Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry

Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry 🥢🥩

This Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with lean ground beef, crisp cabbage, and aromatic garlic and ginger, this stir fry is elevated with savory Asian-inspired flavors. It’s low in calories but big on taste, making it a satisfying meal that’s both wholesome and delicious.

Let’s dive into how to make this vibrant and healthy stir fry step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick & Easy : Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry staples.
2. Nutritious : Packed with protein, fiber, and veggies for a balanced meal.
3. Customizable : Add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
4. Budget-Friendly : Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef and cabbage.
5. Perfect for Meal Prep : Great for lunchboxes or dinner prep throughout the week.

Ingredients

(Serves 4)

• 1 lb lean ground beef 🥩
• 1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil 🫒
• 3 garlic cloves , minced 🧄
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger , minced 🌿
• 4 cups green cabbage , thinly sliced 🥬
• 1 medium carrot , julienned or grated 🥕
• 3 green onions , sliced (white and green parts separated ) 🌿
• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce 🥢
• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, for sweetness ) 🍯
• 1 tsp rice vinegar 🍚
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish ) 🌸
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat ) 🌶️
• Cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice , for serving 🍚

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

1. Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked through (about 6–8 minutes ). Break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
3. Once cooked, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed.
2. Sauté the minced garlic and ginger for 30–60 seconds , or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.

Step 3: Stir Fry the Vegetables

1. Add the cabbage , carrot , and white parts of the green onions to the skillet. Stir fry for 4–5 minutes , or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
   • Tip : If the skillet seems dry, add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables.
2. Stir in the soy sauce , hoisin sauce (if using), and rice vinegar . Mix well to combine and coat everything evenly.
3. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes to heat through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove from heat and garnish with the green parts of the green onions and sesame seeds .
   • Optional : Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
2. Serve hot over cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.

Tips for Success

1. Add More Veggies : Throw in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli for extra nutrition and color.
2. Use Tamari : Swap soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.
3. Make it Spicy : Add sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or fresh chilies for heat lovers.
4. Meal Prep Friendly : Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days . Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
5. Switch Up the Protein : Use ground turkey, chicken, or tofu instead of beef for variety.

Perfect Pairings

This Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry pairs beautifully with:

• Brown Rice or Quinoa : Serve over whole grains for added fiber and nutrients.
• Steamed Dumplings : Pair with vegetable or dumplings for an appetizer-style meal.
• Sparkling Beverages : Pair with sparkling water, green tea, or a cold soda for refreshment.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

(Based on 4 servings)

• Calories : ~250 kcal
• Protein : ~22g
• Carbohydrates : ~12g
• Fat : ~12g
• Fiber : ~3g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick, nutritious, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a busy weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a lighter take on Chinese-inspired flavors, this stir fry delivers on taste and nutrition. The combination of tender beef, crisp vegetables, and savory sauces creates a dish that’s as satisfying as it is wholesome.

The best part? It’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the ingredients, adjust the flavors, or pair it with different sides to make it your own. So grab your skillet, chop those veggies, and get ready to enjoy a meal that’s as fun to share as it is to eat.