Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry: 30-Minute Delicious Lunch

Name: Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 4 cups chopped cabbage; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ginger, minced; 3 tablespoons soy sauce; 2 teaspoons sesame oil; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional toppings: sliced green onions and sesame seeds

Posted on July 29, 2025

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The aroma of sizzling ground beef mingling with freshly chopped cabbage and soy sauce is a smell that instantly makes my mouth water. You know that moment when you open your fridge, and you realize you have all the makings for a quick and delicious meal? That’s exactly how this Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry came to be in my kitchen! It’s a recipe I stumbled upon during a busy week, and let me tell you, it’s been a lifesaver ever since.

This stir-fry is not just another weeknight dinner option; it’s a versatile dish that fits perfectly into a lunchbox or a cozy dinner at home. With just a handful of ingredients and a few simple steps, you can whip up a satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s one of those recipes that you can customize based on what you have on hand. Trust me, this dish is worth making, especially when you’re craving something healthy yet filling.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for your family, this Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is bound to impress. Packed with protein and veggies, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Making a meal that’s quick, delicious, and healthy can sometimes feel like a juggling act. But with this Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry, you can check all those boxes without breaking a sweat! Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this dish:

Quick & Easy: This stir-fry comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy days when you don’t have much time to cook.
Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients in your pantry already. No fancy grocery trips needed!
Perfect for Meal Prep: This stir-fry reheats beautifully, making it great for packing lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike rave about this dish. It’s a wonderful way to get your family to eat their veggies!
Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of savory beef and crisp cabbage with a hint of ginger and garlic is simply next-level comfort food.

This isn’t just another stir-fry recipe; it’s a wholesome meal that brings joy with every bite. The beef is tender, the cabbage is perfectly cooked, and the sauce? Oh, it’s the magic that ties everything together. Plus, you can easily adapt it to fit your taste or dietary needs, whether that means adding more veggies or swapping the beef for chicken or tofu. Honestly, this dish makes my heart happy every time I make it!

Ingredients Needed

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture without any fuss. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground beef: 1 pound (450g), you can use lean beef for a healthier option.
Cabbage: 4 cups, chopped (green cabbage works best, but feel free to use Napa cabbage if you prefer).
Onion: 1 medium, diced.
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced (fresh garlic adds a wonderful depth of flavor).
Ginger: 1 tablespoon, minced (fresh ginger makes a big difference).
Soy sauce: 3 tablespoons (use low-sodium if you’d like to cut back on salt).
Sesame oil: 2 teaspoons (for that authentic Asian flavor).
Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons (for frying).
Salt & pepper: to taste.
Optional toppings: sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish.

Feel free to get creative with your ingredients! You can swap in different vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas based on what you have. The key is to keep it colorful and nutritious!

Equipment Needed

To make this Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools:

Large skillet or wok: A wide surface helps everything cook evenly and allows for easy stirring.
Spatula or wooden spoon: For stirring and breaking up the meat.
Measuring spoons: To ensure you get the right amount of soy sauce and sesame oil.
Knife and cutting board: For chopping your vegetables.

If you don’t have a wok, no worries! A large skillet will work just fine. And, as a tip, keep your knives sharp for easier chopping!

Preparation Method

Now that you have your ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps:

Prep the ingredients: Begin by chopping your cabbage, onion, garlic, and ginger. Make sure everything is ready to go before you start cooking.
Heat the pan: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to the hot pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with your spatula until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add aromatics: Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, and ginger. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and the mixture is fragrant.
Add cabbage: Toss in the chopped cabbage. Stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender but still has a bit of crunch.
Season: Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, stirring everything together. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, ensuring everything is well-coated.
Taste and adjust: Give it a taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Feel free to add more soy sauce if you like it saltier!
Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

And just like that, you have a delicious and nutritious meal ready to enjoy! The best part? It’s all made in one pan, which means less mess and more time to savor your meal.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

Here are some helpful tips to make your stir-fry a success:

High heat: Make sure your pan is hot before adding the beef. This helps to sear the meat quickly and locks in flavor.
Don’t overcrowd: If you’re making a larger batch, it’s better to cook in two batches rather than overcrowding the pan. This will ensure even cooking.
Prep ahead: Chop your veggies in advance and store them in the fridge. This makes dinner prep a breeze!
Fresh ingredients: Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor. Dried spices just don’t compare!
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different veggies or sauces. This recipe is super adaptable.

Remember, cooking is all about having fun and making it your own! If something doesn’t go as planned, embrace it—every home cook has their stories of triumphs and mishaps!

Variations & Adaptations

This stir-fry is incredibly versatile! Here are some variations you can try:

Protein swaps: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
Vegetable medley: Add bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for extra color and nutrition.
Spicy kick: If you love heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños while cooking.
Low-carb version: Swap out the beef for cauliflower rice and skip the soy sauce for a lighter option.

Feel free to get creative with your stir-fry! The beauty of this dish is that you can tailor it to your preference and what you have on hand.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Once your stir-fry is cooked, here’s how to serve and store it:

Serving: Serve hot, either on its own or over a bed of rice or noodles. It’s great paired with some steamed dumplings or egg rolls for a complete meal!
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Freezing: You can freeze the stir-fry for up to a month. Just be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Flavor development: The flavors deepen the next day, making leftovers even tastier!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is not only delicious but also nutritious! Here’s a breakdown:

Calories: Approximately 350 per serving (varies based on ingredients used).
Protein: Rich in protein from the ground beef, making it a filling option.
Vitamins: Cabbage is packed with vitamins K and C, providing numerous health benefits.
Low-carb option: By using less soy sauce and replacing rice, you can easily make it a low-carb dish.

As a home cook, I appreciate meals that not only taste good but also nourish the body. This stir-fry hits all the marks!

Conclusion

So there you have it—your new go-to recipe for a quick and delicious lunch: Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry! It’s a meal that’s perfect for any day of the week, and I promise it won’t disappoint. I love how customizable it is, allowing you to make it uniquely yours.

Give this recipe a try, and feel free to adjust it based on your taste. I’d love to hear how you made it your own! Don’t forget to leave a comment below, share your variations, or even snap a photo and tag me on social media. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I use frozen cabbage?
Yes, you can use frozen cabbage, but it may have a softer texture once cooked.
What’s a good substitute for ground beef?
Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work well!
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in your favorite stir-fry vegetables.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.

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Chinese Ground Beef Stir-Fry recipe