Description
This Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining lean ground beef with crisp green cabbage and tender carrots, this dish is seasoned with garlic, ginger, and a savory blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and optional hoisin sauce for a touch of sweetness. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a balanced stir fry packed with protein and vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Vegetables
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
- 1/2 head green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the beef and vegetables.
- Cook beef: Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the dish lean and prevent greasiness.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant to infuse the dish with fresh flavors.
- Cook vegetables: Toss in the thinly sliced cabbage and julienned carrots. Stir-fry for 5–7 minutes, or until vegetables are tender yet still crisp, maintaining a good texture.
- Add sauces: Pour in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce if using. Mix thoroughly to coat the beef and vegetables evenly with the savory sauce blend.
- Season: Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat, and salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
- Finish and garnish: Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the dish before serving for added flavor and a visually appealing finish.
Notes
- For extra sweetness, add hoisin sauce, but it is optional based on your taste preferences.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the salt content and make the dish healthier.
- Drain excess fat after browning the beef to prevent greasiness.
- Vegetables should remain crisp for best texture; avoid overcooking.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control spiciness.
- Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
