Chinese Ground Beef Stir Fry

This hearty Chinese ground beef and cabbage stir fry has become my weeknight lifesaver when I need a quick, nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on flavor. The combination of savory beef, crisp cabbage, and umami-rich seasonings creates a satisfying dish that comes together faster than takeout delivery.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly busy work week when I needed to feed my family something substantial without spending hours in the kitchen. Now it's in our regular rotation, with everyone eagerly gathering around the table when they smell the aromatic ginger and garlic hitting the hot pan.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef: Provides hearty protein and rich flavor. Choose 85% lean for best balance of flavor and nutrition.
• 4 cups green cabbage sliced: Brings essential crunch and soaks up all the savory sauce.
• 1 cup shiitake mushrooms sliced: Adds incredible umami depth. Regular button mushrooms work well too.
• 4 green onions chopped: Contributes a mild onion flavor without overpowering the dish.
• 2 cloves garlic minced: Forms the aromatic foundation of authentic Asian cooking.
• 1 inch ginger minced: Brings warmth and distinctive flavor that makes this dish shine.
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Delivers the perfect salty umami base. Choose low sodium if watching salt intake.
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional): Adds complex sweetness and richness that elevates the entire dish.
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Provides that distinctive nutty finish essential for authentic flavor.
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil: For cooking. Neutral flavor with high smoke point, perfect for stir-frying.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Allows you to adjust seasoning to your preference.
• Cooked rice for serving: Perfectly soaks up the delicious sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Heat the Oil:

Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Using a properly heated pan ensures your ingredients sear rather than steam, creating better texture and flavor.

Create the Aromatic Base:

Add minced garlic and ginger to the hot oil, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until they release their fragrance but don't burn. This brief cooking time infuses the oil with flavor while preserving the aromatic compounds.

Brown the Beef:

Add ground beef to the fragrant oil, breaking it into small pieces with your spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is thoroughly browned with no pink remaining. The caramelization that occurs during browning creates rich flavor compounds.

Add the Mushrooms:

Introduce sliced mushrooms to the browned beef, stirring frequently for 3-4 minutes. The mushrooms will release moisture and then begin to brown, concentrating their earthy flavor and adding another dimension to the dish.

Incorporate the Cabbage:

Add the sliced cabbage to the pan, stirring frequently to combine with the beef and mushrooms. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until the cabbage wilts but still retains some pleasant crunch. The cabbage should reduce in volume by about half.

Season the Dish:

Pour soy sauce, oyster sauce if using, and sesame oil over the mixture, then stir thoroughly to ensure every bite is coated with the savory sauce. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed, remembering that the soy sauce already contains salt.

Finish with Green Onions:

Remove the pan from heat and scatter chopped green onions throughout the stir fry, stirring gently to incorporate. The residual heat will slightly soften the onions while preserving their fresh flavor and color.

Serve Immediately:

Spoon the hot stir fry over freshly cooked rice and garnish with additional green onions if desired. Serving immediately ensures you experience the perfect texture contrast between the tender beef, crisp vegetables, and fluffy rice.

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My favorite part of this recipe is the magical transformation that happens to humble cabbage. My daughter initially turned her nose up at the mere mention of cabbage, but after trying this dish, she now requests "that beef thing with the crunchy stuff" at least once a week. The simple combination of high heat cooking and the right seasonings turns an ordinary vegetable into something truly craveable.

Make It Your Own

This stir fry welcomes personalization based on your taste preferences and what you have available. For heat lovers, add a drizzle of chili oil or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Vegetable options are endless—bell peppers, carrots, snow peas, or broccoli all work beautifully. The key is cutting everything into similarly sized pieces so they cook evenly. If using harder vegetables like carrots, add them earlier in the cooking process to ensure they reach the perfect tenderness.

Perfect Rice Pairing

While serving this stir fry over white rice is traditional, there are numerous alternatives to consider. Brown rice offers additional fiber and a pleasant nutty flavor that complements the beef. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice works surprisingly well, allowing the flavorful sauce to shine. If you want to try something different, consider serving over cooked soba or rice noodles for a different textural experience that still pairs beautifully with the savory sauce.

Storage and Reheating

One of the greatest advantages of this dish is how well it keeps and reheats. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a small splash of water or broth to the pan to create steam that will revitalize the cabbage. For best texture, heat quickly over medium-high heat rather than using a microwave. The flavors actually continue to develop overnight, making day-two leftovers sometimes even more delicious than the fresh dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a leaner or different flavor profile.

→ What can I serve with this stir fry?

Serve it over cooked rice, cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or noodles for additional variety.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or any of your favorite stir-fry vegetables.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

→ What is the key to a good stir fry?

Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to retain crisp textures and enhance flavors. Prep all ingredients beforehand for smooth cooking.