I recently whipped up a hearty stir-fry using aromatic garlic, fresh ginger and savory soy sauce with ground beef, cabbage and onion. The vibrant mix of oyster sauce and red pepper flakes develops a memorable flavor. I love this creative twist on Beef Recipes For Dinner for nourishing busy weeknights.

Jump to Recipe

I’ve always been a fan of quick meals that don’t sacrifice flavor and this Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir filled all my expectations. When I first tried it, the rich blend of savory garlic, fresh ginger, and just the right kick of red pepper flakes really caught my attention even though it was super easy to whip up.

I started off browning 1 lb ground beef, then tossed in 3 cups shredded cabbage with sliced onions, letting the veggies soften just enough. A mix of soy sauce, oyster sauce, a little brown sugar, and beef broth creates this tangy, slightly sweet sauce that clings to every bite.

This recipe is the ultimate example of Asian Cooking and Chinese Cooking Recipes that make dinner both exciting and fuss-free. Trust me, a meal like this is a go-to when you’re short on time but still want something a bit different for dinner.

Why I Like this Recipe

1. I love how quick and easy this recipe is to whip up, because im always in a rush after school and don’t have hours to spend cooking.

2. I really dig the mix of flavors in this dish – the garlic, ginger, and savory sauces all make every bite taste amazing, and i feel like im eating something special even though its a simple stir-fry.

3. I appreciate how versatile it is; using ground beef and cabbage means i can easily find these ingredients at home, and it lets me add my own spin on it sometimes.

4. I like that its both healthy and tasty – i get a good dose of protein and fiber, and it fills me up without feeling too heavy, which is perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

Ground beef: This meat offers protein and is the backbone flavor of the dish.
Cabbage: Provides crunch, fiber, and vitamins while keeping the dish light and healthy.
Onion: It adds a subtle sweetness when cooked and deepens overall flavor profile.
Garlic: Packed with flavor and natural health benefits, it lifts taste and aroma.
Ginger: Adds zesty heat and freshness, balancing rich beef flavors nicely.
Soy Sauce: Contributes a salty umami punch to marry all the vibrant ingredients.
Oyster Sauce: Adds a subtle sweetness and enriching depth to the stir fry sauce.

Ingredient Quantities

1 lb ground beef

3 cups shredded cabbage

1 medium onion, sliced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced

3 tbsp soy sauce

2 tbsp oyster sauce

1 tsp brown sugar

1 tsp cornstarch

1/4 cup beef broth or water

1 tbsp sesame oil

1-2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

2 tbsp vegetable oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

How to Make this

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, beef broth (or water) and the red pepper flakes if you’re using them.

2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering.

3. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain some fat if needed.

4. Toss in the sliced onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Cook them together until the onion starts to soften, about 2 minutes.

5. Stir in the shredded cabbage and mix everything well.

6. Pour your sauce mixture into the pan, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for a couple minutes so the sauce thickens a bit.

7. Drizzle the sesame oil over the stir-fry and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

8. Give it one last stir then take it off the heat.

9. Serve the stir-fry over rice and enjoy your meal!

Equipment Needed

1. A small mixing bowl and a whisk for combining your sauce ingredients.
2. A large skillet or a wok to cook the beef and veggies.
3. Measuring spoons and a measuring cup to accurately add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other liquids.
4. A knife and cutting board for slicing the onion and chopping the garlic and ginger.
5. A spatula or wooden spoon for stirring everything together.
6. A colander or a bowl to drain off any excess fat if needed.
7. A pot or rice cooker for preparing the rice to serve with the stir-fry.

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to make this recipe?

A: It usually takes about 25-30 minutes total from start to finish so it's pretty quick for a weeknight dinner.

Q: Can I change the amount of red pepper flakes?

A: Sure, if you don't like too much spice, just use 1 tsp, or if you like really spicy food, feel free to bump it up a bit.

Q: Can I use a different meat instead of ground beef?

A: Yeah, you can use ground pork, chicken, or turkey if you prefer, but keep in mind the flavor might change a little.

Q: Do I need to marinate the beef first?

A: Not really, since the beef picks up loads of flavor from the sauces as it cooks, just salt it lightly and you're good to go.

Q: What happens if I use a different type of cabbage?

A: Cabbage works best cuz it holds up well when stir frying, but if you want to experiment, you can try using napa cabbage or even a bit of bok choy.

Chinese Ground Beef And Cabbage Stir Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have ground beef then try using ground turkey or even ground chicken instead
If shredded cabbage isnt available, napa cabbage or even sliced bok choy can work fine
If you run out of oyster sauce, hoisin sauce or a mushroom based sauce makes a good alternative
If beef broth isn’t handy, chicken broth or vegetable broth will do the trick
If you’re missing cornstarch, you might use a little all-purpose flour (start with 1 tablespoon) though it might change the thicknezz

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your pan is REALLY hot before adding the beef. This helps in getting a good sear and locks in the flavor.
2. When adding garlic and ginger, keep an eye on them so they don’t burn and make the whole dish bitter.
3. Cut your cabbage into pieces that are roughly the same size so it cooks evenly and still has a bit of crunch.
4. Once the sauce is in, let it simmer for a minute or two so it thickens up a bit. This really boosts the flavor in every bite.

Chinese Ground Beef And Cabbage Stir Recipe

Recipe by Tina Bueller

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

333

kcal

Equipment: 1. A small mixing bowl and a whisk for combining your sauce ingredients.
2. A large skillet or a wok to cook the beef and veggies.
3. Measuring spoons and a measuring cup to accurately add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and other liquids.
4. A knife and cutting board for slicing the onion and chopping the garlic and ginger.
5. A spatula or wooden spoon for stirring everything together.
6. A colander or a bowl to drain off any excess fat if needed.
7. A pot or rice cooker for preparing the rice to serve with the stir-fry.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
3 cups shredded cabbage
1 medium onion, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp cornstarch
1/4 cup beef broth or water
1 tbsp sesame oil
1-2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, beef broth (or water) and the red pepper flakes if you're using them.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it's shimmering.
Add the ground beef and cook it until it's nicely browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain some fat if needed.
Toss in the sliced onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Cook them together until the onion starts to soften, about 2 minutes.
Stir in the shredded cabbage and mix everything well.
Pour your sauce mixture into the pan, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for a couple minutes so the sauce thickens a bit.
Drizzle the sesame oil over the stir-fry and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Give it one last stir then take it off the heat.
Serve the stir-fry over rice and enjoy your meal!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.