Name: Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated; 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 tsp sesame oil; 3 green onions, chopped

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Introduction

This Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage stir-fry is a quick, flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender ground beef with crisp, sautéed cabbage and aromatic garlic and ginger, it’s both comforting and nutritious. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a simple homemade meal.

The dish features a black bowl filled with a stir-fry of three main layers: large pieces of light green and translucent cooked cabbage, dark green leafy vegetables, and small chunks of brown cooked ground meat. Mixed in are scattered thin slices of bright orange carrots and small green vegetable pieces, creating a colorful and textured mix. The dish looks hot and glossy with a slight shine from cooking oils or sauce. The close-up angle shows the layers blending together with a rich, hearty appearance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp vegetable oil
3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
1 tsp sesame oil

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare your ingredients by mincing the garlic and grating the ginger. Slice the cabbage into thin strips.
Step 2: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and cooked through.
Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the cabbage is slightly wilted but still crisp.
Step 6: Pour in the soy sauce and mix well. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 7: Drizzle the sesame oil over the stir-fry just before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the soy sauce.
Swap green cabbage for Napa cabbage or add shredded carrots for more color and texture.
Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner protein alternative if preferred.
Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of water if it seems dry.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a dish in a white bowl filled with cooked ground meat that is brown and crumbly, mixed with translucent light green cabbage pieces, small bright orange carrot slices, and dark green leafy vegetables. The ingredients are coated with a shiny glaze making the dish look moist. The bowl rests on a soft linen cloth, and the background shows a blurred warm wooden tone, beneath which is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cabbage for this recipe?

Yes, Napa cabbage or savoy cabbage work well and offer a slightly different texture and flavor. Just adjust cooking time until the cabbage softens to your liking.

Is this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce.