Healthy Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage
Why Make This Recipe
Healthy Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage is a quick and nutritious meal that combines lean beef with crunchy cabbage and carrots. It’s packed with flavor but low in calories, making it a perfect choice for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing taste. This recipe is simple to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal in less than 30 minutes. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish, which means easy cleanup!
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
This dish is versatile and can be served in several ways. You can enjoy it on its own as a light meal or serve it over a bed of jasmine or brown rice for a more filling dinner. Garnish with fresh green onions for added flavor and a colorful touch.
How to Store Healthy Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. The dish will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave it in a bowl, stirring occasionally, until hot.
Tips to Make Healthy Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage
- Use lean ground beef to keep this dish healthier.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for extra nutrition.
- If you prefer a milder dish, omit the crushed red pepper flakes or reduce the amount.
- Make sure not to overcook the cabbage; it should remain slightly crunchy for the best texture.
Variation
For a different flavor profile, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also swap out the sauces for your favorite Asian-style sauces if you want to mix things up!
FAQs
Can I use frozen ground beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen ground beef. Just make sure to fully thaw it before cooking for even results.
How spicy is this dish?
The spiciness largely depends on your preference. The crushed red pepper flakes add a bit of heat, but you can adjust it based on your taste.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, and it’s also great as leftovers. Store in the fridge and reheat as needed.
Healthy Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 450 g lean ground beef Use lean meat 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
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water For thickening
- to taste cooked jasmine rice or brown rice 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.
- Serve immediately on its own or spoon over steamed jasmine or brown rice for a heartier meal.
