Name: Quick Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 small green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons oyster sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 2 green onions, sliced; ½ teaspoon black pepper

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I like this recipe because it gives me a full, flavorful meal in very little time using ingredients I usually already have. When I want something savory, comforting, and quick after a long day, this ground beef and cabbage stir fry is one of my go-to dinners. It feels hearty without being heavy and comes together effortlessly in one pan. Quick Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy how fast and simple this dish is while still delivering bold flavor. I like that the cabbage cooks down beautifully and absorbs the sauce, making every bite satisfying. I also appreciate how flexible the recipe is, since I can easily adjust the seasonings or add extra vegetables depending on what I have on hand.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound ground beef
1 small green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 green onions, sliced
½ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

I begin by heating a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and adding the vegetable oil. I add the ground beef and cook it until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once the beef is cooked through, I stir in the garlic and ginger and let them cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

I then add the chopped cabbage to the pan and stir fry everything together for a few minutes. Once the cabbage starts to wilt, I pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sesame oil. I toss everything well and continue cooking until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp. I finish with black pepper and top it with sliced green onions before serving.

Servings And Timing

I usually prepare this recipe to serve 4 people. The prep time is about 5 minutes, and the cooking time is around 15 minutes, so the entire dish is ready in approximately 20 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes replace the ground beef with ground chicken or turkey when I want a lighter option. I like adding shredded carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas for extra crunch and color. When I am craving spice, I mix in chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer using a skillet over medium heat to keep the texture of the cabbage intact, though reheating in the microwave works well for convenience.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?

I find pre-shredded cabbage works just fine and saves prep time, though freshly chopped cabbage has the best texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

I make it gluten-free by using gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce alternatives.

Can I add more sauce?

I sometimes increase the soy sauce and oyster sauce slightly if I want a saucier stir fry.

What can I serve this with?

I like serving it over steamed rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice depending on my mood.

Does this recipe work for meal prep?

I find it great for meal prep since it reheats well and stays flavorful for several days.

Conclusion

I love how this quick Chinese ground beef and cabbage stir fry makes weeknight cooking easy and stress-free. It is flavorful, adaptable, and filling, making it a reliable recipe I enjoy making again and again.