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Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry – A Quick and Flavorful Weeknight Meal
When it comes to easy, nutritious, and satisfying dinners, nothing beats a good stir fry. This Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry delivers bold flavor and balanced nutrition in under 30 minutes. Packed with lean protein, crunchy cabbage, and a savory-sweet sauce, this dish is the perfect balance of comfort food and clean eating.
It’s budget-friendly, meal-prep friendly, and perfect for anyone looking to add more vegetables and protein to their diet — without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
Serves 4–5
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or sesame oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, for depth)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon chili paste or sriracha (optional for heat)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Garnish (optional):
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for topping
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and chili paste.
- Set aside while preparing the stir fry.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula (about 5–6 minutes).
- Drain excess fat if needed and remove the cooked beef from the skillet.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- Add remaining oil to the skillet.
- Add onion, garlic, and ginger, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in cabbage and carrots. Cook for 3–4 minutes until the cabbage softens slightly but still retains some crunch.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet.
- Pour in the prepared sauce and stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Mix in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Serve
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot over brown rice, jasmine rice, or noodles — or enjoy it as a low-carb bowl on its own.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with steamed rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
- Wrap the mixture in lettuce leaves for an Asian-inspired lettuce wrap.
- Add bell peppers or snap peas for extra color and crunch.
- Double the recipe for easy meal prep lunches throughout the week.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx. 1 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 |
| Protein | 25 grams |
| Total Fat | 14 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 4 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 12 grams |
| Sugars | 6 grams |
| Fiber | 3 grams |
| Sodium | 420 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- Cabbage adds fiber, vitamin K, and antioxidants for a nutrient-rich boost.
- Lean ground beef provides high-quality protein and iron for sustained energy.
- Low-sodium soy sauce helps manage salt intake without losing flavor.
- Olive or sesame oil adds healthy fats for improved heart health.
Tips for Best Results
- Slice the cabbage thinly so it cooks evenly and absorbs the sauce well.
- Use extra-lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken for fewer calories.
- For added spice, toss in red chili flakes or extra sriracha.
- Stir fry quickly over high heat to maintain crisp vegetables and bold flavors.
Variations to Try
- Keto-friendly version: Skip the honey and serve without rice.
- Vegetarian option: Replace beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh.
- Teriyaki twist: Swap soy sauce and vinegar for teriyaki sauce and add pineapple chunks.
- Extra greens: Add bok choy or spinach for more nutrients and color.
This Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is the ultimate combination of flavor, nutrition, and simplicity. With minimal prep and everyday ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish right at home in less than half an hour.
It’s high in protein, full of vegetables, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome and satisfying. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.