This Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick dish that’s full of flavor! With just ground beef, crisp cabbage, and a few simple sauces, it’s a tasty meal in no time.
I love how this recipe helps me use up any leftover veggies. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, making clean-up a breeze. Who doesn’t love easy meals with big flavors? 🥢
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Ground beef is the star here, giving a rich flavor. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works just as well. You can also try plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version.
Cabbage: Green cabbage is perfect for stir-frying, but you can substitute it with napa cabbage or even bok choy if you prefer. If you want more color, feel free to mix in some shredded carrots or bell peppers!
Soy Sauce: Soy sauce is important for depth of flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari instead. You could also try coconut aminos for a lighter taste.
Oyster Sauce: This adds a sweet and savory touch, but if you’re vegetarian, you can skip it or use mushroom sauce for a similar flavor profile.
How Do I Get the Best Texture When Stir-Frying?
Achieving the right texture in stir-frying is key! First, make sure your skillet or wok is hot enough before adding oil. This helps sear the meat and keeps it tender.
- Use medium-high heat throughout the cooking process.
- Cook the ground beef until it’s just browned. Avoid overcooking to keep it juicy.
- Add the veggies in stages; onions and garlic first to bring out their flavors, then cabbage until it’s just tender.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if needed, stir-fry in batches for better heat distribution.
With these tips, you’ll nail the texture of your stir-fry every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar (optional)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy stir-fry recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time. In just about 25 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal that’s packed with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
Before you start cooking, make sure to slice the cabbage, onion, and green onions. Mince the garlic and ginger so everything is ready to go!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet or a wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break it up while cooking. Brown it for about 5-7 minutes until fully cooked, and drain any excess fat if needed.
3. Add Onions and Aromatics:
Now, add the thinly sliced onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger to the pan. Stir them in and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and everything smells wonderful!
4. Stir in the Cabbage:
Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet. Use your spatula to mix everything together. Stir-fry for around 4-5 minutes until the cabbage is tender but still has a little crunch. You want it to be vibrant and fresh!
5. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar (if using), sugar, and crushed red pepper flakes. This delicious mixture will add lots of flavor to your stir-fry!
6. Combine Everything:
Pour the sauce over the beef and cabbage mixture in the pan. Stir well to make sure everything is coated in that yummy sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to heat through and combine the flavors.
7. Season and Garnish:
Give your stir-fry a taste! Season with salt and pepper as needed. Then, garnish with the sliced green onions for an extra pop of flavor and freshness.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your flavorful stir-fry hot over steamed rice or noodles. Enjoy your delicious Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry!
Happy cooking!
FAQ for Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Can I Use Other Types of Meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives if you’re looking for a leaner option. For a vegetarian dish, consider using plant-based ground meat or tofu instead.
What Can I Substitute for Cabbage?
If you don’t have cabbage on hand, you can use napa cabbage or bok choy for a different texture and flavor. You could also add in other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for a colorful mix!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and make sure the oyster sauce is gluten-free or substitute it with a mushroom sauce to keep it gluten-free.
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions while preparing your stir-fry! Happy cooking!