Name: Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (85/15 preferred); 1/2 head green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 4 cups); 2 medium carrots, shredded; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup soy sauce; 2 tbsp hoisin sauce; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp sesame oil; 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish); 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening); 2 tbsp water (if using cornstarch); 1 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or canola)

I’ve always had a soft spot for simple, hearty meals that don’t sacrifice flavor for speed. That’s exactly what drew me to this Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry. It’s a dish that brings together everything I love—savory meat, tender-crisp cabbage, and a rich, garlicky sauce with just a touch of sweetness. And the best part? It all comes together in one skillet in under 30 minutes. I can’t count how many times this recipe has saved dinner on busy weeknights.

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What really makes this dish shine is the balance. The ground beef soaks up the stir-fry sauce beautifully, adding deep umami flavor, while the cabbage adds a slight crunch and natural sweetness that rounds everything out. It feels both comforting and refreshing. Whether I serve it over rice or wrap it in lettuce cups, it never lasts long at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

This recipe is a weeknight superstar—fast, flavorful, and budget-friendly. It’s made with ingredients you likely already have on hand, yet it tastes like something from your favorite Chinese takeout spot. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable. Whether you like it spicy, saucy, or loaded with extra veggies, you can tweak it to match your cravings.

What Kind of Cabbage Works Best in Stir Fry?

For this stir fry, I prefer using green cabbage because it holds its texture well and adds a slight sweetness as it cooks down. Napa cabbage is another great option if you want something more tender and delicate. If you’re after a deeper, slightly bitter edge, savoy cabbage will do the trick. The key is to slice it thin so it cooks quickly and soaks up the sauce evenly.

Options for Substitutions

If you don’t have ground beef on hand, don’t worry—this dish plays nicely with other proteins. Ground turkey or chicken are great leaner alternatives and still take on the sauce beautifully. You could even use crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian twist.

Not a fan of cabbage? Try using shredded Brussels sprouts or bok choy. And if you’re out of soy sauce, coconut aminos or tamari will still deliver that umami depth. Feel free to throw in extra veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas to bulk it up or brighten the flavor.

Ingredients for this Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Ground beef
This is the heart of the recipe, providing a rich, meaty base that carries all the bold flavors of the sauce. I usually go with 85/15 for a good balance of flavor and fat.

Green cabbage
Sliced thin, it cooks quickly and soaks up all the delicious sauce while adding a light crunch to every bite.

Garlic
Fresh minced garlic is essential here—it adds a fragrant kick that ties the meat and sauce together.

Soy sauce
This delivers the umami punch that defines the dish. It seasons everything with a deep savory note.

Hoisin sauce
A little bit of hoisin brings a subtle sweetness and complexity, balancing the saltiness of the soy sauce.

Rice vinegar
This cuts through the richness and brightens the dish with a touch of tang.

Sesame oil
Just a drizzle at the end gives the stir fry a toasty, nutty aroma that makes it taste authentic.

Carrots
Shredded carrots add sweetness and color, making the stir fry more vibrant and nutrient-packed.

Green onions
Sprinkled on top, they offer a fresh, sharp finish that contrasts nicely with the savory beef.

Cornstarch (optional)
If you like a thicker sauce that clings to every bite, a little cornstarch mixed with water will do the trick.

Step 1

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil and crumble in the ground beef. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks.

Step 2

Drain any excess grease if necessary, then stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this is where the flavor really starts to build.

Step 3

Add the shredded carrots and sliced cabbage. Stir everything together and cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the cabbage is just tender but still has some bite. Stir often to prevent sticking.

Step 4

In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and a splash of water (plus cornstarch if you’re using it). Pour the sauce into the skillet and toss everything to coat evenly.

Step 5

Let the sauce bubble for a minute or two until slightly thickened. Remove from heat, drizzle with sesame oil, and toss one more time to mix.

Step 6

Top with chopped green onions before serving. Serve it hot, either on its own or over a bowl of steamed rice.

How Long to Cook the Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

From start to finish, this dish takes about 20 to 25 minutes. Browning the beef takes around 5 to 7 minutes, and the cabbage and carrots need another 5 to 7 minutes to soften just enough without losing their texture. The sauce only needs a couple of minutes to thicken and coat everything beautifully.

Tips for Perfect Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Slice the cabbage thinly so it cooks evenly and absorbs the sauce well without turning mushy.
Don’t overcook the vegetables—you want a bit of crunch for contrast. Stir-frying is all about fast cooking over high heat.
Use a large skillet or wok so you have enough room to toss everything without steaming it.
Brown the beef properly to build flavor; let it sit in the pan a bit before stirring to get some nice caramelization.
Adjust the sauce to taste—add chili flakes or sriracha if you like a kick, or a touch of honey for extra sweetness.
Finish with sesame oil off the heat to preserve its delicate flavor.
Garnish just before serving for the freshest flavor from the green onions.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Crowding the pan: If your pan is too small, the cabbage will steam instead of stir-fry, resulting in soggy vegetables. Use a wide skillet or cook in batches.
Skipping the sauce balance: Too much soy sauce can make the dish overly salty. Measure your ingredients and taste as you go.
Not draining excess grease: Leaving too much fat from the beef can make the dish greasy. Drain if needed before adding the sauce.
Cooking on low heat: Stir fry needs high heat to sear the meat and cook the veggies quickly. Keep that pan hot.
Adding the sesame oil too early: It loses its flavor if overheated. Always drizzle it on at the end for maximum aroma.
Overcooking the cabbage: You want it tender with a bit of crunch—not limp and mushy.

What to Serve With Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry?

Steamed White Rice

A classic pairing that soaks up the sauce and gives the stir fry a satisfying base.

Fried Rice

Double down on flavor by serving this with egg fried rice for a more indulgent meal.

Rice Noodles

Toss the stir fry right into cooked rice noodles for a saucy noodle bowl.

Lettuce Wraps

Spoon the beef and cabbage mix into crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh, low-carb option.

Egg Rolls or Spring Rolls

Add a crunchy appetizer on the side for a complete Chinese-inspired dinner.

Steamed Dumplings

They pair beautifully with the stir fry and bring more variety to the table.

Sautéed Greens

A side of garlicky bok choy or spinach rounds out the meal with more veggies.

Hot and Sour Soup

Start the meal with a warm, tangy soup for a cozy, comforting touch.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers of this Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry keep very well. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the stir fry seems a bit dry after storing, splash in a little water or extra soy sauce while reheating to refresh the flavor and texture.

To freeze, place cooled stir fry in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for about 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Estimated Nutrition

While actual values may vary depending on your exact ingredients, a typical serving (about 1.5 cups) contains approximately:

Calories: 320
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 680mg

This makes it a well-rounded, high-protein option that’s also lower in carbs—perfect for balanced meals or even low-carb meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even a plant-based alternative like Beyond Meat works great in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time based on the meat you choose.

Is this stir fry gluten-free?

Not as written, since soy sauce and hoisin sauce usually contain gluten. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos and a gluten-free hoisin sauce.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely. Add red pepper flakes, sriracha, or diced fresh chili peppers to the sauce or stir them in during cooking for extra heat.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just make sure you have a large enough pan or wok to avoid overcrowding. You may want to cook the meat and veggies in batches for best texture.

What’s the best way to shred the cabbage?

A sharp knife or a mandoline works well. Just slice the cabbage thinly into ribbons so it cooks quickly and evenly.

Can I prep this in advance?

Definitely. You can brown the beef and prep the vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, then toss together with the sauce when you’re ready to cook.

What if I don’t have hoisin sauce?

You can mix a bit of soy sauce, peanut butter, and a touch of honey or brown sugar as a quick hoisin substitute. It won’t be exact but still tasty.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! It reheats well and stays flavorful for days. Portion it into containers with rice or noodles for grab-and-go lunches.

Conclusion

This Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a lifesaver for anyone looking for a quick, satisfying meal without a mountain of prep. It’s bold, flexible, and comforting—all made in a single pan. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or planning your week’s lunches, it hits all the right notes. Once you try it, it’s bound to earn a regular spot in your kitchen rotation.