Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

If you’re craving something that’s hearty, comforting, and packed with vibrant flavors, then this Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a perfect harmony of tender ground beef, crisp cabbage, and earthy mushrooms, all coated in a luscious, savory sauce that hits just the right notes of umami and freshness. This dish comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights, yet it feels special enough to share with family or friends. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple you want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this delicious Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry, you’ll be using simple, fresh ingredients that each play a crucial role in delivering layers of flavor and texture. From the juicy beef and crunchy cabbage to the aromatic garlic and ginger, every component is essential.

• Ground beef: Choose lean or medium-fat for the best balance of flavor and moisture.
• Green cabbage: Provides a crisp, slightly sweet crunch that perfectly offsets the rich beef.
• Shiitake mushrooms: Impart an earthy, meaty flavor that deepens the overall taste; other mushrooms work well too.
• Green onions: Add freshness and a mild oniony kick, both cooked in and used as garnish.
• Garlic: Offers a sharp, aromatic base that brightens the whole dish.
• Ginger: Adds a warm, zesty brightness that complements the savory beef.
• Soy sauce: The salty backbone of the stir-fry, lending classic Chinese flavor.
• Oyster sauce (optional): Boosts umami richness with a sweet-salty depth.
• Sesame oil: A fragrant finishing touch that brings a subtle nuttiness.
• Vegetable oil: A neutral oil for stir-frying that lets the other flavors shine.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance and balance the taste.
• Cooked rice: Perfect for serving and soaking up all the savory sauce.

How to Make Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Begin by heating vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. As soon as the oil is hot, toss in minced garlic and ginger and let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until you can smell their intoxicating fragrance filling the kitchen. This quick step forms the flavorful foundation for your dish.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a spatula into small pieces. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the beef is thoroughly browned and has released its juices. This step not only builds flavor but also provides that satisfying meaty texture that makes the stir-fry so comforting.

Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms

Next, stir in the sliced shiitake mushrooms. Let them cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until they’ve softened and started to absorb the rich beef flavor. Mushrooms bring a wonderful earthiness and a nice, tender contrast to the meat and crisp vegetables.

Step 4: Add the Cabbage

Now comes the star vegetable of our Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry — the cabbage. Toss it into the pan and stir continuously until it begins to wilt, about 5 to 7 minutes. The cabbage will retain a bit of its crunch, giving the dish a fresh texture that balances the meatiness.

Step 5: Season and Finish

Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce if you’re using it, and sesame oil. Stir everything well to evenly coat the ingredients in the flavorful sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, take the pan off the heat and fold in the chopped green onions, adding a burst of vibrant color and fresh flavor right at the end.

How to Serve Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

Garnishes

Sprinkle additional chopped green onions over your stir-fry just before serving to amplify that fresh, bright note. Toasted sesame seeds are another excellent garnish that adds a delicate crunch and beautiful finish. If you love a little heat, a drizzle of chili oil or freshly sliced chilies can bring exciting spice to the plate.

Side Dishes

This stir-fry is perfectly satisfying on its own when served over steaming bowls of cooked rice, but you could also pair it with garlic noodles or steamed jasmine rice to soak up the savory sauce. A simple cucumber salad or steamed bok choy on the side creates a refreshing contrast and keeps the meal feeling balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, turn this stir-fry into a lettuce wrap filling by spooning it into crisp iceberg or butter lettuce leaves. Or layer it over warm steamed buns for a casual bao-style bite. You could also use it as a flavorful topping for crispy rice cakes or add a fried egg on top for an indulgent, protein-rich finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers of the Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, so the next day’s meal is just as satisfying. Consume within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and freshness.

Freezing

This stir-fry freezes well and can be a real time saver. Let it cool completely, then pack it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the stir-fry gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened in the fridge or freezer. Avoid overheating to keep the cabbage from becoming too soft.

FAQs

Can I use ground pork or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground pork or chicken will give you a different but equally tasty result. Just adjust the cooking time as leaner meats can cook a bit faster and might need a little more seasoning.

What type of cabbage works best for this stir-fry?

Green cabbage is classic and offers a nice crunchy texture, but you can experiment with Napa cabbage for a softer, slightly sweet option. Both soak up the sauce beautifully.

Is oyster sauce necessary in this recipe?

Oyster sauce adds a deep umami richness, but it’s optional. If you’re allergic or prefer a vegetarian option, you can skip it or substitute with a mushroom-based sauce or extra soy sauce.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Definitely. Just use gluten-free soy sauce and oyster sauce, and double-check your other ingredients. It’s an easy swap that does not sacrifice any of the delicious flavors.

How spicy is this stir-fry?

The basic recipe is mild and approachable, but you can add heat by incorporating chili flakes, fresh chilies, or a splash of chili oil according to your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and so easy to make it quickly becomes part of your regular meal rotation. I hope you enjoy preparing and sharing this dish as much as I do. Once you give it a try, you’ll see why it’s such a beloved classic that brings joy and satisfaction every time.

Print