I absolutely adore this Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry for those evenings when I need something flavorful but quick! It brings me back to my first cooking adventures in my tiny apartment kitchen, where I discovered the magic of simple stir-fries.

Food is my love language, a way to share joy and create memories. That’s exactly what happened the first time I made this beef and cabbage stir-fry for my family—just like our Comforting Smothered Cabbage, it’s a dish that brings everyone to the table. The kitchen filled with the most amazing aromas—garlic, ginger, and that distinctive sesame oil scent that always makes my mouth water! What started as a practical solution to use up cabbage in my fridge turned into one of our most requested weeknight meals.

There’s something so comforting about the combination of tender ground beef and crisp-tender cabbage all wrapped in that savory-sweet sauce. I love how this dish transforms humble ingredients into something truly special without hours of work. The best part? Everything comes together in one pan, which means less cleanup (always a win in my book!).

Ready to try this delicious Chinese-inspired stir-fry that’ll have everyone asking for seconds? You might also enjoy our Chicken and Shrimp Stir-Fry for another easy weeknight winner Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Beef and Cabbage Dish

This stir-fry recipe comes from years of tweaking and perfecting quick weeknight meals that deliver big on flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen. I’ve found that Chinese-inspired stir-fries are the perfect solution when you want something satisfying but don’t have much time.

Ready in just 25 minutes! I’ve made this countless times when pressed for time, and it never disappoints—perfect for those evenings when you’re hungry and don’t want to wait.
One-pan wonder that means minimal cleanup afterward—something I always appreciate after a long day.
Budget-friendly ingredients that won’t break the bank. I love that this recipe transforms affordable cabbage and ground beef into something that tastes like it came from a restaurant!
Naturally balanced meal with protein, vegetables, and complex carbs when served over rice—my husband always comments on how satisfying it is without feeling heavy.
Versatile recipe that works beautifully with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives. I’ve tried them all when adapting to what’s in my fridge!
Kid-approved flavors that aren’t too spicy but still pack a punch—my grandkids clean their plates when I make this!

This Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry is more than just dinner—it’s my secret weapon for turning an ordinary weeknight into something special without any fuss.

Ingredient Note List

Ground Beef: I prefer using 85% lean ground beef because it provides enough fat to carry flavor while not being too greasy—it browns up beautifully and stays tender in the final dish.

Green Cabbage: The star vegetable in this stir-fry adds a wonderful crunch and naturally sweet flavor that balances the savory beef perfectly—I always look for firm, heavy heads with crisp leaves.

Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point is essential for stir-frying at high heat—I find it lets the other flavors shine without adding its own taste.

Garlic: Fresh minced garlic creates that aromatic foundation that makes this Chinese stir-fry so irresistible—I never substitute dried garlic as the flavor difference is night and day!

Ginger: The zippy, warming flavor of fresh ginger is what gives this dish its authentic character—I always keep a knob in my freezer for easy grating when needed.

Soy Sauce: This provides the salty, umami foundation of our sauce—I typically use low-sodium varieties so I can control the saltiness of the final dish.

Oyster Sauce: My secret ingredient for adding incredible depth and richness to any stir-fry—it brings a subtle sweetness and complexity that makes this beef and cabbage stir-fry taste restaurant-quality.

Rice Vinegar: A splash adds the perfect tangy brightness that balances the rich flavors in this Chinese-inspired dish—I love how it cuts through the richness of the beef.

Sesame Oil: Just a tablespoon of this aromatic oil adds that distinctive nutty flavor that makes this stir-fry taste authentically Chinese—a little goes a long way!

Green Onions: These add a fresh, mild onion flavor and beautiful color contrast as a garnish—I always slice them on a diagonal for a more appealing presentation.

How to Cook Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

Step 1. I always start by prepping all my ingredients before heating the wok—chopping cabbage, mincing garlic and ginger, and mixing the sauce ingredients together makes the cooking process so much smoother.

Step 2. My grandmother taught me to heat the wok until it’s just smoking before adding oil—this prevents sticking and gives that wonderful seared flavor to the beef.

Step 3. I’ve found that breaking the ground beef into smaller pieces while it cooks results in the best texture for this stir-fry—I use a wooden spatula to keep breaking it apart as it browns.

Step 4. When adding the garlic and ginger, I stir constantly to prevent burning—these aromatics can go from perfectly fragrant to bitter in seconds if not watched carefully.

Step 5. I usually add the cabbage in batches if my pan is crowded, allowing each addition to wilt slightly before adding more—this ensures everything cooks evenly without steaming.

Step 6. My husband prefers when I keep the cabbage slightly crisp, so I’m careful not to overcook it—about 5 minutes of stir-frying is perfect for that tender-crisp texture we love.

Step 7. I always give the sauce mixture a quick whisk right before adding it to the pan since the cornstarch can settle—this ensures a smooth, well-incorporated sauce.

Step 8. After adding the sauce, I’ve learned to keep stirring for those final few minutes—this helps thicken the sauce evenly and coats every bit of beef and cabbage with flavor.

Step 9. I like to taste and adjust the seasoning right at the end—sometimes a little extra splash of soy sauce or sesame oil makes all the difference!

How to Store & Reheat

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where this beef and cabbage stir-fry stays delicious for up to 3 days. Make sure everything has cooled completely before covering to prevent condensation that could make the cabbage soggy.

For freezing, I’ve found this stir-fry freezes surprisingly well! I portion it into individual servings in freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It maintains good quality for about 2 months in the freezer, making it perfect for meal prep.

When it comes to reheating, I prefer using a skillet over medium heat—it revives the textures better than the microwave. Just add a tablespoon of water to help rehydrate the sauce, and stir frequently until heated through (about 3-4 minutes). If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—I cover the dish with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until it’s hot.

What to Serve with This Stir-Fry

Steamed Jasmine Rice: This is my family’s favorite pairing! The fragrant, slightly sticky rice soaks up all that delicious sauce and makes the meal feel complete. I love how the mild flavor of jasmine rice lets the savory stir-fry shine.

Simple Cucumber Salad: When I want to add something refreshing, I toss sliced cucumbers with a little rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar. The cool crunch perfectly balances the warm stir-fry.

Vegetable Egg Rolls: My grandkids go crazy when I serve this stir-fry with crispy egg rolls on the side! The contrasting textures make the meal feel special, almost like our own takeout night at home.

Garlic Bok Choy: For a veggie-packed meal, I often quickly stir-fry some bok choy with garlic as a side dish. Its mild flavor and tender-crisp texture complement the heartier beef and cabbage beautifully.

Hot and Sour Soup: On chillier evenings, I start with a small bowl of hot and sour soup before serving this stir-fry. The tangy, spicy flavors wake up the taste buds and make the whole meal feel like a special occasion.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cabbage?

Absolutely! I’ve made this with Napa cabbage for a softer texture and even purple cabbage for a pop of color—both work beautifully, though the cooking time may vary slightly.

How can I make this dish spicier?

I recommend adding 1-2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or sriracha to the sauce mixture, or sprinkle some red pepper flakes while cooking the beef for a nice heat that doesn’t overwhelm.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Definitely! I often make a double batch on Sundays—it reheats wonderfully for lunches throughout the week and the flavors actually develop nicely after a day in the fridge.

What if I don’t have oyster sauce?

I’ve substituted hoisin sauce in a pinch, though it’s sweeter—you might want to reduce the sugar and add an extra splash of soy sauce to balance the flavors.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but I’ve made it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free oyster sauce alternative—just check your ingredient labels carefully!

Can I add other vegetables to this stir-fry?

Absolutely! I’ve tossed in shredded carrots, bell peppers, and snow peas with great results—just add harder vegetables earlier and quicker-cooking ones later in the process.

Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

A quick and flavorful dish featuring ground beef and tender cabbage, perfect for a satisfying meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Chinese

Calories: 400

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1 pound Ground beef Provides protein and flavor.
4 cups Green cabbage Thinly sliced for quick cooking.
1 tablespoon Vegetable oil For cooking the beef.
3 cloves Garlic Minced for flavor.
1 tablespoon Ginger Minced for a zesty kick.
1/4 cup Soy sauce Adds umami flavor.
1 tablespoon Oyster sauce Enhances the savory taste.
1 tablespoon Rice vinegar Adds acidity and balance.
1 tablespoon Sesame oil For a nutty flavor.
1 teaspoon Sugar Balances the flavors.
1/2 teaspoon Black pepper For seasoning.
2 green onions Chopped For garnish.

Equipment

large skillet or wok
Spatula
Small bowl

Method

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet and stir-fry for about 5 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender but still crisp.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and black pepper. Pour the sauce over the beef and cabbage mixture, stirring well to combine.
Continue to stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Remove from heat and garnish with chopped green onions.
Serve the stir-fry hot over cooked rice for a complete meal.

Notes

Enjoy your Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry, a delicious and satisfying meal ready in no time!

Quick & Easy Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry (Ready in 25 Minutes!)