This Chinese ground beef and cabbage stir fry is one of those quick, savory dinners we lean on as a team when the night is busy. Tender beef and crisp cabbage in a garlicky ginger soy sauce come together in one pan, which for us is exactly what real food for real life is all about.
This Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful dinner that comes together in one pan in about 30 minutes. Tender ground beef and crisp green cabbage are tossed in a savory soy, garlic, and ginger sauce for a light yet satisfying meal. Budget friendly and easy to customize, this ground beef and cabbage stir fry is perfect served on its own or over a bowl of steamed rice.
What makes this ground beef and cabbage stir fry so good is the savory garlic ginger soy sauce. Tender beef and crisp cabbage come together in one pan in about 30 minutes.
Watch the Recipe Video
Watch how this beef and cabbage stir fry comes together, step by step.
Why You Will Love This Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
- Quick and easy. This ground beef and cabbage stir fry is ready in about 30 minutes.
- Savory and satisfying. A soy, garlic, and ginger sauce makes it deeply flavorful.
- Light yet filling. Plenty of protein and crisp cabbage in every bite.
- Budget friendly. Simple, affordable ingredients you likely have on hand.
- One pan meal. Everything cooks in a single skillet for easy cleanup.
What Makes This Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry So Good
Crisp cabbage is the star vegetable here. Sauteed just until tender crisp, it stays crunchy and soaks up the savory sauce beautifully.
Ground beef makes it quick and hearty. Browning it first builds savory flavor and gives the dish plenty of satisfying protein in very little time.
Garlic and ginger bring it to life. Cooked with the beef until fragrant, they give the stir fry its warm, aromatic, Chinese inspired flavor.
A drizzle of toasted sesame oil in the sauce adds a rich, nutty aroma that ties the whole dish together.
Optional Pro Tip: A Quick, Flavorful Stir Fry
Have all your ingredients prepped before you start. A stir fry cooks fast, so chopping the cabbage, garlic, ginger, and green onions ahead lets you move quickly from one step to the next.
Do not overcook the cabbage. Saute it just until it is slightly wilted but still crunchy, so it keeps its fresh texture and color in the finished dish.
Tips for the Best Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
- Prep everything first. The stir fry comes together fast.
- Use lean ground beef. This keeps the dish from being greasy.
- Drain excess fat. Drain after browning for a cleaner sauce.
- Keep the cabbage crunchy. Cook it just until tender crisp.
- Use high heat. High heat gives the best stir fry flavor.
- Mix the sauce well. Whisk the cornstarch in fully so it does not clump.
- Use low sodium soy sauce. This lets you control the salt.
- Garnish with green onions. They add fresh color and flavor.
Variations and Add Ins
This ground beef and cabbage stir fry is easy to adapt.
- Switch the protein. Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Add more vegetables. Carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms work well.
- Make it spicy. Add sriracha, chili flakes, or chili paste.
- Serve over rice. Spoon it over steamed rice for a heartier meal.
- Add noodles. Toss in cooked noodles for a noodle stir fry.
- Use coleslaw mix. A bag of coleslaw mix saves chopping time.
- Add a fried egg. A runny yolk makes it extra rich.
- Add hoisin. A spoonful adds extra sweet, savory depth.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover ground beef and cabbage stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It makes a great quick lunch the next day.
Reheat the ground beef and cabbage stir fry in a hot skillet or the microwave until warmed through. A splash of broth or water helps loosen the sauce if needed.
Serving Suggestions for Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
This ground beef and cabbage stir fry is light enough to enjoy on its own, but it is also delicious spooned over a bowl of steamed white or brown rice.
For a heartier meal, serve this ground beef and cabbage stir fry over noodles or alongside a simple egg fried rice. The savory sauce pairs beautifully with either.
Add a fresh side like a cucumber salad or steamed edamame for contrast. Garnish each plate with extra green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- Over steamed rice. Soaks up the savory sauce.
- Over noodles. For a heartier meal.
- With edamame. A simple, fresh side.
- With sesame seeds. A classic finishing touch.
For another quick, savory favorite, our healthy orange chicken is a better than takeout dinner to try.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of cabbage should I use?
Green cabbage is used here, but napa or savoy cabbage also work well. A bag of coleslaw mix is a great time saving shortcut too.
Can I use a different protein?
Yes. Ground turkey or chicken are great, lighter swaps. Just brown it the same way and drain any excess fat.
How do I keep the cabbage crisp?
Saute it just until slightly wilted but still crunchy, about five minutes. Avoid overcooking so it keeps its fresh texture.
Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely. Add sriracha, chili flakes, or a spoonful of chili paste to the sauce for a gentle, warming heat.
What can I serve it over?
Steamed white or brown rice is classic, and noodles or egg fried rice are delicious too. It is also light enough to enjoy on its own.
How do I thicken the sauce?
The cornstarch whisked into the sauce thickens it as it cooks. Stir well and cook for a couple of minutes until glossy.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes. Carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas all work well. Add firmer vegetables a little earlier so everything finishes together.
Is this dish gluten free?
Use a gluten free soy sauce or tamari and check that your broth is gluten free. Cornstarch is naturally gluten free.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. This ground beef and cabbage stir fry reheats well for a day or two, though the cabbage is crispest when fresh. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, and reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water.
Quick, Savory Comfort
This Chinese ground beef and cabbage stir fry is the kind of quick, savory dinner that comes together in one pan in about 30 minutes. Tender beef and crisp cabbage in a garlicky, ginger soy sauce make it light yet satisfying.
Budget friendly and endlessly customizable, this ground beef and cabbage stir fry is perfect for a busy weeknight. Serve it on its own or over rice, and this easy stir fry is sure to earn a spot in your regular rotation.
Love a quick, comforting dinner? Our creamy Cajun chicken pasta is another easy, crowd pleasing favorite to try next.
Results vary by ingredients, equipment, and cooking conditions. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the ingredients by chopping the cabbage, mincing the garlic and ginger, and slicing the green onions.
- In a large skillet over medium high heat, brown the ground beef for about 5 to 7 minutes until fully cooked, then drain excess fat if needed.
- Add the garlic and ginger and stir for about a minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped cabbage and saute for another 5 minutes, until slightly wilted but still crunchy.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, chicken broth, cornstarch, and sesame oil until smooth, then pour it over the beef and cabbage.
- Stir well and cook for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens, then serve hot garnished with green onions.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Enjoyed the recipe? Share it!
Kitchen Essentials We Recommend
Tools that make cooking easier — tried, tested, and loved.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Got a recipe the world should try?
Share your favorite family recipe or national dish with food lovers in 100+ countries.
Submit Your Recipe