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Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry

Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry

Unforgettable Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry: A Quick & Flavorful Weeknight Winner. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave authentic Chinese flavors without the fuss of extensive preparation.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (such as vegetable, canola, or peanut oil)
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 small onion thinly sliced
  • 4 cups shredded green cabbage (about half a medium head)
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • 2 tablespoons water or beef broth
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat (optional)
  • sliced green onions for garnish (optional)
  • toasted sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Small Bowl

Method
 

  1. Finely mince your garlic and grate the fresh ginger. Thinly slice the onion. Shred the green cabbage, removing any tough inner core. Having all your ingredients prepped (mise en place) before you start cooking is key to a successful stir-fry.
    3 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, 1 small onion, 4 cups shredded green cabbage
  2. Heat the neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and no pink remains. If there's excessive fat, carefully drain most of it, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor.
    1 tablespoon neutral oil, 1 pound ground beef
  3. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and the onions have softened slightly. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
    3 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger, 1 small onion
  4. Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet. Stir it in with the beef and aromatics. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the cabbage begins to wilt and soften to your desired tenderness. It should still have a slight crispness.
    4 cups shredded green cabbage
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine (or sherry), sesame oil, sugar, white pepper, and water or beef broth. If you prefer a touch of heat, stir in the red pepper flakes at this stage.
    1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/4 teaspoon white pepper, 2 tablespoons water or beef broth, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  6. Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and cabbage mixture. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly coated. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and meld with the other ingredients.
  7. Taste the stir-fry and adjust seasonings if needed. You might want a little more soy sauce for saltiness, sugar for sweetness, or a pinch more white pepper.
  8. Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired. This dish is wonderful served over steamed rice.
    sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
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