This tasty stir-fry features juicy ground beef and crunchy cabbage, all cooked together in a flavorful sauce. It’s quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights!
I love how this dish is easy to whip up in just one pan. It’s a no-fuss dinner that keeps everyone happy. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a little crunch along with their meal? 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: For a leaner option, swap in ground turkey or chicken. Both work well and still offer great flavor without the extra fat.
Cabbage: Green cabbage is my favorite for its crunch, but you can also use napa cabbage for a milder flavor or even bok choy if you prefer something different.
Garlic & Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger are the stars of the show! If you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic and ginger paste or powder, but fresh is always best for flavor.
Sauces: If you don’t have oyster sauce, soy sauce alone will still taste good. You can add a bit more sugar for sweetness. Hoisin sauce gives a nice depth, but you can skip it if it’s not on hand.
How Do I Get the Cabbage Just Right Without Making It Soggy?
The key to perfectly cooked cabbage is knowing when to add it to the stir-fry. Start cooking your cabbage only after the beef is fully cooked and after a quick stir-fry with the garlic and ginger. This method keeps the cabbage crunchy!
- Once the cabbage is added, stir it frequently to cook evenly while not letting it overcook.
- A few minutes is all it needs to soften but still retain a nice crunch, about 4-5 minutes should do it.
- Keep the heat at medium-high to achieve that perfect stir-fry texture without sogginess.
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Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced (separate white and green parts)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes for heat
- Cooked rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and another 15 minutes to cook, making a total of around 25 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s nice and hot to give the beef a good sear!
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is nicely browned and cooked all the way through. Don’t forget to stir occasionally!
3. Add Garlic, Ginger, and Onions:
Next, toss in the minced garlic, minced ginger, and the white parts of the sliced green onions. Stir-fry everything together for about 1 minute until it’s all fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
4. Stir-Fry the Cabbage:
Now it’s time to add the sliced cabbage to the pan. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, just until the cabbage is tender but still has a nice crunch. We want to keep that fresh texture!
5. Make the Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, sugar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice. Mix it all well!
6. Combine Everything:
Pour the prepared sauce over your beef and cabbage mixture, tossing everything together to coat it evenly. Give it another 2 minutes on the heat so the flavors can meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
7. Add the Final Touches:
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the green parts of the sliced green onions on top as a delightful garnish.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious stir-fry hot over cooked rice. Enjoy every bite of this quick and flavorful meal!
Happy cooking and enjoy your Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry! 🌟
FAQ for Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. Just adjust the cooking time as different meats may have varying cooking times.
What If I Don’t Have Oyster Sauce?
No worries! If you don’t have oyster sauce, you can simply use more soy sauce for seasoning. If you’d like, add a pinch of sugar for sweetness to balance the flavors!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Certainly! Feel free to toss in other veggies such as bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli. Just keep an eye on cooking times to ensure everything stays crisp and fresh.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a microwave or warm it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to keep it moist.
