This savory Chinese-style ground beef and cabbage skillet is a quick, comforting meal packed with bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. It comes together in one pan, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without a lot of cleanup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is fast, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. The combination of tender ground beef, crisp cabbage, and a savory garlic-soy sauce creates a balanced dish that feels both hearty and light. It’s budget-friendly, easy to customize with vegetables you already have, and pairs well with rice, noodles, or can be enjoyed on its own.

Ingredients

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

• 500 g ground beef
• 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red chili flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Directions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic and grated ginger, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes.
5. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
6. Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet and stir well. Cook for 4–5 minutes until the cabbage softens but still has a slight crunch.
7. In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, black pepper, and chili flakes if using.
8. Pour the sauce over the beef and cabbage mixture and stir to coat evenly.
9. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
10. Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

You can easily adapt this skillet to suit your taste. Swap ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option. Add sliced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for extra vegetables. For more heat, increase the chili flakes or add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the skillet over medium heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of water if needed to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use red cabbage instead of green cabbage?

Yes, red cabbage works well and adds a slightly different color and flavor to the dish.

Is this recipe spicy?

It is mildly seasoned. You can make it spicier by adding more chili flakes or leave them out for a milder version.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, it can be cooked ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat just before serving.

What can I serve with this skillet?

It pairs well with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Freezing is possible, but the cabbage may soften more after thawing. Freeze for up to 2 months in an airtight container.

Can I add eggs to this dish?

Yes, you can scramble one or two eggs into the skillet for extra protein.

Is oyster sauce necessary?

Oyster sauce adds depth, but you can replace it with extra soy sauce if needed.

How do I prevent the cabbage from becoming soggy?

Cook the cabbage over medium-high heat and avoid overcooking it to keep some texture.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure all sauces used are certified gluten-free.

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?

Yes, pre-shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix saves time and works perfectly.

Conclusion

This savory Chinese-style ground beef and cabbage skillet is a simple yet flavorful dish that fits perfectly into a busy lifestyle. With minimal ingredients and maximum taste, it’s a reliable recipe you’ll want to make again and again for quick lunches or satisfying dinners.

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