe is your new weeknight hero! Picture perfectly browned ground beef mingling with crisp-tender cabbage, a sauce that’s the ultimate balance of savory and just a hint of sweetness, all on the table in less than 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or just yourself on a cozy night in, this stir fry never disappoints. Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll wonder how you ever settled for bland weekday meals!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe is in how each simple ingredient brings its own special flair. These items might already be in your pantry or fridge, but together, they create a flavor-packed dish that’s effortlessly delicious and vibrant on your plate.

• Ground beef: Rich and hearty, ground beef is the backbone of this recipe—substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist.
• Cabbage: Four generous cups of shredded cabbage add wonderful crunch and soak up every drop of the savory sauce.
• Sesame oil: Provides a nutty aroma and helps set the foundation for that unmistakable stir fry flair.
• Garlic: Three cloves, minced, infuse the oil and beef with zesty depth and complexity.
• Ginger: A tablespoon of minced ginger offers brightness and zing, balancing the richness of the beef.
• Soy sauce: Two tablespoons bring that essential, umami punch essential to so many Asian dishes.
• Rice vinegar: Adds a light tang and helps cut through the richness—it’s the secret to a balanced sauce.
• Hoisin sauce: Sweet and savory, hoisin elevates the sauce to delicious new heights.
• Chili paste (optional): A teaspoon gives a satisfying kick of heat; customize to your preferred spice level.
• Sugar: Just two teaspoons rounds out the flavors, smoothing any sharp or salty notes.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and pulling everything together at the end.
• Green onions (garnish): Chopped green onions add color and a light oniony bite right before serving.
• Sesame seeds (garnish, optional): A sprinkle of sesame seeds for a subtle crunch and visual flair.

How to Make Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

Step 1: Heat the Sesame Oil

Begin by heating the sesame oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. This step is where the inviting, nutty aromas start to fill your kitchen—just a small amount of sesame oil is all you need to create that authentic base for the Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the hot pan, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Make sure to let it brown nicely; this builds amazing flavor and creates those irresistible little crispy bits. Take your time and cook the beef thoroughly, but don’t dry it out!

Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger

Once your beef is beautifully browned, toss in the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry everything for about a minute, letting the aromatics release their fragrances throughout the beef. You’ll know it’s ready when the kitchen smells almost too good for words.

Step 4: Stir in Cabbage

Add the shredded cabbage to the pan, turning everything together so the cabbage gets well coated in those aromatic beef juices. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, just until the cabbage softens but still has a lovely crunch—you want that texture in every bite.

Step 5: Add the Sauce Ingredients

Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, chili paste if you like it spicy, and sugar. Stir everything together and keep cooking for a few minutes so the flavors can meld. This is where the Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe really comes together, transforming humble ingredients into something special.

Step 6: Season and Finish

Taste your stir fry and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Once it’s just right, you’re ready for the grand finale: a shower of chopped green onions and optional sesame seeds. Serve immediately while it’s piping hot and aromatic.

How to Serve Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t skip the garnishes—a few handfuls of fresh chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds take this stir fry from everyday to extraordinary. Not only do they look beautiful, but they also add a vibrant, fresh element that perfectly complements the savory flavors of the dish.

Side Dishes

This Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe truly shines alongside fluffy steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or your favorite noodles. For a lighter meal, it’s fantastic served in lettuce cups or over a bed of cauliflower rice. Add a quick cucumber salad or steamed edamame for an effortless, well-rounded dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to wow your family or friends? Try serving the stir fry family-style in a large bowl at the center of the table, letting everyone dig in. Or, portion it into individual bowls over rice with extra garnishes on top. For a festive touch, stuff it inside warm steamed bao buns or roll it into spring rolls for a fun appetizer!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Store any remaining Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to three days, making it ideal for quick lunches or a repeat dinner that tastes just as delicious the next day.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this stir fry! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to two months. The cabbage will soften a bit after thawing but the flavors remain wonderful.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. A splash of water or extra soy sauce can help revive the sauce. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat in the Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe?

Absolutely! This dish is incredibly adaptable. You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork if you prefer something different or leaner.

Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb or keto diet?

Yes—served as is, this recipe is quite low in carbs thanks to the cabbage base. For strict keto, be sure to use a low-carb hoisin or omit it, and serve your stir fry without rice or traditional noodles.

How spicy is the Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe?

The heat level is totally adjustable! The chili paste is optional, so you can add as much or as little as you like, or leave it out altogether for a milder stir fry everyone can enjoy.

What’s the best cabbage to use?

I love using standard green cabbage because it softens nicely while retaining just enough bite, but you can also use Napa cabbage for a more delicate texture. Both work great!

Can I double the recipe for meal prep?

Definitely! The Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe doubles (or even triples) effortlessly. Just use a larger pan or cook in batches so everything browns evenly, and you’re set for several tasty meals.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason the Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe is a go-to in my kitchen: it’s incredibly satisfying, endlessly adaptable, and comes together in the blink of an eye. If you’re craving a meal that’s flavorful, budget-friendly, and effortlessly comforting, give this recipe a try—you’ll be hooked after the very first bite!

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