Name: Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef; 1 small head of cabbage, shredded; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch piece of ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon soy sauce or coconut aminos; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish); 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re craving a quick and healthy meal that’s full of flavor, this Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is the perfect option. It's simple, delicious, and packed with nutrients, making it ideal for a light dinner or meal prep for the week. With the combination of lean ground beef and crunchy cabbage, this stir fry comes together in just 25 minutes. Plus, it’s naturally low-carb and gluten-free!

Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef

1 small head of cabbage, shredded

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1-inch piece of ginger, grated

1 tablespoon soy sauce or coconut aminos

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

Salt and pepper to taste

2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef to the pan and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes to combine the flavors.

Add the shredded cabbage to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the cabbage softens slightly but still has a nice crunch.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve the stir fry hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Protein Swap: I can swap the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.

Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, I can replace the ground beef with tofu or tempeh.

Extra Veggies: If I want to add more veggies, I can throw in some bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to increase the fiber and nutrients.

Spicy Kick: For a little heat, I can add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.

Storage/Reheating

This stir fry stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. The cabbage might lose a bit of its crunch, but the flavors will still be delicious.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?

Yes, I can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. Each will bring its own flavor to the dish, but the cooking process will be the same.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is gluten-free if I use gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos. Make sure to check the labels if I’m using pre-made ingredients.

Can I make this stir fry ahead of time for meal prep?

Absolutely! This stir fry is perfect for meal prep. I just store the cooked stir fry in airtight containers in the fridge, and it’ll last for up to 3 days. I can simply reheat it when I’m ready to eat.

Can I freeze the stir fry?

While this stir fry is best enjoyed fresh, I can freeze it for up to 1 month. To reheat, I’d suggest thawing it in the refrigerator overnight and then warming it up on the stove.

What can I serve this stir fry with?

I like to serve this stir fry over cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, but it also pairs nicely with brown rice or quinoa for a more filling meal.

Conclusion

This Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is everything I want in a meal – quick, flavorful, and nutritious. With just a few simple ingredients, I can create a delicious dish that’s perfect for dinner or meal prep. Whether I make it as is or add my own spin with different proteins or veggies, it’s a versatile and satisfying meal.

Recipe:

Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful, and nutritious meal, combining lean ground beef with crunchy cabbage and a delicious balance of savory and slightly sweet Asian-inspired flavors.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef to the pan and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Stir in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey. Let the mixture simmer for 2 minutes to combine the flavors.
Add the shredded cabbage to the pan and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the cabbage softens slightly but still has a nice crunch.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the stir fry hot, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.