Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Name: Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 small head of green cabbage, shredded (about 4 cups); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch piece of ginger, grated or 1 tsp ground ginger; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional); 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sugar; Red pepper flakes or sriracha, to taste (optional); Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Posted on May 16, 2025

Quick Weeknight Chinese Stir Fry with Ground Beef and Cabbage

Dinner

Jump to Recipe

Looking for a fast, flavorful dinner that’s also budget-friendly? This Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is your new go-to! Packed with savory umami flavor, tender cabbage, and juicy ground beef, this stir fry comes together in just 20 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend meals, and it tastes even better the next day. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies while keeping things low-carb and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a total lifesaver when you need something quick, easy, and satisfying. It’s made with simple pantry ingredients and requires just one pan—hello, easy cleanup! The savory soy-garlic sauce soaks into the beef and cabbage, creating bold, crave-worthy flavor with every bite. It’s naturally low in carbs, gluten-free (with the right soy sauce), and totally customizable based on what you have in your fridge.

Ingredients

You don’t need anything fancy to make this delicious stir fry—just a handful of everyday ingredients you probably already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 lb ground beef (lean or regular, your choice)
1 small head of green cabbage, shredded (about 4 cups)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, grated (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
3 tablespoons soy sauce (use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but adds great depth)
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (adds a nice tang)
1 teaspoon sugar (balances the saltiness)
Red pepper flakes or sriracha, to taste (optional for heat)
Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions

This stir fry comes together super fast, so have all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking. Let’s get started!

Heat the oil
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Cook the ground beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add aromatics
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add cabbage
Toss in the shredded cabbage. Stir fry for 4–5 minutes, or until the cabbage starts to soften but still has a bit of crunch.
Make the sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sugar.
Combine everything
Pour the sauce over the beef and cabbage. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Cook for another 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Add heat (optional)
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha if you like it spicy.
Serve and garnish
Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, and serve hot!

Servings and Timing

This stir fry is all about maximum flavor with minimal effort and time. It’s ideal for a quick dinner or meal prep lunches throughout the week.

Servings: Makes about 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

You can serve it on its own for a low-carb option, or pair it with steamed rice, noodles, or even lettuce wraps for a fuller meal.

Tips and Variations

This stir fry is super flexible, so don’t be afraid to make it your own! Here are some fun twists and helpful tips:

Swap the meat: Try it with ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Add more veggies: Bell peppers, shredded carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms all pair beautifully with the flavors.
Make it saucier: Double the sauce if you prefer a more “saucy” stir fry, especially if serving over rice or noodles.
Low-sodium tip: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.
Spice it up: Add chili garlic sauce, sriracha, or even a dash of hot oil for extra heat.
Add crunch: Top with crushed peanuts or crispy wonton strips for texture.
Make it a bowl: Serve over rice and add a soft-boiled egg or avocado for a hearty stir fry bowl.

Storage

Got leftovers? This dish stores beautifully and may even taste better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Refrigerator: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this stir fry ahead of time?
Yes! It reheats really well, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.

2. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs. Just skip the sugar or swap it for a keto-friendly sweetener.

3. What can I serve with this dish?
It’s great on its own or with rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

4. Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
Absolutely! It’s a big time-saver and works just as well as fresh.

5. How do I make it gluten-free?
Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of regular soy sauce, and check that your oyster sauce is gluten-free (or omit it).

6. Can I freeze it with the cabbage?
Yes. While the cabbage may soften slightly upon thawing, the flavor holds up beautifully.

7. Is oyster sauce necessary?
Nope—it adds depth, but you can leave it out or add a splash of hoisin sauce or more soy sauce for flavor.

Conclusion

This Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is proof that simple ingredients can create seriously bold flavor. It’s fast, flexible, and family-approved—what more could you ask for? Whether you’re cleaning out the fridge, watching your carbs, or just need dinner on the table fast, this recipe has your back.

Pin1

1 Shares