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Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

This Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful skillet meal combining lean ground beef with crisp, thinly sliced cabbage and a savory-sweet sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and offers a satisfying balance of protein and veggies with a distinct Chinese flavor profile.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 4 cups thinly sliced green cabbage
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)

Sauce Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Finely chop the garlic, grate fresh ginger, slice the cabbage thinly, and chop green onions. Having everything ready before cooking makes the stir fry fast and smooth.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
  3. Add Aromatics: Push the beef to one side of the pan and add garlic and ginger. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, mixing with the beef to release their flavors fully.
  4. Stir in Cabbage: Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet, stirring continuously to combine. Cook until the cabbage softens just slightly but still retains a pleasant crunch, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Sauce It Up: Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Toss everything well to coat evenly and let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
  6. Final Touches: Turn off the heat and stir in chopped green onions. Sprinkle red pepper flakes if using, and give it one last toss before serving hot.

Notes

  • Use high heat to quickly sear the beef and keep vegetables crisp.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed to avoid steaming the cabbage.
  • Prep all ingredients first as stir frying cooks fast.
  • Adjust sauces gradually to taste, adding more soy or oyster sauce if needed.
  • Always use fresh garlic and ginger for maximum flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chinese, stir fry, ground beef, cabbage, quick meal, easy dinner, weeknight recipe, savory, gluten free option