Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry – Quick, Light, and Flavor-Packed

Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is a fast, veggie-forward meal that’s big on flavor and light on fuss. Lean ground beef is cooked with tender-crisp cabbage, carrots, and green onions in a savory garlic-ginger sauce that’s slightly sweet, tangy, and deeply satisfying. It’s a healthier take on classic takeout flavors—without being heavy or greasy.

This recipe uses lean beef, lots of cabbage, and a simple stir-fry sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a touch of honey or maple syrup. Everything cooks in one pan in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Perfect served over steamed rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice, this Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is the kind of dish you’ll keep in your regular rotation—simple, wholesome, and seriously tasty.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Light but Satisfying – Lean beef and lots of veggies keep it filling without feeling heavy.
Fast & Weeknight-Friendly – One pan, simple ingredients, and about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Takeout Vibes, Healthier Twist – Classic garlic-ginger-soy flavors without extra oil or sugar.
Versatile – Serve over rice, noodles, or on its own for a low-carb option.

Ingredients

For the Stir Fry:

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
• 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
• 3 green onions, sliced (whites and greens separated)
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated or minced
• 1–2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil

For the Stir-Fry Sauce:

• 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1–2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (to taste)
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for extra depth)
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
• ¼–½ tsp red pepper flakes or a dash of chili sauce (optional, for heat)
• 2–3 tbsp water

Optional Garnish & Serving:

• Sesame seeds
• Extra sliced green onion tops
• Cooked brown rice, jasmine rice, or cauliflower rice

Instructions

Make the Stir-Fry Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey/maple syrup, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, red pepper flakes (if using), and water.
Set aside.

Cook the Ground Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the lean ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula.
Cook for 4–5 minutes until browned and mostly cooked through.
If there’s any excess fat, drain it off.

Add Aromatics
Add minced garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onions to the pan with the beef.
Cook for 30–60 seconds, stirring, until fragrant.

Add the Vegetables
Add sliced cabbage and carrot to the skillet.
Stir-fry for 4–6 minutes, stirring often, until the cabbage is tender-crisp and slightly wilted but still has some crunch.

Add the Sauce
Give the sauce a quick stir, then pour it into the pan over the beef and vegetables.
Toss everything together so the beef and cabbage are well coated.
Cook for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to simmer and slightly thicken.

Finish and Taste
Stir in the green parts of the green onions.
Taste and adjust: add a splash more soy sauce for saltiness, a bit more vinegar for brightness, or a drizzle of honey for sweetness if needed.

Serve
Serve hot over cooked brown rice, jasmine rice, or cauliflower rice.
Garnish with sesame seeds and extra green onion tops if desired.

Nutritional Information

(Approximate per serving, 1 of 4, without rice)

• Calories: ~280
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Sugar: 8g
• Fiber: 3g

Tips for Success

Use Lean Beef – Keeps the dish lighter and minimizes the need to drain excess fat.
Don’t Overcook the Cabbage – Tender-crisp cabbage gives better texture and keeps the stir fry from feeling soggy.
Adjust the Sauce to Taste – Make it sweeter, tangier, or spicier depending on your preference.
Meal-Prep Friendly – Makes great leftovers; pack with rice or cauliflower rice for ready-to-go lunches.

Why This Recipe Works

Browning lean ground beef builds savory flavor without a lot of extra fat. Adding garlic, ginger, and green onions layers in that classic Chinese-style aroma, while cabbage and carrot make the dish bulky, colorful, and nutrient-dense. The simple soy-based sauce clings to the beef and veggies, giving you big flavor in every bite without needing heavy oils or sugary glazes.

Served over rice or on its own, this Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry gives you the satisfaction of takeout with the balance and freshness of a home-cooked meal—fast, wholesome, and full of flavor.