🥢 Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry (Mediterranean-Inspired Twist)
A quick, budget-friendly, high-protein stir fry packed with flavor and crunch. Lean ground beef, tender cabbage, garlic, and ginger come together in a light savory sauce — perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy but satisfying.
📝 Description
This dish is inspired by simple Chinese home-style stir fries but made lighter by using lean beef, minimal oil, and plenty of fresh vegetables. Cabbage soaks up the savory sauce beautifully, creating a comforting yet low-carb meal that’s ready in under 25 minutes.
It’s perfect served on its own, over brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
500g lean ground beef
4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
1 medium carrot, julienned (optional)
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
2 green onions, sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)
🔹 Sauce
3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lemon juice
1 teaspoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for slight thickening)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the Beef
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart (5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
2️⃣ Add Aromatics
Stir in garlic and ginger. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3️⃣ Add Vegetables
Add cabbage and carrot. Stir fry 4–5 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.
4️⃣ Add Sauce
Mix sauce ingredients together. Pour over beef and cabbage.
Stir well and cook another 2–3 minutes until everything is coated and flavorful.
5️⃣ Finish
Top with green onions and serve hot.
🍽 Serving Ideas
✔ Over brown rice or jasmine rice
✔ With cauliflower rice for low-carb
✔ Wrapped in lettuce cups
✔ Topped with sesame seeds
🥗 Nutrition Highlights (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 320–380
Protein: 25–30g
Low in refined carbs
High in fiber from cabbage
🌿 Healthy Tips
✔ Use 90–95% lean beef
✔ Add mushrooms for extra volume
✔ Swap beef for ground chicken or turkey
✔ Add a splash of olive oil at the end for a Mediterranean touch
❓ Q & A
Q1: Can I make this keto-friendly?
Yes! Skip cornstarch and serve with cauliflower rice.
Q2: How long does it last in the fridge?
Up to 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Q3: Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet for best texture.
Q4: Is this spicy?
Only if you add chili flakes. You can adjust heat to your preference.
Q5: Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach work well.
