This Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick and tasty dish! It combines juicy ground beef with crunchy cabbage, all tossed in a flavorful sauce. Yum!
I love making this for dinner because it’s ready in a flash. Plus, the mix of textures is so fun, like a little party on your plate! 🎉 Give it a try on a busy weeknight!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef is the star here, bringing a rich flavor. For a leaner option, consider ground turkey or chicken. Both will work well and cut down on fat while keeping the dish hearty.
Cabbage: Green cabbage adds a lovely crunch. If you’re not a fan, try bok choy or savoy cabbage, which is sweeter. You could even use shredded carrots for a pop of color and flavor!
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is essential for that umami flavor. If you need a low-sodium option, you can find reduced-sodium soy sauce. If gluten-free, use tamari instead.
Oyster Sauce: This adds depth and sweetness but can be skipped if you’re vegetarian or don’t have it on hand. Just increase the soy sauce slightly.
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic are must-haves for that authentic taste. For convenience, you can use garlic powder and ground ginger in a pinch, but fresh is always better!
How Can I Get the Cabbage Just Right?
Getting the cabbage cooked perfectly is key for this dish. You want it to be tender but still crunchy. Here’s how to manage it:
- After adding the sliced onion, let it soften slightly before adding the cabbage.
- Stir in the cabbage and cook for 4-5 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally!
- Don’t cover the skillet; this helps it retain some crunch and prevents it from getting soggy.
By following these steps, you’ll get a tasty stir-fry with textures that play nicely together!
Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnishing:
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Sesame seeds (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious stir-fry takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time. So, in just 25 minutes, you’ll have a tasty meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat It Up:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Don’t rush this step; it’s important to make sure your oil is hot enough for a good stir-fry!
2. Sauté Garlic and Ginger:
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil. Sauté them for about 30 seconds until they become fragrant. This will fill your kitchen with a wonderful aroma!
3. Cook the Beef:
Now, it’s time to add the ground beef. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Keep stirring until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s too much fat in the pan, feel free to drain it!
4. Add the Onion:
Throw in the sliced onion and cook it for 2 minutes, just until it becomes slightly soft. This will add more flavor to your stir-fry!
5. Stir in the Cabbage:
Next, add the shredded cabbage to the pan. Cook it for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to wilt but still has some nice crunch.
6. Mix the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if you’re using it), sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well!
7. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and cabbage in the skillet. Stir everything together so that every piece is coated in that delicious sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to let those flavors meld!
8. Season to Taste:
Give your stir-fry a taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Everyone’s taste is different, so adjust the seasoning to your liking!
9. Garnish:
Once it’s ready, remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you’d like. This adds a nice touch and a little extra crunch!
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Dig in and enjoy the delicious flavors of your homemade stir-fry!
FAQ for Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great as a leaner alternative. If you prefer beef, try using a mix of lean and regular ground beef for added flavor without too much fat.
What Can I Substitute for Cabbage?
If cabbage isn’t your favorite, you can use bok choy, napa cabbage, or even just a mix of colorful bell peppers and carrots. Each will offer a slightly different flavor and texture!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Substitute the ground beef with crumbled tofu or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to ensure everything is heated through!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water to help maintain moisture!
