Here’s a complete, flavorful, and easy recipe for Chinese-style Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry. It’s savory, a little sweet, and full of umami – a perfect one-pan dinner served with rice or noodles.
🍛 Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4):
Main Stir-Fry:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (lean or regular)
- 1/2 head green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 4–5 cups)
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or shredded (optional)
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated or minced
- 2–3 green onions, chopped (optional for garnish)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or sesame oil for deeper flavor)
Sauce:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (light or all-purpose)
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (adds deep umami – optional but recommended)
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce or 1 tsp brown sugar (for slight sweetness)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or Chinese black vinegar
- 1/2 tsp white pepper or black pepper
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for slightly thickened sauce)
🧑🍳 Instructions:
1. Mix the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix:
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce or sugar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1/4 cup water or broth
- 1 tsp cornstarch (if using)
Set aside.
2. Cook the Ground Beef
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and mostly cooked through.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add garlic, ginger, and onion. Sauté 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the Veggies
- Add remaining 1 tbsp oil if needed.
- Stir in cabbage and carrot.
- Cook, stirring frequently, for 4–6 minutes until cabbage is softened but still slightly crisp. Adjust time for your texture preference.
4. Add Sauce and Finish
- Give the sauce a quick stir (cornstarch may settle) and pour it into the pan.
- Stir everything together and cook for 1–2 more minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and everything is evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust salt or spice if needed.
5. Garnish and Serve
- Top with green onions and a drizzle of chili oil or sriracha if you like it spicy.
- Serve hot over steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles.
🔄 Optional Add-Ins or Substitutes:
- Add sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms.
- Swap ground beef for ground pork, chicken, or tofu crumbles.
- Add 1–2 tsp chili garlic sauce or gochujang for spice.
- Make it low-carb by serving with cauliflower rice or on its own.
🧊 Storage:
- Keeps in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Reheats well in a skillet or microwave.