Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry

This Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick, nutritious, and flavor-packed meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Juicy lean ground beef, tender cabbage, and crisp carrots are tossed in a savory soy-ginger sauce for a satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it on its own for a low-carb meal or over rice for extra comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🥢 Quick & easy: Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish.
• 🥬 Healthy & balanced: Packed with protein, fiber, and nutrients.
• 🔥 Customizable: Add chili flakes for spice or swap beef for ground turkey.
• 🍚 Versatile: Delicious on its own or served with rice or noodles.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: 310 kcal per serving
• Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired
• Method: Stir-Fry

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1/2 head green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but recommended)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Cooked jasmine or brown rice, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sesame oil.
2. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add the garlic and ginger to the beef and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Stir in the thinly sliced cabbage and julienned carrot. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cabbage begins to soften.
5. Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and oyster sauce (if using). Stir well to combine all the flavors.
6. Pour in the cornstarch slurry and stir for another 1–2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables and beef.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add red pepper flakes if you prefer a little heat.
8. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions.
9. Serve hot as is, or spoon over a bowl of steamed rice for a more filling meal.

Tips & Variations

• Swap beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a leaner option.
• Add bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for more color and crunch.
• Top with toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.

Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 25 min | Yield: 4 servings | Calories: 310 kcal

Ingredients

• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1/2 head green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but recommended)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry)
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Cooked jasmine or brown rice, for serving (optional)

Directions

1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sesame oil.
2. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Add the garlic and ginger to the beef and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
4. Stir in the thinly sliced cabbage and julienned carrot. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cabbage begins to soften.
5. Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and oyster sauce (if using). Stir well to combine all the flavors.
6. Pour in the cornstarch slurry and stir for another 1–2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables and beef.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add red pepper flakes if you prefer a little heat.
8. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions.
9. Serve hot as is, or spoon over a bowl of steamed rice for a more filling meal.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 310 kcal
• Protein: 26 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fat: 19 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sodium: 410 mg

Serve this stir fry hot with jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter twist. Quick, satisfying, and full of Asian-inspired flavor! 🥬🍜✨