Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy one-pan dish brings together lean ground beef and crisp green cabbage with flavorful aromatics like garlic and ginger. It’s both hearty and healthy—low in carbs when you skip the rice, yet still satisfying and full of delicious Chinese-inspired “take-out” flavour.
Because it’s quick to prep and cook, it works beautifully for weeknight dinners or for meal-prep lunches.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb lean ground beef (about 450 g)
• ½ head green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Directions

1. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium‐high heat. Add the sesame oil and swirl to coat.
2. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the lean ground beef. Break it apart and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes.
4. Add the thinly sliced cabbage and julienned carrot. Stir and cook for 3–4 minutes until the cabbage begins to soften but still has some bite.
5. Pour in the soy sauce and rice vinegar. Stir thoroughly to combine and coat all the ingredients. Cook for another 1–2 minutes until the mixture is well-heated and flavours meld.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Serves: 4 people
• Prep time: ~10 minutes
• Cook time: ~15 minutes
• Total time: ~25 minutes

Variations

• Lower carb: Serve the stir fry without any rice or over cauliflower rice.
• More veggies: Add bell pepper strips, mushrooms or snow peas for extra colour and nutrition.
• Different protein: Swap out ground beef for ground turkey, chicken or even a plant-based mince.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
• Asian fusion: Stir in a teaspoon of oyster sauce or a splash of hoisin for deeper flavour.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, microwave for about 1–2 minutes or reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. If the mixture seems dry after storing, add a splash of water or a little extra soy sauce while reheating.

FAQs

What type of ground beef should I use?

Use lean ground beef (for example 90% lean) to keep the dish lighter while still flavourful.

Can I use a different cabbage?

Yes — while green cabbage works well, you could use Napa cabbage, savoy cabbage or even a coleslaw-mix as a shortcut.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free, yes — this can be adapted to a gluten-free version.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Yes — you can cook it ahead and portion into containers. It reheats well and works for lunches or dinners later in the week.

Can I freeze this dish?

You can freeze the stir-fry up to about 2 months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to avoid the cabbage becoming too soggy.

What should I serve it with?

It’s great served over steamed white or brown rice, or for a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps.

How can I reduce sodium?

Use low-sodium soy sauce, and limit added salt. You can also skip or reduce rice vinegar if you’re watching sodium intake and rely more on the garlic, ginger and sesame oil for flavour.

Does the cabbage get soggy?

If overcooked, yes. To avoid soggy cabbage, ensure you slice it thinly and stir-fry it just until it’s crisp-tender. High heat and quick cooking help maintain good texture.

Can I add more sauce?

Yes — if you prefer more sauce, you can increase the soy sauce by another tablespoon and add a little water or broth to make it more saucy. Just be careful not to over-steam the cabbage.

Is this dish good for weight-loss or low-carb?

Yes — it’s high in protein, uses lean meat, and packs in vegetables. Skipping rice and using cauliflower rice makes it a solid option for lower-carb or calorie-conscious meals.

Conclusion

This Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is a go-to for busy weeknights: simple, nutritious, flavourful and fast. With lean ground beef, a generous amount of cabbage and carrot, and a quick aromatic sauce, it delivers big on taste without heavy fuss. With a few tweaks you can make it lower in carbs, Glu­ten-free, spicier or just more veggie-rich depending on your mood. Give it a try — it might just become a regular in your recipe rotation.

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