Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

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The comforting aroma of sizzling ground beef mixed with tender cabbage and savory soy garlic sauce makes this Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry a household favorite. It’s quick to prepare, uses simple pantry ingredients, and delivers bold flavors reminiscent of your favorite takeout all from the comfort of your kitchen.

This dish strikes the perfect balance between texture and taste. The tender beef complements the crunchy cabbage beautifully, while a savory blend of sauces ties everything together into a rich, umami-forward stir fry. It’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights, meal prep, or whenever you need a reliable dinner with minimal cleanup.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 lb lean ground beef
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/2 head green cabbage, shredded
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon sriracha (optional for heat)
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
2 green onions, chopped
Cooked white or brown rice (for serving)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Directions:

Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon.
Drain excess fat if needed.
Add onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in shredded cabbage and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and sriracha. Pour over the beef and cabbage mixture.
Add cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, stirring continuously until well combined.
Cook another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything evenly.
Remove from heat, top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
Serve hot over cooked rice.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry – A Flavorful, Budget-Friendly Classic

Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is one of those magical meals that checks all the boxes: it’s quick to make, affordable, uses pantry staples, and explodes with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family after a long workday or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this savory stir fry never disappoints. Its simplicity is only rivaled by its bold taste savory ground beef, crunchy cabbage, hints of garlic and ginger, and a silky soy-based sauce all come together in just one pan.

This dish is a modern twist on classic Chinese stir fry dishes, combining traditional Asian flavors with the convenience of ground beef a protein that many households already have in their freezer. Ground beef absorbs the deep umami from soy sauce and hoisin beautifully while also staying juicy and satisfying. Meanwhile, cabbage offers a crunchy, slightly sweet contrast that lightens the dish and adds texture.

Stir-frying is a popular cooking technique in Chinese cuisine because it’s fast, high heat, and perfect for combining multiple ingredients into a cohesive, flavorful meal. When paired with fluffy white rice or brown rice, you have a wholesome, well rounded dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

Why This Dish Works

The brilliance of Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry lies in its balance. It’s a one-pan recipe that delivers a satisfying mix of protein and vegetables, all coated in a mouthwatering sauce. But what truly sets it apart?

Flavor harmony: The combination of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, hoisin, and sesame oil creates a deep, layered flavor that’s savory, slightly sweet, and rich with umami.
Texture: You get juicy, tender beef paired with slightly crispy cabbage each bite is both hearty and light.
Versatility: You can easily adapt this recipe with different vegetables, protein choices, spice levels, and sauces.
Speed: Prep and cooking take just around 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute meal planning.
Nutrition: This dish is naturally high in protein and fiber while being low in carbs (if served without rice), and it can be made gluten-free with simple ingredient swaps.

Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients and what each brings to the table.

Ground Beef

Lean ground beef (around 85-90% lean) is perfect for this stir fry. It’s full of flavor, cooks quickly, and absorbs seasonings beautifully. If you prefer a leaner or healthier option, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat substitutes work well.

Cabbage

Cabbage is the heart of this dish it bulks up the meal, adds crunch, and complements the rich beef perfectly. Green cabbage is most common, but Napa cabbage or even purple cabbage can be used for a colorful twist. It’s high in vitamins C and K and adds dietary fiber.

Aromatics: Garlic and Ginger

No Asian stir fry is complete without the dynamic duo of garlic and ginger. They lay the foundation of flavor and bring freshness and warmth to the dish.

Soy Sauce

A staple in Asian cooking, soy sauce offers that unmistakable umami punch. Low-sodium soy sauce is recommended so the saltiness doesn’t overpower the other flavors.

Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the stir fry, helping to thicken the sauce and provide a glossy finish. If you don’t have hoisin on hand, oyster sauce or a touch of brown sugar and extra soy can work as substitutes.

Rice Vinegar

Rice vinegar introduces acidity, which cuts through the richness of the beef and balances the dish. It brightens the entire stir fry and prevents it from feeling too heavy.

Sriracha or Chili Flakes (Optional)

For those who enjoy a little heat, a squirt of sriracha or a pinch of chili flakes will give this dish a spicy kick. It’s totally optional and can be adjusted to your liking.

Sesame Oil

Toasted sesame oil added at the end provides a nutty, aromatic finish that really elevates the flavor. A little goes a long way, so use sparingly.

Green Onions & Sesame Seeds

These garnishes add color, freshness, and subtle crunch. They also make the dish more visually appealing, which is important if you’re serving it to guests or sharing photos online.

Cooking Tips for Success

High heat is key: Stir fry dishes cook quickly on high heat. Preheat your pan well and keep the ingredients moving to avoid burning.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning of the beef and crisp-tender cabbage.
Prep before you cook: Stir fry moves fast. Chop and measure all your ingredients ahead of time so you’re not scrambling once the heat is on.
Balance the sauce: Adjust soy, vinegar, hoisin, and heat levels to your taste. If you want more depth, add a dash of fish sauce or a spoonful of peanut butter for richness.

Variations to Try

This dish is incredibly adaptable to your preferences or dietary needs:

Make it keto: Skip the rice and serve it on a bed of cauliflower rice.
Make it vegetarian: Use plant-based meat crumbles or tofu instead of ground beef.
Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or mushrooms for more nutrition and color.
Use different proteins: Try ground pork, chicken, or even thinly sliced beef strips for a new twist.
Turn it into lettuce wraps: Spoon the stir fry into large lettuce leaves (like romaine or butter lettuce) for a low-carb, fun-to-eat version.

Nutritional Insights

One of the greatest benefits of this dish is how balanced it is. Depending on your portion and what you serve it with, a single serving offers a good source of:

Protein – Ground beef makes this dish satisfying and muscle-fueling.
Fiber – Thanks to cabbage and other veggie add-ins.
Micronutrients – Cabbage is rich in antioxidants and vitamins like K and C.
Healthy fats – From the sesame oil, which adds flavor and heart-health benefits.
Low carbs – If served without rice or with cauliflower rice, it’s low in carbohydrates and suitable for low-carb diets.

Serving Suggestions

Over steamed rice: This is the classic pairing and makes a filling, comforting bowl.
With noodles: Try lo mein or soba noodles for a fun variation.
In lettuce cups: Serve as appetizers or light lunch in fresh, crisp lettuce wraps.
Topped with a fried egg: A runny yolk adds richness and texture.
With Asian slaw or a side of kimchi: These offer a crunchy and refreshing contrast.

Conclusion

Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is the ultimate definition of a fuss free, flavorful meal that doesn’t compromise on nutrition or satisfaction. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll turn to over and over again whether you’re cooking on a tight schedule, sticking to a budget, or just want something comforting and delicious.

Its versatility is another reason it deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. You can tweak the ingredients based on what you have at home and still end up with a dish that tastes like it came from a restaurant kitchen. Best of all, it’s quick to whip up and even quicker to disappear from the plate!

So next time you’re staring at that half head of cabbage and a pound of ground beef, you know exactly what to do stir fry your way to a better dinner.