Description
Quick and easy ground beef and cabbage stir-fry, packed with flavor from soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. A healthy and delicious weeknight meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded (about 6–8 cups)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and julienned or thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, but adds great flavor)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: sesame seeds, chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Shred cabbage, chop onion, julienne or slice carrots, mince garlic, and grate ginger.
- Brown Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned (5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat and return beef to the skillet.
- Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Add onion and carrots to the skillet and cook until softened (3-5 minutes). Add garlic and ginger and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute), being careful not to burn the garlic. Add shredded cabbage.
- Stir-Fry: Stir-fry cabbage with beef and vegetables until wilted and tender-crisp (5-7 minutes).
- Add Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce over the cabbage mixture and stir well to combine.
- Simmer: Add chicken broth (or water) to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the cabbage is cooked to your liking.
- Season and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions (optional).
- Serve: Serve over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and oyster sauce. Add more vegetables and use a vegetarian oyster sauce substitute.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for ground beef.
- Add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar to the sauce for a sweeter flavor.
- Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes