The delightful aroma of Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry wafts through the kitchen, teasing your senses. Picture tender beef mingling with crunchy cabbage, all coated in a savory sauce that makes your taste buds dance with joy.
Remember that evening when you invited friends over for dinner? This dish became the star of the show, impressing everyone with its vibrant colors and mouthwatering flavors. It’s the perfect meal for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a breeze to whip up on busy nights
- The bold flavors are sure to impress your guests
- The colorful presentation will make any dinner table pop
- It’s versatile enough to serve over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps!
I still remember the first time I made this dish; my kids were mesmerized by the vibrant colors and delightful aromas wafting from the pan.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
-
Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef for a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor.
-
Cabbage: Fresh green cabbage adds a satisfying crunch; look for firm heads without browning edges.
-
Garlic: Use fresh garlic cloves to give your stir-fry an aromatic kick; minced garlic releases intense flavor.
-
Ginger: Fresh ginger root adds warmth and spice; peel it easily with a spoon for convenience.
-
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while enhancing umami flavor; it’s essential for depth.
-
Sesame Oil: A splash of toasted sesame oil at the end brings a nutty richness that elevates the dish.
-
Vegetable Oil: For frying, use vegetable oil with a high smoke point to achieve that perfect stir-fry sizzle!
-
Green Onions: Chopped green onions add freshness and a pop of color; sprinkle them right before serving.
-
Red Pepper Flakes: Add these if you like some heat; they give an extra kick to every bite!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients on the counter. Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic and ginger finely to release their flavors.
Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, stirring frequently for about 5-7 minutes until no longer pink.
Add Aromatics: Toss in minced garlic and ginger once the beef is cooked through. Sauté for another minute until fragrant, ensuring not to burn them!
Add Cabbage: Stir in chopped cabbage and cook until wilted but still crunchy, about 4-5 minutes. The vibrant green color should brighten as it cooks down.
Add Sauce: Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing well to coat everything evenly. If you like it spicy, sprinkle in red pepper flakes now!
Finish It Off: Cook everything together for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed; add more soy sauce or spices according to your preference.
Now you have a glorious dish of Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry ready to serve! Enjoy it hot over rice or noodles, or serve it as is for a low-carb meal bursting with flavor.
You Must Know
- This delightful Chinese ground beef and cabbage stir-fry is quick, tasty, and budget-friendly
- With a mix of savory flavors and textures, it satisfies both hunger and cravings
- The vibrant colors make it visually appealing, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef in a hot skillet, then add cabbage and other veggies to stir-fry until tender. This sequence ensures even cooking and flavor distribution.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or tofu for a vegetarian option. Add spices like ginger or sriracha for an extra kick that suits your palate.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best flavor in this dish, use freshly grated ginger
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper browning
- Always taste as you go and adjust seasonings according to preference
Sharing this recipe reminds me of my friend Dave, who once tried to impress a date with my stir-fry but accidentally added way too much soy sauce. Let’s just say they were dining on salt that night!
FAQ
Can I use frozen cabbage for this recipe?
Yes, but fresh cabbage gives better texture and flavor in this stir-fry.
What can I serve with Chinese ground beef and cabbage stir-fry?
Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal everyone will enjoy.
How long does this dish take to cook?
The entire cooking process takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.
Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick, flavorful dish that brings together tender ground beef and crunchy cabbage in a savory sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this easy recipe will tantalize your taste buds with its vibrant colors and satisfying textures. Whether served over rice or noodles, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike!
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, minced
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prep ingredients by chopping cabbage and mincing garlic and ginger.
- In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned (5-7 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and ginger; sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in chopped cabbage; cook for about 4-5 minutes until wilted but still crunchy.
- Pour in soy sauce and sesame oil; mix well. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
