Oh boy, let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite weeknight dinners: Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry! Picture this: It’s a busy day, and I’m racing against time to whip up something quick and delicious. That’s when I turn to this heavenly recipe which has become my go-to for its simplicity and flavor. Seriously, it’s like a culinary superhero, swooping in to save the day with minimal effort but maximum taste.
What I love most about this dish is how versatile it is. You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have in your fridge or even add some heat if you’re feeling spicy! Plus, using ground beef makes it super budget-friendly. I have fond memories of cooking this dish with friends, laughing, and indulging in our little cooking competition to see who could make the tastiest stir fry. Spoiler alert: we all won that night!
What’s in Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry?
Ground Beef: The star of the show! I usually opt for lean ground beef to keep things a bit healthier, but feel free to use whatever variety you prefer. It cooks up beautifully and brings a richness to the stir fry.
Green Cabbage: This crunchy, leafy vegetable adds texture and a nice earthy taste. I often buy the pre-shredded kind to save on prep time, but chopping it yourself can be quite therapeutic, if you’re into that!
Red Bell Pepper: I love the touch of sweetness and vibrant color it adds. Plus, bell peppers are a great source of Vitamin C—win-win!
Green Onions: These bring a fresh, mild onion flavor that elevates the dish. The green tops add a pop of color and flavor right at the end.
Garlic and Ginger: They are the flavor twins that never let you down! Their fragrant aroma makes your kitchen smell divine and adds tons of flavor.
Soy Sauce: This classic Asian condiment is the umami powerhouse of the dish. I usually prefer low-sodium soy sauce for control over the saltiness.
Oyster Sauce: It’s a secret ingredient that gives this stir fry a depth of flavor. Just a little goes a long way!
Sesame Oil: This oil has a lovely, nutty flavor that adds a delightful richness. Just a spoonful makes everything better!
Vegetable Oil: This is crucial for frying at a higher heat without burning things up. I like to use canola or a light olive oil.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who like their stir fry with some heat, feel free to toss some in according to your spice tolerance.
Cooked White Rice: The perfect sidekick to soak up all that delicious sauce. I find that jasmine rice pairs wonderfully with this dish.
Sesame Seeds (optional): They’re an optional garnish that adds a nice crunch and a touch of elegance.
Is Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Good for You?
You bet it is! This stir fry is packed with healthy vegetables and lean protein, which is perfect for a balanced meal.
Green Cabbage: Not only is it low in calories, but it also provides a hefty dose of fiber and vitamins.
Ground Beef: It’s a great source of protein, which is vital for muscle repair and satiety, so you’ll feel full and nourished.
Red Bell Pepper: These are loaded with antioxidants and are known to help boost your immune system!
Just a quick note—if you’re watching your sodium intake, you might want to go easy on the soy sauce and oyster sauce or opt for low-sodium varieties. Otherwise, dig in guilt-free!
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
– 1 cup red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 cup green onions, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
– 3 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
– Cooked white rice, for serving
– Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
*Serves: 4*
How to Make Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry?
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef to the hot skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Push the cooked beef to the side of the skillet. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil.
4. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Add the shredded cabbage and sliced red bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 3-5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
6. Stir the ground beef back into the skillet with the vegetables. Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil, stirring to combine everything well.
7. If you like some heat, add crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
8. Stir in the chopped green onions and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
9. Serve the stir fry over cooked white rice and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Enjoy!
Elevate Your Stir Fry Experience!
Feeling adventurous? Try adding other veggies like snap peas or broccoli for even more color and flavor! You could also make it a bit heartier by tossing in some diced tofu or switching out the ground beef for chicken or turkey. The possibilities are truly endless!
I promise you, once you try this Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry, it’ll find its way into your regular meal rotation. It’s quick, easy, and downright delicious—what’s not to love? So grab your ingredients, crank up the heat, and let’s get cooking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!
