This Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is quick to make and full of flavor! With juicy beef and crunchy cabbage, it’s a winning combo for any meal.
I love how this dish comes together in just minutes! Toss it over rice or noodles, and you’ll have a tasty dinner ready before you know it. Who doesn’t love a speedy meal? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef works best here for a healthier dish. If you’re looking for a substitute, ground turkey or chicken can provide a lighter option. For a plant-based version, try using mushrooms, tofu, or tempeh instead!
Cabbage: Green cabbage is my favorite for its nice crunch. You can swap it with other varieties like napa cabbage or even bok choy for a slight change in flavor and texture.
Garlic & Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger bring so much flavor! You can use garlic powder and ground ginger as alternatives in a pinch, but I highly recommend fresh ones for the best taste.
Soy Sauce: If you want a gluten-free option, look for tamari instead. Coconut aminos is another great substitute with a slightly sweeter flavor.
Oyster Sauce: This adds depth, but if you’re vegetarian or vegan, coconut aminos or hoisin sauce can work well as substitutes.
How Do I Get the Beef Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the beef thoroughly and evenly is key to a great stir-fry. Start by heating your oil properly before adding garlic and ginger. Then, when adding the ground beef, use a spatula to break it into chunks but don’t overcrowd the pan. Stir it regularly to ensure it cooks evenly and browns nicely—about 5-7 minutes should do the trick.
- Heat oil on medium-high before adding aromatics.
- Break beef apart while cooking to ensure even browning.
- Don’t rush—cooking it right adds to the dish’s overall flavor!
Enjoy cooking your stir-fry! It’s simple, quick, and absolutely delicious.
Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 cups shredded green cabbage
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for mild heat)
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked steamed rice, for serving
Time Estimate:
This delicious stir-fry takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook, making a total of roughly 20 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure the oil is hot to help stir-fry the ingredients well!
2. Sauté Aromatics:
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the hot oil. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but be careful not to let them burn—this step is key for great flavor!
3. Cook the Beef:
Next, add in the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Stir frequently, cooking until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, feel free to drain it off.
4. Combine the Sauces:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Mix everything well so the beef is coated in the tasty sauces.
5. Add the Cabbage:
Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet and stir-fry it with the beef mixture. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or just until the cabbage softens but still retains a bit of crunch. This adds texture to the dish!
6. Final Seasoning:
Season your stir-fry with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir to combine all the flavors.
7. Toss in Green Onions:
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the sliced green onions. They add a fresh crunch to the dish!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious stir-fry immediately over a bowl of steamed rice. Dig in and enjoy your homemade creation!
Happy cooking! Your easy Chinese ground beef and cabbage stir-fry is sure to be a hit! 🌟
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Other Types of Meat in This Stir-Fry?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try using textured vegetable protein (TVP) or firm tofu for a delicious twist!
What Can I Substitute for Oyster Sauce?
If you want to make this dish vegetarian or vegan, you can use hoisin sauce or a mixture of soy sauce and a touch of brown sugar as a substitute for oyster sauce. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still add great flavor!
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 on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Stir-Fry?
Yes, definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, or snap peas. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they stay crisp but cooked through!
