Healthy Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage is a delightful, vibrant dish that brings the flavors of Asian cuisine right to your kitchen. With its lean ground beef and fresh vegetables, this meal is not just wholesome, but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s highly customizable to suit your taste, ensuring everyone at the table will enjoy it.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 300
Protein: 24g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 400mg
Why Make Healthy Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage
Healthy Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage offers numerous benefits. It’s packed with protein from the ground beef and filled with nutrients from the cabbage and other fresh ingredients. This dish is not only balanced but also lower in carbohydrates compared to traditional stir-fries. Its versatility allows you to adapt flavors or add other vegetables based on what you have on hand, making it a great go-to recipe for busy days.
How to Make Healthy Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage Step by Step
Ingredients
- Lean Ground Beef: 1 pound
- Green Cabbage: 1 small head, thinly sliced
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium, thinly sliced
- Garlic Cloves: 3, minced
- Fresh Ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: ¼ cup
- Rice Vinegar: 1 tablespoon
- Hoisin Sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon
- Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional)
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Green Onions: 2, chopped
- Sesame Seeds: 1 teaspoon
Directions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef to the pan. Cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Remove beef and set aside. In the same pan, add onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant. Add cabbage and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until softened but still crisp. Return beef to the pan. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and red pepper flakes. Toss well until evenly coated. Drizzle sesame oil over the mixture, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or enjoy on its own for a low-carb option.
How to Serve Healthy Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles for a filling meal. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside a cucumber salad or a light Asian slaw. You can even top it with a drizzle of chili oil for those who like a bit of heat!
How to Store Healthy Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage
To store any leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to keep it moist. For longer storage, freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Expert Tips for Cooking Healthy Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage
- Make sure to use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking; work in batches if necessary.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
- For a gluten-free version, swap out soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice preference; omit them for a milder dish.
Delicious Variations of Healthy Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage
- For a spicy kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add Sriracha.
- Try incorporating fresh herbs like basil or cilantro for added flavor.
- For a citrus twist, add a squeeze of lime juice just before serving.
- Create a vegetarian option by substituting mushrooms or tofu for the ground beef.
Healthy Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage is a must-try recipe that combines flavor, nutrition, and convenience. With its delightful taste and ease of preparation, it’s no wonder this dish will become a favorite in your home. Enjoy the journey of cooking and savor every bite!
Healthy Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Lean Ground Beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
- 1 small head Green Cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 medium Yellow Onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Ginger, grated
- ¼ cup Low-Sodium Soy Sauce Substitute with tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free.
- 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Hoisin Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
- ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional) Adjust according to spice preference.
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil For cooking.
- 2 Green Onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Seeds
Instructions
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef to the pan. Cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Remove beef and set aside.
- In the same pan, add onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add cabbage and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until softened but still crisp.
- Return beef to the pan. Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, and red pepper flakes. Toss well until evenly coated.
- Drizzle sesame oil over the mixture, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
- Serve hot over rice, noodles, or enjoy on its own for a low-carb option.
