🥢 Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir-Fry
📝 Description
This fast and nourishing stir-fry is inspired by classic Chinese flavors but made healthier and lighter. Lean ground beef, crisp cabbage, garlic, and ginger come together in a savory sauce that’s big on taste and low on carbs. It’s budget-friendly, ready in under 30 minutes, and perfect on its own or served over rice or cauliflower rice.
🧾 Ingredients
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500 g (1 lb) lean ground beef
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½ head green cabbage, thinly sliced
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1 medium onion, sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
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2 tbsp sesame oil or olive oil
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3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
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1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, but recommended)
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1 tsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
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½ tsp black pepper
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¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
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Sesame seeds (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Brown the Beef
Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
2️⃣ Add Aromatics
Stir in onion, garlic, and ginger.
Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and slightly softened.
3️⃣ Add Cabbage
Add sliced cabbage to the pan. Toss well and cook for 5–7 minutes until tender but still slightly crisp.
4️⃣ Season
Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, vinegar, black pepper, and chili flakes.
Stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes until everything is well coated and flavorful.
5️⃣ Finish & Serve
Remove from heat. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
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Serve over brown rice, jasmine rice, or cauliflower rice
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Spoon into lettuce cups for a low-carb option
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Pair with steamed broccoli or cucumber salad
❓ Q & A
Q: Is this recipe low-carb?
A: Yes! It’s naturally low-carb, especially if served on its own or with cauliflower rice.
Q: Can I substitute ground beef?
A: Absolutely. Ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu work very well.
Q: How do I keep the cabbage from getting soggy?
A: Cook on medium-high heat and don’t overcook—cabbage should stay slightly crisp.
Q: Is this meal healthy for weight loss?
A: Yes. It’s high in protein, fiber-rich, and low in refined carbs.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat quickly in a pan for best texture.
