Description
This Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick and healthy weeknight meal that combines lean ground beef with fresh cabbage and carrots, flavored with a savory blend of soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect stir-fry dish that’s both satisfying and packed with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
Vegetables
- 1/2 head green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, chopped
Seasonings & Sauces
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the beef.
- Brown the beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the dish lean.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant to enhance the flavor base.
- Cook the vegetables: Toss in the thinly sliced cabbage and julienned carrots. Stir-fry for 5–7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp, preserving their texture.
- Season the stir-fry: Pour in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce if using. Mix well to evenly coat all ingredients with the flavorful sauce.
- Add heat and adjust seasoning: Season with crushed red pepper flakes if you like spiciness, along with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat, then sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds as a garnish before serving.
Notes
- For a sweeter touch, use hoisin sauce, but it’s optional.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on your spice preference or omit for a milder dish.
- Can be served over steamed rice or noodles for a more filling meal.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content.
- If you prefer a stronger garlic or ginger flavor, you can increase the amounts slightly.
