This Quick Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a colorful and tasty meal. It mixes flavorful ground beef with fresh cabbage and a few simple spices – a satisfying dish in no time!
You can whip this up in just 20 minutes—perfect for busy days! I love serving it over rice or noodles; it’s like a warm hug from the kitchen. Give it a try, and don’t forget the extra soy sauce! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using ground beef that’s 80/20 for a good balance of flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for leaner options, ground turkey or chicken works well too, though it may have a lighter flavor.
Cabbage: Green cabbage is what gives this dish crunch and sweetness. If you want a bit more color, try using red cabbage instead. Bok choy is also a great alternative if you like more bite-sized pieces.
Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger are key for flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with garlic powder and ground ginger, but the fresh ingredients really pack a punch!
Soy Sauce & Oyster Sauce: These sauces provide depth to the dish. Feel free to use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake. If you want a vegetarian version, try using mushroom soy sauce or a vegan oyster sauce made from mushrooms.
How Can I Cook the Beef Without Overcooking It?
Cooking ground beef perfectly is key to a tasty stir-fry. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your skillet or wok until it’s hot before adding the beef. This helps it brown quickly.
- Break the beef apart as it cooks. Make sure it’s spread out and not clumped together to encourage even cooking.
- Cook just until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Overcooking can make it tough!
- Taste as you go; you can always adjust seasoning later on.
By practicing these steps, you’ll have flavorful and juicy beef that complements the fresh veggies perfectly!
Quick Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 cups green cabbage, 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 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Optional: red pepper flakes or sliced chili for heat
Time Needed:
This stir-fry is super quick! You’ll need about 20 minutes total. This includes about 5-7 minutes for cooking the beef and another 5 minutes for stir-frying the cabbage. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot!
2. Stir-Fry Garlic and Ginger:
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until you can smell their delicious aroma. Be careful not to burn them!
3. Cook the Ground Beef:
Now, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Keep stirring until the beef is browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Sauces and Seasoning:
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and black pepper. Give it all a good mix to combine the flavors!
5. Stir-Fry Cabbage:
Next, toss in the sliced cabbage. Stir-fry everything together for about 3-5 minutes, until the cabbage is tender but still has a nice crunch to it.
6. Taste and Adjust:
Take a moment to taste your stir-fry. If you want more flavor, feel free to add a little more soy sauce or black pepper.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish your lovely stir-fry with sliced green onions and optional red pepper flakes or chili for a spicy kick. Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles, and enjoy your delicious creation!
FAQ for Quick Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lean alternative. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly lighter, so you might want to adjust the seasoning for a bolder taste!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to toss in some additional veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for color and nutrition. Just add them in with the cabbage and adjust the stir-fry time as needed.
What Can I Serve This With?
This stir-fry pairs well with steamed rice or noodles. For a lower-carb option, consider serving it over cauliflower rice or alongside a fresh salad for extra crunch!
