You know, I've always thought that food has a magical way of bringing back memories, and that’s exactly how I feel about this Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry. I remember the first time I made it — my kids were running around the kitchen, and the smell of garlic and ginger filled the air. They couldn’t resist peeking over my shoulder, asking if it was ready yet. It’s funny how something as simple as a stir-fry can create such a joyful atmosphere. That’s what cooking is all about for me, creating moments filled with laughter and love.
This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty and delicious without spending hours at the stove. It’s a fabulous way to get your family to eat their veggies while enjoying a mouthwatering meal that’s ready in just 25 minutes. Trust me, once you try this Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home, just like it is in mine!
Why You’ll Love "Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry"
- Quick to prepare — ready in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
- Minimal ingredients — uses pantry staples and fresh veggies.
- Family-friendly dish that even picky eaters will enjoy.
- One-pan meal — less cleanup means more time with loved ones.
- Freezer-friendly — make a double batch and save some for later.
- Versatile — customize with your favorite veggies or proteins!
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Ground Beef
1 pound, lean for a lighter option
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Green Cabbage
4 cups, shredded; pre-shredded saves time
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Onion
1, finely chopped
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Garlic
3 cloves, minced
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Fresh Ginger
1 tablespoon, minced
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Soy Sauce
¼ cup
-
Oyster Sauce
2 tablespoons
-
Rice Vinegar
1 tablespoon
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Sesame Oil
1 tablespoon
-
Vegetable Oil
2 tablespoons
-
Salt
to taste
-
Pepper
to taste
-
Green Onions
for garnish
-
Sesame Seeds
for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Heat the Oil
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Don't be afraid to get in there with your spatula!
- Add chopped onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. You'll know it's ready when your kitchen smells amazing!
- Stir in shredded cabbage and cook until wilted, which usually takes another 3-5 minutes. Don’t worry if it looks like a lot at first; it cooks down nicely.
- Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and rice vinegar; mix well to combine all those delicious flavors.
- Drizzle with sesame oil and season with salt and pepper; remove from heat. Give it a taste and adjust if needed!
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving. This adds a lovely crunch and pop of color!
Cook the Beef
Sauté Aromatics
Add Cabbage
Mix in Sauces
Season and Finish
Garnish
Variations
Feel free to get creative with this stir-fry! Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Add seasonal veggies like bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and nutrition. If you like a bit of heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or Sriracha. You can also use quinoa or cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a lighter, low-carb option!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving
Serve hot over a bed of fluffy rice or noodles for a satisfying meal. Don't forget to garnish with additional green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for that lovely crunch and flavor boost!
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When it’s time to enjoy again, you can easily reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through!
Helpful Notes
- For a gluten-free version, make sure to choose gluten-free soy sauce.
- Lean ground beef is great, but ground pork or chicken works well too!
- Feel free to add in other veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.
- If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a teaspoon of sugar or honey.
- For a bit of crunch, toss in some chopped nuts like peanuts or cashews just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry?
Yes, it freezes well in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
How can I substitute the ground beef?
You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
Consider adding a splash of chili oil for heat, or toss in some fresh herbs like cilantro for added freshness.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with firm tofu or tempeh, and you can still enjoy all the delicious flavors.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it — a simple, delicious Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry that’s ready in no time and perfect for any night of the week! I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it fills your kitchen with warmth and laughter, just like it does in mine. Remember, cooking is all about enjoying the process and making memories with those you love. So grab your ingredients, tie on that apron, and let’s create something wonderful together. You’ve got this, and I promise you won’t regret it!
Print
Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that combines protein-rich beef with crunchy cabbage and aromatic seasonings.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef – 1 pound
- Green Cabbage – 4 cups, shredded
- Onion – 1, finely chopped
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Fresh Ginger – 1 tablespoon, minced
- Soy Sauce – ¼ cup
- Oyster Sauce – 2 tablespoons
- Rice Vinegar – 1 tablespoon
- Sesame Oil – 1 tablespoon
- Vegetable Oil – 2 tablespoons
- Salt – to taste
- Pepper – to taste
- Green Onions – for garnish
- Sesame Seeds – for garnish
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add chopped onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in shredded cabbage and cook until wilted.
- Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, and rice vinegar; mix well.
- Drizzle with sesame oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Using pre-shredded cabbage saves time.
- For a lighter dish, opt for lean ground beef.
- Adjust sauce ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry, Beef Stir-Fry, Cabbage Stir-Fry
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