Are you ready to dive into a deliciously simple dish that brings the flavors of Chinese cuisine right to your kitchen? This Chinese ground beef and cabbage stir fry is not only quick to prepare but also a satisfying one-pan meal that’s bursting with flavor and nutrition. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean ground beef and fresh cabbage, it’s a nutritious choice for any meal.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less time washing dishes.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of savory sauces and tender vegetables creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chinese ground beef and cabbage stir fry lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating a dish that’s not only flavorful but also visually appealing.
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option that still delivers great flavor.
- Cabbage: Fresh cabbage adds crunch and absorbs the delicious sauces beautifully.
- Garlic: A key aromatic that elevates the overall taste of the dish.
- Ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth and depth, making the stir fry more aromatic.
- Soy Sauce: This brings a savory umami flavor that ties all the ingredients together.
- Sesame Oil: A touch of sesame oil enriches the dish with its nutty aroma.
- Green Onions: These provide a fresh, zesty finish as a garnish.
Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Variations for Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to tailor it to your taste or dietary needs. Feel free to swap out ingredients or add your favorites!
- Protein Swap: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetable Medley: Add bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for more color and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate some chili paste or red pepper flakes if you love heat.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce to control your salt intake.
- Gluten-Free: Opt for tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
How to Make Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by chopping the cabbage into bite-sized pieces and mincing the garlic and ginger. This ensures everything cooks evenly and quickly.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Once the beef is cooked, add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Stir for about a minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn them.
Step 4: Stir in the Cabbage
Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet, stirring well to combine. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the cabbage is tender but still has a bit of crunch.
Step 5: Season the Dish
Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Mix everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld. Adjust seasoning to your taste.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy your delicious Chinese ground beef and cabbage stir fry!
Pro Tips for Making Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
- Use High Heat: Cooking on high heat helps to sear the beef and quickly cook the vegetables, keeping them crisp.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a larger batch, cook in batches to ensure everything cooks evenly.
- Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables and measure out sauces in advance for a quicker cooking process.
- Tweak the Sauces: Feel free to experiment with hoisin or oyster sauce for different flavor profiles.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh garlic and ginger will greatly enhance the flavors of your stir fry.
How to Serve Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Garnishes
For an extra touch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or chopped cilantro on top. These add flavor and a beautiful visual element.
Side Dishes
This stir fry pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You might also consider serving it alongside crispy spring rolls for a complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the stir fry in a bowl and garnish with lime wedges or additional green onions. You can also use lettuce leaves to create wraps, making for a fun and interactive dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This dish reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it again without losing flavor.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze your stir fry, allow it to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use other vegetables in the stir fry?
Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you enjoy, such as bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian dish.
How spicy is this stir fry?
This recipe is mild, but you can easily add chili flakes or hot sauce to increase the spice level to your liking.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can chop your vegetables and measure out your ingredients ahead of time for a quick cook on the day you plan to serve it.
What can I serve with this stir fry?
This dish pairs well with rice, noodles, or even on its own for a low-carb meal option.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this delightful recipe for Chinese ground beef and cabbage stir fry, get ready to impress your family and friends! With its rich flavors and vibrant ingredients, this dish is not only a breeze to make but also a joy to eat. Give it a try, and watch it become a staple in your home cooking rotation!
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chinese ground beef and cabbage stir fry
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Chinese ground beef and cabbage stir fry is a quick, healthy, and flavorful one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with lean ground beef and fresh vegetables, it’s customizable to suit your dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb lean ground beef
Vegetables
- 4 cups chopped cabbage
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Condiments
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by chopping the cabbage into bite-sized pieces and mincing the garlic and ginger. This ensures everything cooks evenly and quickly.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Aromatics: Once the beef is cooked, add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Stir for about a minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn them.
- Stir in the Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet, stirring well to combine. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the cabbage is tender but still has a bit of crunch.
- Season the Dish: Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil. Mix everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld. Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy your delicious Chinese ground beef and cabbage stir fry!
Notes
- Use high heat to sear the beef and cook the vegetables quickly.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
- Prep your vegetables and measure out sauces in advance for a quicker cooking process.
- Experiment with hoisin or oyster sauce for different flavor profiles.
- Fresh garlic and ginger enhance the flavors significantly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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