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; 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced; 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil; 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking oil of choice; Optional: 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or 1 teaspoon chili paste; 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish); 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

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This Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick and satisfying dish that brings bold Asian flavors together with lean protein and crunchy veggies. It’s a go-to weeknight meal that takes minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor, all in one pan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how fast and easy this stir fry comes together. It’s loaded with savory flavor, naturally low in carbs, and uses simple ingredients that I usually have in my kitchen. The combination of ground beef and tender-crisp cabbage makes this dish filling without being heavy, and it’s endlessly customizable depending on what I have on hand. Plus, I can make it in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy nights.

ingredients

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

Ground beef (lean or extra-lean)
Green cabbage, thinly sliced
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Fresh ginger, minced
Soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
Rice vinegar
Toasted sesame oil
Olive oil or cooking oil of choice
Optional: crushed red pepper flakes or chili paste for heat
Green onions for garnish
Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

directions

I start by heating oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
I add the ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Then, I stir in the chopped onion, garlic, and ginger, cooking until fragrant.
I toss in the cabbage and continue to stir fry until it’s tender-crisp.
I pour in soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, stirring everything to coat evenly.
I let it all cook together for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors can meld.
I serve it hot, topped with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes around 25 minutes from start to finish. That includes about 10 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time.

Variations

When I want to switch things up, I sometimes use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. For more vegetables, I add bell peppers, shredded carrots, or snap peas. To keep it low-carb, I enjoy it as-is, but when I want a more filling meal, I serve it over steamed rice or cauliflower rice. Adding a splash of hoisin sauce or a drizzle of sriracha gives it an extra flavor punch.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use a skillet over medium heat or the microwave until warmed through. If the mixture looks a little dry, I splash in a bit of water or soy sauce while reheating to freshen it up.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded coleslaw mix instead of fresh cabbage?

Yes, I sometimes grab a bag of coleslaw mix when I want to save time. It works just as well and still gives that nice crunch.

What’s the best type of ground beef to use?

I prefer lean ground beef, like 90% lean, so there’s less grease and it keeps the dish lighter without sacrificing flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be. I make sure to use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce if I need to keep things gluten-free.

Can I freeze this stir fry?

Yes, I freeze it in individual portions, but I recommend enjoying it fresh if possible. The cabbage can lose some of its texture after thawing.

How can I make this spicier?

I like to add red pepper flakes, chili paste, or even a sliced fresh chili while cooking for extra heat.

Conclusion

This Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is a staple in my kitchen when I need something quick, nutritious, and satisfying. It’s packed with flavor, comes together fast, and leaves me with minimal cleanup. Whether I’m sticking to a healthy routine or just need dinner on the table in a hurry, this recipe always delivers.