Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a simple yet flavorful dish that comes together quickly. The ground beef is rich and savory, while the cabbage provides a nice crunch, and the mushrooms add a deep, earthy flavor. The ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and sesame oil bring all the flavors together, making every bite delicious. This dish is not only a great way to enjoy vegetables, but it’s also adaptable—whether you’re looking for a quick meal or want to prepare a hearty lunch for the next day!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 cups green cabbage, sliced
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced (or any preferred mushrooms)
• 4 green onions, chopped (plus additional for garnish)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, minced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked rice (for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the ground beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove any excess grease if necessary.
2. Add the aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pan with the beef and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Add the vegetables: Add the sliced cabbage and mushrooms to the pan and stir-fry for about 4-5 minutes, until the cabbage is wilted but still has some crunch, and the mushrooms have softened.
4. Season the stir-fry: Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Toss to combine and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve: Serve the stir-fry over cooked rice and garnish with additional chopped green onions.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4 people.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the ground beef with ground tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version.
• Spicy Version: Add a splash of chili oil or sprinkle red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Add more veggies: Toss in other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas for more texture and flavor.
• Different Mushrooms: If shiitake mushrooms are unavailable, feel free to use other varieties like button mushrooms or cremini.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover stir-fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of ground beef?

Yes! You can substitute chicken, or turkey for the ground beef in this recipe.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this stir-fry is best enjoyed fresh, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.

3. Can I use regular cabbage instead of green cabbage?

Yes, you can use any type of cabbage, such as napa cabbage or purple cabbage, in this stir-fry.

4. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce, as tamari is a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

5. Can I add more spice to this dish?

Yes, if you like it spicy, you can add chili garlic sauce, red pepper flakes, or a splash of sriracha for extra heat.

6. Can I use other mushrooms besides shiitake?

Absolutely! Button mushrooms, cremini mushrooms, or even oyster mushrooms work well as alternatives.

7. How do I prevent the cabbage from becoming too soft?

Be sure to stir-fry the cabbage just until it’s wilted but still slightly crisp. Overcooking will cause it to lose its crunch.

8. Can I make this without rice?

Yes, this stir-fry is delicious on its own and can be served without rice for a low-carb option.

9. Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

Yes, you can substitute low-sodium soy sauce for regular soy sauce to reduce the sodium content of the dish.

10. Can I freeze this stir-fry?

This stir-fry can be frozen, though the texture of the cabbage may change after freezing and reheating. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Conclusion

This Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is an easy, flavorful, and nutritious meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. With a balance of savory beef, crunchy cabbage, and umami-rich soy sauce, it’s a dish that will quickly become a weeknight favorite. Customize it to suit your tastes, and enjoy a satisfying, one-pan dinner that’s as delicious as it is convenient!

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