Name: Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any neutral oil); 4 cups shredded green cabbage; 1 cup shredded carrots; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional); 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); 2 green onions, sliced; Salt and pepper to taste

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Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful meal I can pull together in under 30 minutes. With tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and a light, garlicky soy-based sauce, this stir fry is the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition—all in one skillet.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, filling, and packed with flavor without being heavy. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when I want something healthy but don’t want to sacrifice taste. The ingredients are simple, and I usually have most of them on hand. Plus, I can adjust the seasonings to make it as mild or spicy as I like.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb lean ground beef
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon olive oil (or any neutral oil)
4 cups shredded green cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
3 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 added depth)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
2 green onions, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

I heat the sesame oil and olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
I add the ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Once it’s cooked through, I drain any excess fat if necessary.
Next, I stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
I toss in the shredded cabbage and carrots, stirring everything together. I cook for 5–7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still a bit crisp.
I pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and hoisin sauce (if using), stirring well to coat everything evenly. I add red pepper flakes if I want a little kick.
I cook for another 2–3 minutes, then taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
I remove it from heat and sprinkle the green onions on top before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 10 minutes to prep and about 15 minutes to cook, so I can have dinner on the table in just 25 minutes.

Variations

I’ve swapped the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken when I want something even leaner. For a low-carb version, I’ve skipped the hoisin sauce and added a splash of coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. I’ve also tossed in sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or snap peas to mix up the veggies depending on what I have in the fridge. If I’m craving extra heat, a spoonful of chili garlic sauce does the trick.

storage/reheating

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave individual portions for about 1–2 minutes. I usually add a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the flavor and keep it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?

Yes, I often grab a bag of coleslaw mix to save time. It’s super convenient and works just as well.

Is this dish low carb?

Yes, especially if I leave out the hoisin sauce or swap it for a low-sugar version. I’ve served it over cauliflower rice for a fully low-carb meal.

Can I freeze this stir fry?

While it’s best fresh, I’ve frozen it before. The texture of the cabbage softens a bit, but it’s still tasty after reheating.

What can I serve with it?

I usually enjoy it on its own, but sometimes I serve it over steamed rice, quinoa, or rice noodles if I want something more filling.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. I just use a larger skillet or cook the beef and veggies in batches to make sure everything browns instead of steams.

Conclusion

Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is one of my go-to meals when I want something fast, flavorful, and nourishing. It’s easy to adapt, packed with protein and veggies, and always hits the spot. Whether I’m meal prepping for the week or throwing together a last-minute dinner, this recipe always delivers.