This Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is quick and tasty! With juicy ground beef, crunchy cabbage, and a few flavorful sauces, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
The best part? It’s one pan, so clean-up is a breeze! I love piling it over rice for a filling meal. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in those veggies!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using lean ground beef for a healthier option. If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or chicken work well too! You can also try plant-based ground meat if you’re keeping it vegetarian.
Cabbage: Green cabbage is the star here, but you can also use Napa cabbage or even kale for a different twist. If you like a bit of crunch, try adding some shredded carrots or bell peppers.
Sauces: Soy sauce adds a rich flavor, while oyster sauce gives a nice depth. Can’t find oyster sauce? You can substitute it with more soy sauce or try mushroom sauce. Hoisin sauce adds sweetness, so feel free to skip it if you prefer less sugar.
Ginger and Garlic: Fresh ginger and garlic are key for flavor. You can use powder in a pinch, but fresh is always better! If ginger isn’t available, try a splash of ginger juice.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Stir-Fry?
Stir-frying is all about high heat and quick movements! Here are some tips to get it just right:
- Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding oil. This helps to sear the beef and prevents it from steaming.
- Keep the ingredients moving! Stir constantly to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning.
- Add ingredients in stages – start with the meat, then the aromatics (like garlic and ginger), and finally the cabbage. This way, everything cooks perfectly without getting mushy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan! If you’re making a big batch, cook in batches to keep that crispy texture.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious stir-fry every time!
Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage (about 1/2 medium cabbage)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or other neutral oil)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving
Time Needed:
This dish is quick to prepare! You’ll need about 10 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking, making a total of about 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a busy evening dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough that the beef sizzles when it hits the pan!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks, allowing it to brown and get slightly crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s a lot of fat, drain the excess fat from the skillet.
3. Add Aromatics:
Once the beef is cooked, add the minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the sliced green onions. Stir-fry these for about 1 minute until they smell amazing!
4. Add Cabbage:
Now, toss in the chopped cabbage. Stir frequently and cook for about 4-5 minutes, until the cabbage is wilted but still has a bit of crunch. You want that perfect balance!
5. Mix the Sauces:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), sesame oil, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Stir until it’s well mixed.
6. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and cabbage, stirring everything together so that the flavors blend. Cook for another 2 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
7. Season to Taste:
Give it a taste and add salt and black pepper as needed. Remember, the soy sauce adds some saltiness, so go easy on the additional salt!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the stir-fry from the heat. Garnish with the green parts of the sliced green onions for a fresh finish.
9. Enjoy!
Serve the stir-fry hot over a bed of cooked rice. Dig in and savor the delicious flavors!
Enjoy your flavorful and easy Chinese-style ground beef and cabbage stir-fry!
FAQ for Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. Each will bring a slightly different taste to the dish, but they all work well!
What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a low-sodium option or need to avoid soy, you can use tamari, coconut aminos, or liquid aminos. Keep in mind that the flavor will vary slightly depending on the substitute.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so that everything cooks evenly!
