This Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is quick and tasty! With crunchy cabbage and flavorful beef, it’s a dish that you can whip up in no time.
I love how simple this recipe is—just toss everything in a pan, and dinner is ready! Plus, it’s great for a busy weeknight when you want something delicious without the fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: A classic choice for this dish! If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well too. For a vegetarian version, try using crumbled tofu or tempeh.
Cabbage: Green cabbage is perfect, but you can also use Napa cabbage or even bok choy for a different flavor and texture. They’re both flavorful and cook down nicely!
Garlic and Ginger: Freshly minced garlic and ginger give a wonderful punch to the dish. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder and ginger powder can be substitutes, but fresh is always better if you can manage it.
Soy Sauce: This adds umami. If you’re avoiding soy, opt for coconut aminos or tamari for a gluten-free alternative.
Oyster Sauce: It enhances the flavor, but if you want a vegetarian option, look for mushroom sauce or simply skip it and add a bit more soy sauce.
How Can I Make the Best Stir-Fry?
Stir-frying is all about high heat and quick cooking! It ensures the vegetables remain crisp and vibrant. Here are my tips:
- Start by heating your skillet or wok until it’s really hot; this helps your ingredients cook evenly.
- Prepare all ingredients beforehand; stir-frying is fast, and you won’t have time to chop while cooking.
- Stir frequently to prevent burning. This keeps everything cooking evenly and allows the flavors to meld.
Try not to overcrowd the pan; if needed, work in batches. This will give you the best results!
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 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper (or black pepper)
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes or a dash of chili paste for heat
- Cooked steamed rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty stir-fry takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick and delicious option for any meal! In just 20 minutes, you can have a hot, hearty dish on the table.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by pouring the vegetable oil into a large skillet or wok. Turn the heat to medium-high and wait for the oil to get hot. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to shimmer a bit.
2. Stir-Fry Garlic and Ginger:
Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and ginger. Stir-fry them together for about 30 seconds, or until they become fragrant. This will give your dish an amazing aroma!
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the pan. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Keep stirring until the beef is browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5 minutes.
4. Add the Sauces:
Now, pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and ground white pepper. Mix everything well to coat the beef evenly with the sauces.
5. Incorporate Cabbage and Green Onions:
Next, toss the sliced cabbage and green onions into the pan. Stir-fry everything together for about 4-5 minutes until the cabbage is tender but still has a bit of crunch left.
6. Finish with Sesame Oil:
Drizzle the sesame oil over the stir-fry and give it a good toss to combine all the flavors. This adds a lovely nutty finish to the dish!
7. Adjust Seasoning:
Before serving, taste your stir-fry and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like it spicy, feel free to add the optional chili flakes or chili paste.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the flavorful stir-fry hot over cooked steamed rice. Enjoy your meal!
Now you have a delicious, savory, and easy-to-make Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry. Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great alternatives for this recipe. Just be mindful that they may cook a little faster than beef, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
What Can I Substitute for Oyster Sauce?
If you’re looking for a substitute for oyster sauce, you can use mushroom sauce for a vegetarian option or just adjust the soy sauce to add extra flavor. A mix of soy sauce with a bit of sugar can also work well in a pinch!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm them in a skillet over low heat until heated through. You may want to add a splash of water or oil to keep it moist.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to customize this stir-fry with other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so your added veggies don’t get overcooked!
