Chinese Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
A quick and flavorful Chinese-inspired ground beef and cabbage stir fry, packed with shiitake mushrooms, garlic, and ginger, finished with a savory soy and sesame sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner served over steamed rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cups green cabbage, sliced
- 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced (or any preferred mushrooms)
- 4 green onions, chopped (plus additional for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
Sauces and Oils
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
Serving
- Cooked rice (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant to release their flavors.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the beef is fully browned and cooked through.
- Sauté the Mushrooms: Stir in the sliced shiitake mushrooms and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their moisture.
- Add the Cabbage: Mix in the sliced green cabbage, stirring constantly until it wilts and softens, about 5 to 7 minutes. This tenderizes the cabbage while integrating it with the meat and mushrooms.
- Season and Finish: Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), and sesame oil. Stir thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
- Add Green Onions and Serve: Toss in the chopped green onions for freshness and garnish with additional green onions if desired. Serve the stir fry hot over cooked rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Oyster sauce is optional but adds a deeper umami flavor; it can be omitted for a vegetarian version if using plant-based beef substitute.
- Use any preferred mushrooms if shiitake are not available; cremini or button mushrooms work well.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil during cooking.
- This stir fry reheats well and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Serve with steamed jasmine or brown rice for a wholesome meal.
