Chinese Beef Cabbage Stir Fry

Category: Dinner Solutions When You Can't Even

Brown ground beef, add garlic and ginger, stir-fry with cabbage and carrots. Toss with soy sauce mixture and cornstarch slurry. Serve over rice or alone.
Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Thu, 19 Jun 2025 20:15:36 GMT
A bowl of food with cheese and vegetables. Save
A bowl of food with cheese and vegetables. | lilicooks.com

This vibrant healthy Chinese ground beef and cabbage stir fry delivers incredible flavor and nutrition in just twenty-five minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and bold Asian-inspired seasonings, this one-pan wonder combines savory, sweet, and tangy elements that create a well-balanced meal everyone will love. The tender-crisp cabbage provides satisfying crunch while absorbing all the delicious sauce flavors, and the lean ground beef ensures you get plenty of protein to keep you full and energized throughout your evening.

I first discovered the magic of this combination during a particularly hectic week when I was trying to eat healthier but had limited time for elaborate cooking. After experimenting with different vegetable and protein combinations, I found that cabbage's natural sweetness and satisfying crunch paired beautifully with seasoned ground beef, creating a dish that felt indulgent while actually being incredibly nutritious and budget-friendly.

Quality Ingredient Selection

  • Lean ground beef: Choose ninety percent lean or higher for maximum protein with minimal saturated fat, ensuring tender results without excess grease
  • Fresh green cabbage: Select firm heads with crisp, bright green leaves, avoiding any with wilted or yellowing outer leaves that indicate age
  • Carrots: Use fresh carrots rather than baby carrots for better texture and flavor, julienning them for uniform cooking and attractive presentation
  • Fresh garlic and ginger: These aromatics provide anti-inflammatory compounds and essential flavor depth that dried versions cannot match
  • Pure sesame oil: Choose toasted sesame oil for nutty richness and authentic Asian flavor, using sparingly as it's quite potent
  • Low-sodium soy sauce: Reduces overall sodium content while maintaining umami depth, or substitute with tamari for gluten-free option
  • Rice vinegar: Provides gentle acidity that balances the richness without overpowering other flavors like stronger vinegars might
  • Fresh green onions: Use both white and green parts for layered flavor and beautiful color contrast in the finished dish

Comprehensive Cooking Method

Ingredient Preparation
Begin by slicing the green cabbage into thin strips approximately quarter-inch wide, removing any thick core pieces that could remain tough during cooking. Julienne the carrots into matchstick pieces for even cooking and attractive presentation, while mincing the garlic finely and grating fresh ginger to release maximum flavor compounds. Prepare your sauce mixture by combining low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, and optional oyster sauce in a small bowl, then create a cornstarch slurry with equal parts cornstarch and water for thickening.
Protein Development
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it shimmers and becomes fragrant, indicating the proper temperature for achieving good browning. Add the lean ground beef and break it apart with a spatula, allowing it to brown undisturbed for two to three minutes before stirring to develop deep, savory flavors. Continue cooking for five to seven minutes total until the beef is completely browned and cooked through, then drain any excess fat to keep the dish lean and prevent greasiness.
Aromatic Foundation
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the cooked beef, stirring constantly for about one minute to release their aromatic compounds without burning, which could create bitter flavors. The combination of these aromatics with the rendered beef creates an incredibly fragrant base that forms the flavor foundation for the entire dish.
Vegetable Integration
Add the sliced cabbage and julienned carrots to the skillet, tossing everything together with the beef and aromatics using a large spoon or wok spatula. Cook for four to five minutes while stirring frequently, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly while maintaining their crisp texture and vibrant color that provides both visual appeal and nutritional benefits.
Sauce Application
Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the beef and vegetables, stirring thoroughly to coat everything evenly, then add the cornstarch slurry while continuing to stir constantly. Cook for an additional one to two minutes until the sauce thickens and creates a glossy coating that clings to all the ingredients, binding the flavors together beautifully.
Final Seasoning
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding crushed red pepper flakes for heat or additional soy sauce for more umami depth, then remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions for fresh flavor and attractive color contrast.
A bowl of food with cheese and meat. Save
A bowl of food with cheese and meat. | lilicooks.com

The beauty of this dish lies in how the cabbage transforms during cooking, softening just enough to absorb all the savory sauce flavors while maintaining enough crunch to provide textural interest in every bite. The natural sweetness of the carrots balances the umami-rich sauce perfectly, while the lean ground beef ensures you get plenty of satisfying protein without feeling heavy or overly full afterward.

Creative Serving Ideas

Serve this flavorful stir fry over steamed jasmine rice or brown rice for a complete, satisfying meal that provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. For low-carb options, try serving over cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles that soak up the delicious sauce without adding extra calories. Create Asian-inspired lettuce wraps by spooning the mixture into crisp butter lettuce leaves for a light, refreshing presentation that's perfect for warm weather dining or when you want something lighter.

Exciting Recipe Variations

Transform this versatile base by adding colorful bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli florets for extra nutrients and visual appeal that makes the dish even more satisfying. For protein variety, substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives while adjusting cooking times accordingly to ensure proper doneness. Heat lovers can increase the spice level with sriracha, fresh jalapeños, or additional red pepper flakes, while those preferring milder flavors can add sweet elements like a touch of honey or brown sugar to balance the savory components.

Smart Storage Solutions

Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days, making this recipe perfect for meal prep and busy weeknight dinners throughout the week. For best results when reheating, use a skillet over medium heat to restore the proper texture, though microwave heating works in a pinch when time is limited. The dish freezes well for up to one month in freezer-safe containers, though the cabbage texture may soften slightly upon thawing, so it's best enjoyed fresh when possible.

A bowl of food with cheese and vegetables. Save
A bowl of food with cheese and vegetables. | lilicooks.com

This healthy Chinese ground beef and cabbage stir fry proves that nutritious meals can be both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly quick to prepare, making it an invaluable addition to any home cook's repertoire. Whether you're feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving something satisfying and wholesome, this versatile recipe delivers consistent results that will have everyone asking for seconds while actually supporting their health and wellness goals.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of ground meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork would all work great. Just adjust the cooking time if needed since some meats cook faster.
→ How do I make this keto-friendly?
Skip the rice and use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. You can also leave out the cornstarch slurry if you want to keep carbs even lower.
→ What other vegetables can I add to this stir fry?
Try mushrooms, bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli. Just add them with the cabbage and adjust cooking time as needed.
→ How long will leftovers keep in the fridge?
This keeps well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
→ Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes! It's perfect for meal prep. Store the stir fry and rice separately, then combine when reheating for the best texture.

Chinese Beef Cabbage Stir Fry

Protein-packed stir fry with ground beef, cabbage, and Asian flavors. Low-carb, healthy, and ready in just 25 minutes.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
15 min
Overall Time
25 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Weeknight Survival

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: Chinese

Output: 4 Serves

Dietary Options: Low-Carb, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
02 ½ head green cabbage, sliced thin
03 1 medium carrot, cut into thin strips
04 1 tablespoon sesame oil

→ Flavor Base

05 3 garlic cloves, minced fine
06 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

→ Sauce Mix

07 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
08 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
09 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for extra flavor)
10 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
11 ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (if you like heat)

→ Finishing Touches

12 2 green onions, sliced on the diagonal
13 Cooked jasmine or brown rice for serving (optional)

Steps

Step 01

Get your skillet or wok nice and hot over medium-high heat, then add that sesame oil. You want it hot enough that the oil shimmers but doesn't smoke.

Step 02

Add your ground beef and break it apart with a spoon or spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until it's nicely browned all over. Drain off any excess fat - we want this to be healthy!

Step 03

Toss in your minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for just about a minute until they smell amazing - don't let them burn or they'll taste bitter.

Step 04

Add the sliced cabbage and carrot strips to the pan. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until the cabbage starts to soften but still has some crunch. We want texture, not mush!

Step 05

Pour in your soy sauce, rice vinegar, and oyster sauce if you're using it. Stir everything together so all those flavors get to know each other.

Step 06

Add your cornstarch slurry and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This will thicken the sauce just enough to coat everything beautifully.

Step 07

Remove from heat and sprinkle those green onions on top for color and freshness. Serve it up over rice if you want, or enjoy it just as it is for a low-carb meal!

Tips

  1. This is one of those perfect weeknight dinners - quick, healthy, and packed with protein. Plus it's low-carb if you skip the rice!
  2. For a keto-friendly version, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and definitely skip the rice. Still just as tasty!
  3. Feel free to add other veggies you have on hand - mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas would all be delicious.

Required Tools

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Sharp knife for slicing
  • Cutting board
  • Small bowl for mixing cornstarch slurry

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains soy (soy sauce)
  • May contain shellfish (oyster sauce)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 310
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 10 g
  • Proteins: 28 g