This Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is a perfect weeknight meal, combining bold Asian flavors with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Tender ground beef, crisp cabbage, and earthy shiitake mushrooms come together with aromatic garlic, ginger, and a savory soy-sesame sauce. Serve it over steaming rice, and every bite bursts with satisfying flavor and texture.
Ideal for busy evenings, this stir-fry is a healthier alternative to takeout without sacrificing taste. The hearty beef, crunchy cabbage, and umami mushrooms make it a family favorite that’s just as delicious as leftovers the next day.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cups green cabbage, sliced
- 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 4 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooked rice, for serving
Directions:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned (5–7 minutes).
- Stir in mushrooms and cook until softened (3–4 minutes).
- Add cabbage and stir until slightly wilted, about 5–7 minutes.
- Mix in soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat, stir in green onions, and serve over rice. Garnish with extra green onions if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Stir-Fry
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights.
- Packed with Flavor: Garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil create a rich, aromatic taste.
- Healthy & Balanced: Lean protein from ground beef, fiber from cabbage, and immune-boosting shiitake mushrooms.
- Versatile & Customizable: Swap in ground turkey, chicken, or tofu, or add extra veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas.
- Low Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps for a lighter meal.
Tips for the Best Stir-Fry
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches if needed to ensure ingredients sear, not steam.
- Drain Excess Fat: Especially if using higher-fat beef, to prevent a greasy stir-fry.
- Keep Cabbage Crunchy: Cook just until it wilts slightly to maintain texture.
Serving Suggestions
- Over Rice: Classic pairing with white, brown, or jasmine rice.
- With Noodles: Try rice noodles, egg noodles, or zucchini noodles.
- Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb, hand-held option.
- Topped with a Fried Egg: Adds richness and extra protein.
Health Benefits
- High in Protein: Supports muscle growth and overall nutrition.
- Fiber-Rich: Cabbage aids digestion and keeps you full longer.
- Immune Support: Shiitake mushrooms contain antioxidants and compounds that promote immune health.
- Low Carb Friendly: Perfect for keto or paleo modifications.
Conclusion
This Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is quick, healthy, and full of flavor—a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. Its combination of savory sauce, tender beef, crisp cabbage, and earthy mushrooms makes it both satisfying and nourishing. Whether served over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps, it’s a meal your family will keep coming back for.