Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
On those whirlwind weeknights when dinner needs to practically cook itself, this Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry has become my absolute go-to. It all started on one of those evenings where my fridge held a lonely head of cabbage and a pound of ground beef. Instead of panicking, I decided to experiment a little, tossing together a few pantry staples and hoping for the best. The result? Pure magic. My husband couldn’t stop raving about the flavors, and the kids cleaned their plates in record time—which, as any mom knows, is the ultimate sign of a successful dinner.
What I love most about this dish is how wonderfully simple it is, yet it tastes like something you’d order from your favorite takeout spot. The tender beef, crisp-tender cabbage, and savory sauce come together in perfect harmony. It’s hearty, comforting, and surprisingly healthy, with plenty of vegetables packed right in. And the best part? It takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for those nights when time is scarce but you still want to serve a satisfying homemade meal.
Ever since that first accidental success, this stir-fry has secured a permanent spot in our meal rotation. Even on my busiest days, I know I can count on this recipe to deliver a delicious, fuss-free dinner that makes everyone at the table happy. It’s one of those rare recipes that combines convenience, flavor, and family approval—all in one skillet.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great and makes the dish even leaner.
Do I need a wok to make this stir-fry? Not at all. A large skillet works perfectly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes. It reheats very well, making it a great option for meal prep.
What can I serve with this stir-fry? It pairs beautifully with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or even noodles.
Is this recipe gluten-free? It can be if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
What You Need to Make Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
1 lb ground beef
1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 carrots, julienned
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
1/4 cup water
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Special Tools: Large skillet or wok, wooden spoon or spatula.
How to Make Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Add the chopped cabbage and carrots, and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until the cabbage is tender-crisp.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, water, and cornstarch (if using).
Return the cooked beef to the skillet and pour the sauce over the mixture. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Tips for Making the Best Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Don’t overcook the cabbage; you want it to stay a little crisp for the best texture.
Use fresh ginger and garlic for the most vibrant flavor.
If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
Double the sauce if you prefer a saucier stir-fry to serve over rice.
This recipe is great for cleaning out the fridge—add bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas for variety.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Super easy and delicious! My whole family loved it. This is definitely going into our weekly rotation.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great flavor and very simple to make. Next time, I might add a bit more spice for my taste.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for busy weeknights. I had everything on hand, and it came together so quickly.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Really good, but I added more soy sauce and some crushed red pepper to kick it up a notch.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This was a hit! Even my picky eater asked for seconds. Love how fast and healthy it is.”
Printable Recipe
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Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
This quick and easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry brings together tender ground beef, crisp cabbage, and a savory sauce in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-skillet meal is packed with flavor, simple to prepare, and loved by the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 carrots, julienned
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Special Tools: Large skillet or wok, wooden spoon or spatula.
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chopped cabbage and carrots, and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until the cabbage is tender-crisp.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, water, and cornstarch (if using).
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet and pour the sauce over the mixture. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
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