If you’re looking for a quick, nutritious, and flavor-packed dinner that’s anything but boring, this Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is going to become a regular in your weekly rotation. I’m genuinely so grateful to be able to share this with you—this dish has saved me on so many busy weeknights when I’ve wanted something wholesome without the hassle!
This recipe is not only healthy and fast, but also incredibly satisfying thanks to its hearty texture, rich umami flavor, and the kind of saucy goodness that clings to every bite. You’ll be amazed at what a humble combo like ground beef and cabbage can deliver. And yes—this one is meal-prep gold!
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What Is Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry?
At its heart, this stir fry is all about the balance: savory ground beef, tender-crisp cabbage, and a fragrant, garlicky soy-based sauce that pulls it all together. It’s inspired by classic Chinese home cooking—comforting, full of umami, and made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
Stir fries are popular for good reason: they’re quick, versatile, and allow for so many variations. This one is no exception!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s quick and easy! Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Healthy and balanced. High-protein, veggie-loaded, and low in carbs (hello, keto-friendly!).
Versatile. Serve it over rice, noodles, or keep it low-carb with cauliflower rice.
Meal prep winner. It keeps beautifully in the fridge and reheats like a dream.
Budget-friendly. Made with affordable ingredients you probably have on hand.
What Does It Taste Like?
Think deep umami from soy sauce and sesame oil, warmth from garlic and ginger, and just a whisper of sweetness from hoisin or a touch of honey. The cabbage becomes tender yet retains a slight crunch, and the ground beef soaks up every bit of that mouthwatering sauce. It’s cozy, savory, and oh-so-satisfying.
Health Benefits of This Stir Fry
This dish is a nutritional powerhouse:
Cabbage is high in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
Lean ground beef adds a great source of protein and iron.
The simple sauce uses minimal sugar and healthy fats.
Naturally gluten-free if you use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Low-carb and keto-friendly, perfect for blood sugar-conscious meals.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this stir fry:
1 lb lean ground beef
1 small green cabbage (about 5 cups shredded)
1 tbsp sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, minced
3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, or use 1 tsp honey for sweetness)
1 tbsp rice vinegar
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet or wok
Wooden spoon or spatula
Cutting board and knife
Measuring spoons
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
Swap the protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or even crumbled tofu.
Add more veggies: Toss in carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas.
Make it spicy: Add sriracha or more red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Go paleo: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and skip hoisin.
How to Make Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry
Step-by-Step Instructions
Brown the beef: In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Add garlic and ginger: Once the beef is browned, add in the minced garlic and ginger. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Toss in the cabbage: Add the shredded cabbage to the pan. It may look like a lot, but it wilts down significantly. Stir everything together and cook for 6–8 minutes, until the cabbage softens but still has a bit of bite.
Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, hoisin or honey, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce into the skillet and toss to coat everything evenly.
Simmer: Let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
Finish & garnish: Remove from heat and top with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
What to Serve With It
Steamed jasmine or brown rice
Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
Lo mein noodles or rice noodles for a hearty twist
A simple side salad with sesame dressing
Steamed or roasted broccoli
Tips for the Best Stir Fry
Use high heat. Stir fries are meant to cook quickly and stay crisp.
Prep everything first. This recipe moves fast—have your garlic, ginger, and sauce ready to go.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. If doubling the recipe, cook in batches for best texture.
Taste and tweak. Adjust soy sauce or add a dash more vinegar to balance flavors.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. It’s just as good—if not better—the next day!
This stir fry is also freezer-friendly! Just let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use purple cabbage instead of green?
Absolutely! Purple cabbage works beautifully here and adds a stunning pop of color.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! As long as you skip the hoisin or use a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit or stevia.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Totally. Swap the ground beef for crumbled tofu or tempeh and use a veggie broth-based sauce.
Does the cabbage get soggy?
Not if you follow the cook times! You want it tender-crisp, not mushy—keep an eye on it!
Conclusion
This Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is proof that quick dinners don’t have to be boring or unhealthy. It’s full of flavor, texture, and goodness—and it’s just so comforting. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday prep session.
If you’ve never cooked cabbage like this before, you’re in for a treat. And if you have—well, you already know how magical it gets in a stir fry. I’m kicking myself for not having shot it the first time I made it!
More Recipes Featuring Cabbage or Asian-Inspired Flavors:
Spicy Garlic Sesame Noodles with Tofu
Ginger Chicken Cabbage Soup
Sweet and Spicy Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Low-Carb Egg Roll in a Bowl
Share the Love!
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see it! Snap a photo and tag me on Pinterest, or leave a comment below with your thoughts. Your reviews help others find and enjoy these recipes, too!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Serves 4)
Calories: ~290
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g (from cabbage and sauce)
Net Carbs: ~7g
Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A quick, healthy, and flavor-packed Chinese-inspired stir fry made with ground beef, cabbage, and a savory, umami-rich sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 small green cabbage (about 5 cups shredded)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, minced
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional, or 1 tsp honey)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Instructions
- In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5–6 minutes.
- Add in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the shredded cabbage and cook for 6–8 minutes until softened but still crisp.
- Mix the soy sauce, hoisin or honey, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Pour over the stir fry and toss to coat.
- Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to meld flavors and thicken the sauce.
- Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if using.
Notes
Prep all your ingredients beforehand for a smoother stir fry experience. Adjust soy sauce or vinegar to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
Keywords: ground beef, cabbage, stir fry, healthy, quick dinner, low carb