Description
This Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a weeknight meal. Ground beef is stir-fried with fresh vegetables like cabbage and carrots, then tossed in a savory sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and optional hoisin for sweetness. Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds, this dish offers a delicious balance of textures and bold flavors in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Vegetables
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
- 1/2 head green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
Sauces & Oils
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
Flavorings & Garnishes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the beef.
- Cook ground beef: Add the lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for about 5–7 minutes until browned, then drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant to build flavor.
- Cook vegetables: Add the thinly sliced cabbage and julienned carrot to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
- Add sauces: Pour in the low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce if using. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly with the sauce.
- Season: Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes if desired and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, then top with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving to add freshness and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Do not overcook the cabbage to keep it crisp and retain its nutrients.
- Serve with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
