Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry

Short description

I created this Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry for a quick, nutritious, and flavorful meal. Ground beef mingles with crisp cabbage and vibrant veggies in a savory-sweet sauce—ready in under 30 minutes for a satisfying, balanced dinner.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this stir fry because it combines lean protein and fresh vegetables with bold Chinese-inspired flavors—all in one pan. It’s fast, wholesome, and full of texture: the beef is savory, the cabbage has a gentle crunch, and the sauce brings everything together. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when I want a healthy meal without sacrificing flavor.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• lean ground beef (90% or leaner)

• green cabbage, thinly sliced

• carrot, julienned or thinly sliced

• bell pepper, thinly sliced

• onion, chopped

• garlic, minced

• fresh ginger, minced

• low-sodium soy sauce

• oyster sauce (or hoisin sauce)

• rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar

• honey or brown sugar (optional for sweetness)

• sesame oil

• vegetable oil

• red pepper flakes or Sriracha (optional for heat)

• green onions, chopped (for garnish)

• sesame seeds (optional garnish)

directions

1. I heat a drizzle of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. I add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through—about 6–8 minutes.

2. I drain any excess fat and season the beef with garlic and ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

3. I push the beef to one side of the pan and add a little more oil, then toss in onion, carrot, and bell pepper. I stir-fry for about 2–3 minutes until they soften slightly.

4. I add the sliced cabbage and continue stir-frying until it wilts but retains a slight crunch, around 3–4 more minutes.

5. I stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, a splash of vinegar, and a drizzle of honey (if using). I toss everything together and stir-fry for another minute, making sure everything is evenly coated. If I want heat, I add red pepper flakes or Sriracha.

6. I finish with a few drops of sesame oil, taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then remove from heat.

7. I garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkling of sesame seeds before serving.

Servings and timing

I serve this stir fry for 4 people as a main course.

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 15 minutes
  Total time: approximately 25 minutes

Variations

• Protein swap: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

• Low-carb version: Skip rice or noodles and double the cabbage for more veggies.

• Veggie boost: Add mushrooms, broccoli florets, zucchini, or snap peas for extra color and nutrition.

• Sauce twist: Use vegan hoisin or tamari for gluten-free or plant-based variations.

• Spicy spin: Stir in chili garlic sauce or fresh sliced chili peppers for extra heat.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it juicy. I prefer it reheated just before serving to maintain the texture.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe ahead?

Yes—I often chop all the vegetables ahead and store them in the fridge for quick cooking when ready.

2. How do I make it gluten-free?

I substitute soy sauce with tamari and use gluten-free oyster or hoisin sauce.

3. Can I add more sauce?

Absolutely—I increase soy and oyster sauce (and a bit more sugar) if I want a saucier dish. I might add a touch of cornstarch slurry to thicken it.

4. Is it freezer-friendly?

I don’t recommend freezing it—cabbage can turn limp and watery. It stays best fresh in the fridge.

5. What’s the best accompaniment?

I enjoy it most over steamed rice or rice noodles, but it’s also excellent served over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Conclusion

This Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is one of my favorite quick, nutritious dinners. It uses simple ingredients and bold flavors to deliver a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. It’s versatile, customizable, and sure to become a regular in any healthy meal rotation.