Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Byarlo Jack

When you need a fast, satisfying dinner that’s full of flavor but light on effort, Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is the answer. This humble dish comes together in under 30 minutes, uses simple pantry ingredients, and delivers that savory, slightly sweet, umami-rich taste that makes Chinese-style stir fries so comforting. Ground beef cooks quickly and absorbs sauce beautifully, while cabbage turns tender and slightly sweet as it stir-fries. Together, they create a hearty, budget-friendly meal that works perfectly over rice, noodles, or even on its own for a low-carb option.

Why This Dish Works So Well

Cabbage is especially underrated in stir fries. It soaks up flavor, adds texture, and stretches the dish without overpowering it. This stir fry is a favorite for busy weeknights because it checks all the boxes:

  • Quick and easy to make
  • Uses affordable, everyday ingredients
  • One-pan cooking with minimal cleanup
  • Naturally customizable
  • Comforting but not heavy

Flavor and Texture

This dish is all about balance:

  • Savory and umami-rich from soy sauce and beef
  • Lightly sweet from cabbage and optional sugar
  • Aromatic with garlic and ginger
  • Tender yet slightly crisp cabbage for contrast

Key Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean preferred)
  • 4–5 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons neutral cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or avocado oil)
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • ¼ teaspoon black or white pepper
  • Crushed red pepper flakes or chili sauce (optional, for heat)

How to Make Easy Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

  1. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add minced garlic and ginger. Stir briefly until fragrant.
  4. Add sliced cabbage and cook, stirring often, until it wilts and becomes tender but not mushy.
  5. Stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce. Toss well to coat everything evenly.
  6. Cook for a few more minutes until flavors are combined.
  7. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and sprinkle with green onions.
  8. Serve hot over rice or noodles.
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Variations and Add-Ins

This recipe is very flexible and easy to customize.

Make It Spicy

Add chili garlic sauce, sriracha, or crushed red pepper flakes.

Add More Vegetables

Carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, or snow peas all work well.

Swap the Protein

Use ground chicken, turkey, pork, or even crumbled tofu.

Low-Carb Option

Serve on its own or over cauliflower rice.

Slightly Sweet Version

Add a pinch of sugar or drizzle of hoisin sauce.

Serving Suggestions

It also works well as part of a larger Asian-inspired meal. This stir fry pairs well with:

  • Steamed white or brown rice
  • Fried rice
  • Chow mein or lo mein noodles
  • Rice noodles
  • Lettuce cups for a lighter option

Make-Ahead and Storage

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
  • Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave
  • Meal prep: Excellent for make-ahead lunches

Tips for the Best Stir Fry

  • Slice cabbage thinly for even cooking
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan
  • Cook over medium-high heat for best texture
  • Add sesame oil at the end to preserve aroma
  • Taste and adjust seasoning before serving

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is proof that simple ingredients can create bold, satisfying meals. It’s fast enough for busy nights, comforting enough for cold evenings, and flexible enough to suit almost any diet or pantry. Once you try it, this dish will quickly earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation.

Nutrition Highlights

Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a balanced, nourishing meal that delivers both comfort and nutrition. Cabbage is low in calories but high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants that support digestion and immune health. Ground beef provides protein, iron, and B vitamins, making this dish satisfying and energizing. Using minimal oil and lean beef keeps it lighter while still flavorful. Approximate nutrition per serving (will vary by ingredients used):

  • Calories: 300–380
  • Protein: 22–26g
  • Carbohydrates: 10–14g
  • Fat: 18–22g
  • Fiber: 3–5g
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Spicy Version

The spice pairs especially well with the sweetness of the cabbage. If you love heat, this stir fry adapts beautifully. Ways to make it spicy:

  • Add 1–2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce while cooking
  • Stir in sriracha or sambal oelek with the soy sauce
  • Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or white pepper
  • Finish with chili oil for a bold kick

Low-Carb Version

It’s filling, flavorful, and perfect for keto or low-carb diets.This dish is naturally low in carbs and easy to adapt. Low-carb tips:

  • Serve on its own or over cauliflower rice
  • Skip any added sugar or hoisin sauce
  • Use extra cabbage or add zucchini or mushrooms
  • Choose lean ground beef to keep it lighter

Conclusion

Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is the kind of recipe every home cook needs in their rotation. It’s fast, affordable, packed with flavor, and endlessly adaptable to different diets and tastes. Whether you enjoy it spicy, low-carb, or served over rice, this dish delivers comfort without complication. With minimal ingredients and maximum payoff, it proves that simple cooking can still be incredibly satisfying, a true weeknight winner you’ll come back to again and again.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Can I make this stir fry ahead of time?
Yes, it’s great for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

What type of cabbage works best?
Green cabbage is ideal, but Napa or Savoy cabbage also work and cook even faster.

Can I use frozen cabbage?
Fresh cabbage is best for texture, but frozen cabbage can work if fully thawed and drained well.

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Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free by using tamari or certified gluten-free soy sauce.

Can I substitute ground beef?
Yes, ground chicken, turkey, pork, or plant-based crumbles all work well.

How do I avoid greasy stir fry?
Use lean ground beef and drain excess fat before adding the cabbage.

Can I add noodles directly to the pan?
Cook noodles separately and toss them in at the end with a splash of reserved noodle water.

Does cabbage get mushy?
Not if cooked correctly. Stir fry over medium-high heat and stop cooking once tender-crisp.

What sauces can I add for more flavor?
Hoisin sauce, black bean sauce, or a splash of rice vinegar all add depth.

Is this dish kid-friendly?
Yes, simply omit spicy ingredients and keep seasoning mild.