Description
A quick and wholesome Healthy Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage stir-fry combining lean ground beef with crunchy cabbage and classic Chinese-inspired seasonings. This low-carb, flavorful dish is packed with protein, fiber, and fresh vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights or mindful eating.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound 85% lean ground beef
- 4 cups green cabbage, finely chopped into thin strips
- 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
Optional Ingredients
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Finely chop the cabbage into thin strips, mince the garlic, grate fresh ginger, and thinly slice the green onions. Set all aside for easy access during cooking.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if desired for a leaner dish.
- Sauté Aromatics: Push the cooked beef to one side of the pan. Add a splash of sesame oil and toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt.
- Cook the Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the pan and stir everything together. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the cabbage is tender but still retains a bit of crunch.
- Season and Combine: Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly to coat the beef and cabbage evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove from heat and sprinkle thinly sliced green onions on top. Add fresh cilantro if desired for extra brightness before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh produce: Crisp cabbage and fresh garlic amplify the flavor.
- Don’t overcook cabbage: Keep it tender-crisp for the best texture.
- Adjust soy sauce carefully: Start with less and add more as needed to balance saltiness.
- Let the beef brown well: A nice sear adds rich flavor through caramelization.
- Include a splash of acidity: Rice vinegar brightens the dish and enhances all flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg