Name: Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 4 cups green cabbage, chopped; 1 medium carrot, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 green onions, chopped; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional); 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon ginger, grated; Salt and pepper, to taste; Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

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Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick, savory, and satisfying dish that delivers bold flavor with minimal effort. Combining tender ground beef, crisp cabbage, and aromatic garlic-ginger soy sauce, it’s the perfect one-pan meal for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This stir-fry is incredibly fast to make and packed with nutritious vegetables and protein. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and easy to customize based on what’s in your fridge. Whether served over rice, noodles, or enjoyed on its own, it offers a delicious balance of textures and flavors with a satisfying umami-rich sauce.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Green cabbage, chopped
Carrot, diced
Garlic, minced
Green onions, chopped
Soy sauce
Hoisin sauce (optional)
Sesame oil
Vegetable oil
Ginger, grated
Salt and pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional)

directions

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
Add garlic, ginger, and diced carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in chopped cabbage and cook for another 4–5 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp.
Add soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix everything thoroughly.
Toss in chopped green onions, stir once more, and remove from heat.
Serve hot as-is or over rice or noodles.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: Approximately 340 kcal per serving

Variations

Protein Options: Substitute ground chicken, turkey, or pork for beef.
Vegetable Add-ins: Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas for variety.
Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes or add sriracha for extra heat.
Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt content.
Noodle Bowl: Serve over rice noodles or lo mein for a more traditional takeout feel.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. This stir-fry also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Yes, it stores and reheats very well, making it ideal for weekly meal planning.

What kind of cabbage should I use?

Green cabbage is traditional, but Napa cabbage or even coleslaw mix works as a substitute.

Is hoisin sauce necessary?

It adds depth and sweetness but can be omitted for a simpler flavor.

Can I use fresh ginger instead of grated?

Yes, finely mince or grate fresh ginger for best results.

What rice works best for serving?

White rice, brown rice, jasmine, or even cauliflower rice pair nicely.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce and check that hoisin sauce is gluten-free.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just ensure your pan is large enough to handle the volume for even cooking.

Can I omit sesame oil?

It adds flavor but can be omitted or replaced with a light drizzle of toasted sesame seeds.

How can I thicken the sauce?

Add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) during the final minute of cooking.

Is this dish spicy?

It’s mild unless red pepper flakes or additional spice is added.

Conclusion

Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a versatile, flavorful, and easy dish that brings comfort and convenience to your table. Ready in under 30 minutes and requiring just one pan, it’s the perfect choice for a nourishing weeknight meal or a satisfying meal prep solution. Enjoy the fusion of savory, garlicky goodness with tender beef and crisp vegetables in every bite.

Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

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Author: Mia
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A quick and savory stir-fry made with seasoned ground beef, crisp cabbage, and carrots, all coated in a garlic-soy sauce with a touch of heat—ideal for fast, flavorful meals.

Instructions

Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Add garlic, ginger, and carrots; stir-fry for 2 minutes.
Stir in chopped cabbage and cook until just tender but still slightly crisp, about 4–5 minutes.
Add soy sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well.
Toss in green onions, stir to combine, and remove from heat.
Serve hot over rice or noodles, or enjoy as is for a low-carb meal.