This quick and tasty stir-fry features tender ground beef and crunchy cabbage. It’s packed with flavor and super simple to whip up in just one pan!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I prefer using ground beef for its rich flavor, but you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just adjust the cooking time since turkey may cook faster.
Cabbage: Green cabbage is great for this stir-fry, but feel free to use Napa cabbage for a sweeter taste or even savoy cabbage for a different texture!
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger bring fantastic flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic and ginger powder, but fresh is definitely better for this recipe.
Soy Sauce: If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. You can also reduce the amount for a lower sodium intake.
Oyster Sauce: This adds depth, but if you want a vegetarian alternative, try mushroom sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a little sugar for sweetness.
How Do I Get My Cabbage Just Right?
The key to perfect cabbage in a stir-fry is to cook it just until it’s tender but still has a bit of crunch. Here’s how:
- After adding the cabbage, stir frequently to ensure even cooking.
- Cook on medium-high heat—not too low or it will steam instead of stir-fry.
- You want it to become bright and soft, but still crisp. Usually, 5 minutes is enough!
Don’t forget, the residual heat will continue to cook it slightly after you take it off the stove, so it’s best to serve it right away!
Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced (white and green parts separated)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a mild kick)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy stir-fry takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes to cook, totaling about 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but delicious enough for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
Start by gathering all your ingredients together. Thinly slice the cabbage, mince the garlic and ginger, and chop the green onions, separating the white parts from the green. This will help everything cook evenly!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, using a spatula to break it apart. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
3. Add Aromatics:
Stir in the minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, until everything is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Incorporate the Cabbage:
Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet. Stir frequently as it cooks, allowing it to soften while still maintaining a bit of crunch. This should take about 5 minutes.
5. Season It Up:
Pour in the soy sauce and oyster sauce, stirring well to coat the beef and cabbage evenly. If you like some heat, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes at this point.
6. Let the Flavors Combine:
Allow everything to cook together for another 2 minutes. This helps the flavors meld beautifully!
7. Finish with Sesame Oil:
Drizzle the sesame oil over the top, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the green parts of the green onions for a fresh touch.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the stir-fry from the heat and serve hot over steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy your meal!
Feel free to experiment with other veggies or sauces to make this recipe your own. Happy cooking! 😊
Can I Use Leaner Meat for This Stir-Fry?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just be mindful that turkey might cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking!
What Can I Substitute for Oyster Sauce?
If you want to skip the oyster sauce, you can use mushroom sauce for a vegetarian alternative. Another option is to mix soy sauce with a little sugar to add similar sweetness and depth to your stir-fry.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or use the microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! This stir-fry is versatile, and you can add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Just make sure to adjust cooking times so everything is tender yet crisp!
