Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry

Ingredients

For the Stir Fry:

1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean or higher – or substitute with ground turkey or tofu)
1 small green cabbage , thinly sliced (or 4 cups pre-shredded cabbage)
1 large carrot , julienned or shredded (optional – adds sweetness and color)
1 tbsp sesame oil (or olive oil for lighter version)
2 cloves garlic , minced (or 1 tsp garlic paste)
1 tbsp fresh ginger , grated (or ½ tsp ground ginger)
¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for milder taste)
1 tbsp hoisin sauce (optional – for sweetness and depth)
Salt and black pepper , to taste
Crushed red pepper flakes , to taste (optional – for heat)

Instructions:

Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef , breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5–7 minutes until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Stir in garlic and ginger , cooking for 1 minute until fragrant and golden.
Step 3: Stir Fry the Veggies
Add shredded cabbage and carrot to the pan.
Stir fry for 5–7 minutes , tossing occasionally, until cabbage softens slightly but retains a bit of crunch.
Step 4: Add the Sauces
Pour in:
Soy sauce
Rice vinegar
Hoisin sauce (if using)
Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve Warm
Transfer to a serving plate and top with:
Chopped green onions
Toasted sesame seeds
Serve immediately with rice, noodles, or on its own for a low-carb option.