Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry

Instructions

1. Heat the sesame oil. Place a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and allow the sesame oil to warm until it shimmers. Heating the oil fully before adding ingredients helps the beef brown properly and enhances the toasted sesame aroma.
2. Brown the ground beef. Add the lean ground beef to the hot skillet. Break it apart immediately with a spatula so it cooks evenly. Allow it to brown for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the beef is fully browned with no remaining pink, drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the dish light and balanced.
3. Add garlic and ginger. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Let them cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. This brief sauté releases their essential oils and builds the aromatic foundation that gives the stir fry its signature flavor.
4. Add cabbage and carrots. Toss in the thinly sliced cabbage and julienned carrot. Stir-fry for 5–7 minutes. The vegetables should soften and wilt slightly while staying tender-crisp, adding both texture and natural sweetness to balance the savory beef.
5. Pour in the sauces. Add the low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, and optional hoisin sauce. Stir everything together so the beef and vegetables are fully coated. The heat will cause the sauce to reduce slightly, glazing the ingredients without making the dish watery.
6. Season to taste. Add crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer heat. Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed. Since soy sauce provides saltiness, season gradually to avoid over-salting.
7. Finish with fresh garnish. Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the stir fry for a burst of freshness and color. Add sesame seeds if using — they give a light nutty crunch that complements the dish’s texture.

Serving Notes

Serve this Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry hot, straight from the skillet. It’s excellent on its own, over steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles. The leftovers hold up well and develop even more flavor, making it perfect for meal prep.

Prep Time: 10 minutes  |  Cook Time: 15 minutes  |  Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4  |  Calories: 280 kcal per serving