Healthy Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage

why make this recipe
This Healthy Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage dish is a great choice for anyone looking for a quick, nutritious meal. It is packed with protein from the lean ground beef and plenty of veggies like cabbage and carrots. The flavors from garlic, ginger, and soy sauce make it tasty without being heavy. Plus, it’s simple to prepare, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
how to make Healthy Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage
Ingredients
- 450 g lean ground beef
- 1/2 medium green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Cooked jasmine rice or brown rice
Directions
- Heat a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add sesame oil.
- Add ground beef to the hot oil and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until thoroughly browned. Drain excess fat if present.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef. Stir constantly and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add sliced cabbage and julienned carrot. Stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is slightly softened yet retains some crunch.
- Stir in low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, and oyster sauce. Mix thoroughly to integrate flavors.
- Pour in cornstarch slurry. Stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and evenly coat the contents.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add crushed red pepper flakes for additional heat if desired.
- Remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions.
- Serve immediately on its own, or spoon over steamed jasmine or brown rice for a heartier meal.
how to serve Healthy Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage
You can serve this dish on its own, or on a bed of steamed jasmine rice or brown rice. Adding rice makes it a more filling meal. You can also garnish it with extra green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch.
how to store Healthy Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage
To store leftovers, let the dish cool down and then place it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you are ready to eat, just reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
tips to make Healthy Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier option. You can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
- If you want more vegetables, feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or snap peas.
- Adjust the level of heat by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes, depending on your taste.
variation (if any)
You can make this dish gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce. For a vegetarian version, try using a plant-based ground meat substitute. You can also add different sauces or spices according to your preference.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen ground beef?
Yes, you can use frozen ground beef. Just thaw it first before cooking.
2. Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild heat from the crushed red pepper flakes. You can add more or skip them if you don’t like spice.
3. Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and stir-fry them just before serving for the best taste.

Healthy Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 450 g lean ground beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- 1/2 medium green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce For a gluten-free option, use tamari.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Adjust to taste for spice level.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water For thickening the sauce.
- 2 green onions sliced For garnish.
- Cooked jasmine rice or brown rice Optional, for serving.
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add sesame oil.
- Add ground beef to the hot oil and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until thoroughly browned. Drain excess fat if present.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef. Stir constantly and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add sliced cabbage and julienned carrot. Stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is slightly softened yet retains some crunch.
- Stir in low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, and oyster sauce. Mix thoroughly to integrate flavors.
- Pour in cornstarch slurry. Stir continuously for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and evenly coat the contents.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add crushed red pepper flakes for additional heat if desired.
- Remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions.