Description
This Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick and flavorful weeknight meal combining lean ground beef with crisp cabbage and carrots, infused with garlic, ginger, and a savory soy-based sauce. It’s a nutritious, protein-packed dish perfect for a satisfying dinner that’s easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
Vegetables
- 1/2 head green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 green onions, chopped
Oils & Sauces
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the beef and vegetables.
- Cook the beef: Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed to keep the dish lean.
- Add aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant, which enhances the flavor base.
- Cook the vegetables: Add the sliced cabbage and julienned carrots to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5–7 minutes until they become tender but remain crisp, ensuring a pleasing texture.
- Add sauces: Pour in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce if using. Stir thoroughly to coat the beef and vegetables evenly with the savory sauce.
- Season: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste, adjusting the spice and seasoning level to your preference.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving to add freshness and a nutty crunch.
Notes
- To keep this dish lean, use lean ground beef and drain excess fat while cooking.
- Hoisin sauce is optional but adds a nice sweetness; omit for a less sweet dish.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness.
- This stir fry is excellent served over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Fresh ginger and garlic are key for authentic flavor; avoid substituting with powders.
