A quick and flavorful stir fry with tender beef, crisp cabbage, and a savory sauce — perfect for a weeknight dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 25 minutes, ideal for busy nights.

• Packed with protein and vegetables in a light, savory sauce.

• Customizable: add more veggies or adjust the heat with red pepper flakes.

• Delicious served over rice, noodles, or enjoyed on its own.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)

• ½ head green cabbage, thinly sliced

• 1 medium carrot, cut into thin strips

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

Flavor Base

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

Sauce Mix

• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce

• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)

• 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water

• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Finishing Touches

• 2 green onions, sliced diagonally

• Cooked jasmine or brown rice (optional)

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Beef

Heat sesame oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add ground beef and cook 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart, until browned. Drain excess fat.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Stir in garlic and ginger; cook 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Stir-Fry Vegetables

Add cabbage and carrots; stir-fry 4–5 minutes until cabbage is tender-crisp.

Step 4: Add Sauce

Pour in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and oyster sauce. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Thicken Sauce

Add cornstarch slurry; cook 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle with green onions. Serve over rice or enjoy as is.

Tips & Variations

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

• Add bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms for extra veggies.

• Adjust heat with more or less crushed red pepper flakes.

• Leftovers store well in the fridge for 2–3 days and reheat easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use tamari instead of soy sauce and skip oyster sauce or use a gluten-free version.

Can I prep vegetables ahead of time?

Absolutely — slice cabbage and carrots in advance to save time on busy nights.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, cooked stir fry can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the cabbage.

Final Thoughts

This Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a fast, healthy, and flavorful meal that comes together in minutes. With tender beef, crisp veggies, and a savory sauce, it’s sure to become a weeknight favorite!