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Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

Quick one-pan stir-fry featuring ground beef, cabbage, fresh ginger, and garlic in a savory sauce ready in 25 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Calories: 285

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb lean ground beef 90% lean recommended
  • 4 cups green cabbage thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger grated (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or peanut oil
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 3 whole green onions chopped

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • wooden spoon or spatula
  • Grater or microplane
  • cutting board and knife

Method
 

  1. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Slice the cabbage into thin ribbons (about 1/4 inch). Chop the green onions and measure out your sauces. Have everything ready near the stove.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
  3. Add the ground beef to the hot pan. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes to develop a crust, then break it apart with a wooden spoon. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned with crispy bits.
  4. Push the beef to the sides of the pan to create a well in the center. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the center. Let them sizzle for about 1 minute until fragrant, then stir everything together.
  5. Add the sliced cabbage to the pan. If your pan is small, add it in two batches, letting the first batch wilt before adding more. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp.
  6. Pour the soy sauce over the beef and cabbage mixture. Toss well to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  7. Turn off the heat. Drizzle the sesame oil over the top and toss in the chopped green onions, reserving some for garnish.
  8. Serve hot over steamed rice or on its own for a low-carb option. Garnish with remaining green onions.

Notes

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freezes well for up to 2 months, though cabbage texture becomes softer. Substitutions: Ground turkey, pork, or chicken work well. Tamari for gluten-free, coconut aminos for soy-free. Napa cabbage or bok choy can replace green cabbage. Variations: Add julienned carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas with the cabbage. Stir in chili garlic sauce or sriracha for heat. Add oyster sauce for extra umami depth. Reheating: Use a skillet with a splash of water or broth over medium heat, or microwave covered for 1-2 minutes. Meal Prep: Cook double batch and portion with rice for easy weekday lunches.