If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and budget-friendly dinner, this Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is the perfect one-pan meal. Tender ground beef is cooked with crisp cabbage, carrots, garlic, and ginger in a savory homemade sauce that’s packed with classic Asian flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, this high-protein, low-carb recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anyone looking for a nutritious family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 4 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 3 green onions, sliced
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Extra green onions
Instructions
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the carrots and cabbage, then stir-fry for 5–7 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, black pepper, and cornstarch slurry.
- Pour the sauce into the skillet and toss everything together until evenly coated and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve hot on its own, over steamed rice, or with cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 320 per serving
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This healthy stir fry is packed with lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and bold Asian-inspired flavors. It’s a fantastic choice for meal prep because it reheats well and tastes just as delicious the next day. The cabbage stays slightly crisp, while the savory garlic-ginger sauce brings everything together without being heavy.
You can easily customize this recipe by adding mushrooms, broccoli, snap peas, bell peppers, or water chestnuts. For extra spice, stir in sriracha or chili garlic sauce. If you prefer a lighter version, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
Tips
- Use lean ground beef (90/10 or leaner) to reduce excess grease.
- Don’t overcook the cabbage—it should stay slightly crisp.
- Fresh ginger and garlic provide the best flavor.
- Double the recipe for easy weekly meal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works perfectly for a leaner version.
Is this recipe low carb?
Yes. Serve it as-is or with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly meal.
How long does it keep?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What can I serve with it?
Steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, cauliflower rice, noodles, or a side of steamed broccoli all pair well.
