If you’re looking for a healthy, quick, and delicious weeknight dinner that’s full of flavor, look no further than this Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry. It’s packed with savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and a vibrant mix of fresh vegetables, all brought together by a delicious sauce that ties everything together. This stir fry is not only quick to make, but it’s also incredibly satisfying and full of flavor, without being heavy. Perfect for busy nights when you want a nutritious, delicious meal in no time!

Why You’ll Love Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, for a family dinner, or for a meal prep session, this dish is sure to please. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: You can easily swap in other veggies or proteins, making this dish a great base for experimenting with what you have on hand.

Budget-Friendly: Ground beef is affordable and pairs beautifully with cabbage and simple pantry ingredients to create a hearty meal.

Quick and Easy: With a cook time of under 30 minutes, this stir fry comes together in a flash, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.

Customizable: Add a little extra spice, switch up the vegetables, or swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken to fit your preferences.

Healthy: Packed with cabbage (a great source of fiber and vitamins), lean ground beef, and a light stir-fry sauce, this dish is both filling and nourishing.

Ingredients in Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry

This stir fry is made with a few simple ingredients that deliver a big punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground Beef: Lean ground beef keeps this dish hearty and flavorful without being greasy. You could also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.

Cabbage: Fresh cabbage gives this stir fry a wonderful crunch and a mild, slightly sweet flavor that soaks up all the savory sauce.

Garlic & Ginger: These two add aromatic warmth and a pop of flavor to the dish, making it the perfect base for the stir fry.

Soy Sauce: A key ingredient in many stir fries, soy sauce provides a savory, umami flavor.

Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty, rich flavor to the dish that brings everything together.

Rice Vinegar: A splash of rice vinegar helps balance the richness of the beef with a touch of tanginess.

Green Onions: These add a burst of freshness and color to the dish, along with a mild onion flavor.

Optional Veggies: You can add carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this healthy, flavorful stir fry:

Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pan or wok, heat a little sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.

Add Garlic and Ginger: Once the beef is cooked through, add the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Add the Cabbage: Toss in the shredded cabbage and stir-fry for another 4-5 minutes, until the cabbage begins to soften but still retains a little crunch.

Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a little more sesame oil. Pour this sauce over the beef and cabbage mixture, stirring to coat everything evenly.

Add Green Onions: Toss in the sliced green onions and stir to combine, cooking for another minute to let the flavors meld.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve this stir fry hot over rice, noodles, or on its own. Enjoy the crunchy, savory goodness!

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 280

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry

This stir fry is delicious on its own, but here are a few ways to serve it to enhance your dining experience:

Serve it over steamed jasmine rice for a traditional stir fry meal.
Pair it with a side of sautéed bok choy or steamed broccoli for extra veggies.
For a lighter meal, enjoy it over cauliflower rice or on its own for a low-carb option.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
If you prefer a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes or some sliced fresh chilies to the stir fry for a spicy kick.
To make it a bit heartier, you can toss in some cooked noodles or add extra vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots.
For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Make sure to not overcook the cabbage to keep its texture and crispness. You want it to soften slightly but still have a bit of bite.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken will work great in this recipe and provide a leaner alternative.

2. Can I add other vegetables to this stir fry?
Absolutely! Feel free to add carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the mix for more color and texture.

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s perfect for meal prepping!

4. Is this dish spicy?
It’s not overly spicy, but you can adjust the heat by adding red pepper flakes or fresh chili if you like a bit of kick.

5. Can I use a different type of oil?
You can use olive oil or vegetable oil, but sesame oil adds a unique nutty flavor that’s hard to beat.

6. How can I make this dish even healthier?
For an even lighter version, serve it over cauliflower rice or skip the rice entirely.

7. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! This stir fry freezes well for up to 3 months. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container.

8. How do I know when the cabbage is done?
You want the cabbage to be tender but still slightly crisp. It should have softened a little but not be mushy.

9. Can I add a sauce for extra flavor?
You can add hoisin sauce or a touch of oyster sauce for a bit of extra sweetness and depth.

10. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make it vegetarian by swapping the ground beef with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based protein option.

Conclusion

Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is one of those dishes that you’ll want to make again and again. It’s quick, easy, full of flavor, and packed with nutritious ingredients. Plus, it’s so customizable, you can make it your own every time! Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just looking for a satisfying meal, this stir fry is sure to become a go-to. So grab your wok, gather the ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delicious, healthy meal in no time!

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