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A vibrant Chinese ground beef and cabbage stir-fry, rich with colorful vegetables

Ginger Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

This ginger beef and cabbage stir-fry is a quick and flavorful dish, perfect for a weeknight meal that's both satisfying and packed with vegetables.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce for beef
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil for beef
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch for beef
For the Stir-Fry
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or other high-smoke point oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch piece fresh ginger, grated or minced
  • ½ about 6 cups, thinly sliced large head green cabbage
For the Sauce
  • ½ cup chicken or beef broth
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce for sauce
  • 2 tbsp oyster sauce optional
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp white pepper
  • 1 tbsp mixed with 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with cold water (slurry)
Optional Garnishes
  • Sliced green onions
  • toasted sesame seeds
  • a drizzle of chili oil

Equipment

  • medium bowl
  • large skillet or wok
  • spoon
  • small bowl

Method
 

Prepare Beef
  1. Combine ground beef with 1 tablespoon each of soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch in a medium bowl; mix well.
Cook Beef
  1. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Brown the seasoned beef for 5-7 minutes until crispy, then remove and set aside, reserving rendered fat.
Sauté Aromatics
  1. Add remaining oil if needed, then sauté minced garlic and grated ginger for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add Cabbage
  1. Add sliced cabbage to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until softened but still crisp.
Whisk Sauce
  1. While cabbage cooks, whisk together broth, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), rice vinegar, brown sugar, and white pepper in a small bowl.
Combine and Thicken
  1. Pour the sauce over the cabbage and bring to a simmer. Return the cooked beef to the skillet.
Finish Sauce
  1. Re-whisk the cornstarch slurry and gradually stir it into the simmering sauce. Continue stirring for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Serve
  1. Remove from heat and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and ginger. You can also customize the vegetables to your liking; bell peppers or carrots would be great additions. Serve over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.