Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
Introduction
This Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with savory beef, crisp cabbage, and aromatic garlic and ginger, it’s both satisfying and simple to make.

Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare your ingredients by mincing the garlic and ginger, and slicing the cabbage into thin strips.
- Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for about one minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add the sliced cabbage and cook for 3-4 minutes until it begins to wilt.
- Step 6: Pour in the soy sauce, mix well, and let cook for another 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Step 7: Drizzle the sesame oil over the stir-fry before serving and garnish with chopped green onions.
Tips & Variations
- For extra color and crunch, add sliced bell peppers or shredded carrots along with the cabbage.
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
- Adjust the soy sauce amount to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through to preserve texture and flavor.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cabbage?
Yes, Napa cabbage or savoy cabbage work well as substitutes and add a slightly different texture and flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
Print
Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A quick and healthy Chinese-inspired ground beef and cabbage stir-fry that combines savory flavors with fresh ingredients for a satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delicious balance of protein and vegetables in a simple, flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Mince the garlic and grate the fresh ginger. Thinly slice the green cabbage into strips for even cooking.
- Heat Oil: Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, indicating it’s hot enough for cooking.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook for 5-7 minutes until it is fully browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant to release their flavors.
- Add Cabbage: Incorporate the sliced cabbage into the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the cabbage to wilt slightly but retain some crunch.
- Season: Pour in the low-sodium soy sauce, stirring well to combine all ingredients. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Finish and Garnish: Drizzle the sesame oil over the stir-fry for added aroma and flavor. Remove from heat and top with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce during step 6.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- If you prefer a softer cabbage texture, cook it a little longer but avoid overcooking to keep some crispness.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and reheated; just add fresh green onions before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Keywords: ground beef stir fry, cabbage recipe, quick Chinese dinner, healthy stir fry, lean beef recipes

