Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
Introduction
Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry offers a delicious blend of savory beef, fragrant garlic and ginger, and crisp cabbage for a quick and satisfying meal. This dish delivers bold flavors and simple ingredients that come together beautifully in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece ginger, grated
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep your ingredients by chopping the cabbage, mincing the garlic, grating the ginger, and slicing the green onions. Having everything ready makes cooking easier.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until fully browned. Drain excess fat if desired.
- Step 3: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about one minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Toss in the chopped cabbage and stir-fry for 5 minutes, allowing it to soften while retaining some crunch.
- Step 5: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, chicken broth, cornstarch, and sesame oil until smooth. Pour this sauce over the beef and cabbage mixture.
- Step 6: Stir well and cook for 2 more minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve warm with rice or noodles.
Tips & Variations
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots for extra color and crunch.
- Use napa cabbage instead of green cabbage for a milder flavor.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for added texture and nutty flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute soy sauce with tamari.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
What is Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry?
It is a flavorful and quick stir-fry combining ground beef with fresh cabbage, garlic, and ginger, enhanced by soy sauce and sesame oil. This dish offers a perfect balance of savory, umami, and crunchy textures, making it ideal for easy weeknight meals.
How do I store Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It can also be frozen for up to two months. When reheating, add a splash of broth and heat gently to keep it moist.
Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
Yes, you can replace ground beef with turkey or chicken, and add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas. For gluten-free options, use tamari instead of soy sauce. This recipe is very versatile and adapts well to your preferences.
What main dishes pair well with this stir-fry?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, noodles, or quinoa. For a more elaborate meal, serve alongside egg rolls, dumplings, or a refreshing cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar.
Print
Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful dish that combines lean ground beef, crisp cabbage, aromatic garlic and ginger, and a savory soy and sesame sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, offering restaurant-quality flavors with simple ingredients. The stir-fry perfectly balances textures and flavors, delivering a comforting and satisfying meal that’s adaptable to different dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch piece ginger, grated
- 3 stalks green onions, sliced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and prepare by chopping the cabbage, mincing the garlic, grating the ginger, and slicing the green onions. This ensures a smooth cooking process without interruptions.
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until fully browned. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish light.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about one minute until the mixture becomes fragrant and aromatic.
- Add Cabbage: Toss the chopped cabbage into the skillet and sauté for five more minutes, allowing it to wilt slightly but retain its crispness.
- Create the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, chicken broth, cornstarch, and sesame oil until smooth. Pour the sauce over the beef and cabbage mixture in the skillet.
- Thicken and Serve: Stir well and cook for an additional two minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the ingredients evenly. Garnish with sliced green onions. Serve warm, ideally paired with rice or noodles.
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to enhance crunch and flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
- For gluten-free variation, use gluten-free or tamari soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Keywords: Chinese ground beef stir-fry, cabbage stir-fry, quick Chinese dinner, easy stir-fry recipe, ground beef recipes, healthy stir-fry

