Quick, wholesome, and packed with bold Asian-inspired flavor, Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is a lighter take on a takeout-style favorite. Lean ground beef, crisp-tender cabbage, and aromatics like garlic and ginger come together in a savory sauce that’s satisfying without being heavy.
This one-pan meal is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anyone looking for a nutritious, low-carb dinner that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
Why You’ll Love Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- One-pan meal with easy cleanup
- High-protein and low-carb
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Perfect for meal prep
Ingredients You’ll Need
Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry – Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Lean ground beef (90/10) | 1 lb | Protein |
| Green cabbage (thinly sliced) | 1 medium head | Main vegetable |
| Carrots (julienned, optional) | 1 cup | Natural sweetness |
| Green onions (sliced) | 3 | Fresh finish |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves | Aromatic |
| Fresh ginger (grated) | 1 tbsp | Warm spice |
| Sesame oil | 1 tsp | Flavor |
| Avocado or vegetable oil | 1 tbsp | Stir-frying |
| Soy sauce or tamari | 2 tbsp | Umami |
| Rice vinegar | 1 tsp | Brightness |
| Honey or brown sugar (optional) | 1 tsp | Balance |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp | Balance |
| Red pepper flakes (optional) | ¼ tsp | Heat |
How to Make Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry
1. Brown the Ground Beef
First, heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
👉 Tip: Browning the beef well adds deeper flavor to the entire dish.
2. Add Aromatics
Next, push the beef to one side of the pan. Add avocado oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
However, be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter.
3. Stir Fry the Cabbage
Then, add sliced cabbage and carrots (if using). Toss everything together and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is tender but still crisp.
If needed, add 1–2 tablespoons of water to help steam thicker cabbage pieces.
4. Add the Sauce
Meanwhile, whisk soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (if using), sesame oil, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Pour the sauce over the stir fry and toss well.
As a result, the cabbage absorbs the savory flavors quickly.
5. Finish & Serve
Finally, stir in green onions and remove from heat. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot.
Tips for the Best Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry
- Slice cabbage thinly for quick, even cooking
- Use lean beef to keep it light
- Cook over high heat for stir-fry texture
- Add sauce at the end to prevent sogginess
Variations & Substitutions
Flavor Variations
- Add oyster sauce for deeper umami
- Finish with a squeeze of lime juice
- Use hoisin sauce for slight sweetness
Protein Options
- Ground turkey or chicken
- Ground pork for richer flavor
Diet-Friendly Options
- Keto & low-carb: skip honey
- Gluten-free: use tamari or coconut aminos
- Paleo-friendly with coconut aminos
What to Serve With Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry
- Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice
- Cauliflower rice
- Asian-style cucumber salad
- Simple stir-fried vegetables
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Reheat quickly in a skillet over medium heat to maintain texture.
Freezing:
Not recommended—cabbage softens after freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is this stir fry really healthy?
Yes—it’s high in protein, low in carbs, and packed with vegetables.
2. Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
Absolutely, it saves time and works perfectly.
3. Is this dish spicy?
Only if you add red pepper flakes.
4. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it’s excellent for meal prep.
5. What oil is best for stir frying?
Avocado, peanut, or vegetable oil work best.
6. Can I add more vegetables?
Yes—bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas work well.
7. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, when honey is omitted.
8. Can I make it soy-free?
Yes, use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
9. Does cabbage absorb flavor well?
Yes, it soaks up sauce beautifully.
10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Conclusion
Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is a fast, nutritious, and flavor-packed meal that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. With crisp cabbage, savory beef, and a simple Asian-inspired sauce, this dish deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation.