Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick and delicious meal that packs both flavor and nutrition. This dish combines lean ground beef with fresh vegetables, making it a great choice for family dinners or meal prepping for the week. It’s loaded with textures and tastes that everyone will enjoy.
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Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is perfect for several reasons. First, it is simple and quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Second, it uses healthy ingredients that are easy to find. Lastly, it is a flexible recipe; you can adjust the ingredients to fit your taste or diet needs. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb meal or just something nutritious, this stir-fry hits the mark.
How to Make Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry
Making this stir fry is a breeze. Just follow these steps to whip up a tasty meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
- 1/2 head green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Directions:
- In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the sliced cabbage and julienned carrot, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Pour in the soy sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes to combine all flavors.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
How to Serve Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry
You can serve this stir fry right away while it’s hot. It makes a wonderful main dish that can be accompanied by steamed rice or noodles if desired. The fresh flavors can shine on their own or alongside your favorite sides.
How to Store Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Tips to Make Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry
- Make sure to use lean ground beef to keep the dish healthy.
- Slice the vegetables thinly for quicker cooking and better texture.
- Adjust the soy sauce amount to fit your taste; you can also use low-sodium soy sauce if preferred.
Variation
Feel free to swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the mix for added flavor and nutrition.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu are great alternatives.
2. What can I serve with this dish?
This stir fry goes well with rice, noodles, or can be enjoyed on its own for a low-carb meal.
3. Can this be made ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for easy reheating during the week.
Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean or higher) Use lean ground beef to keep the dish healthy.
- ½ head green cabbage, thinly sliced Slice thinly for quicker cooking.
- 1 medium carrot, julienned Julienne for better texture.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Minced for flavor.
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced Minced for flavor.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce Adjust to taste; low-sodium option available.
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil For cooking.
- to taste Salt and pepper Season to preference.
- Optional: green onions and sesame seeds for garnish Garnish for serving.
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the sliced cabbage and julienned carrot, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Pour in the soy sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes to combine all flavors.
- Serve hot, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
