Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry

Craving a flavorful, healthy, and satisfying dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further than this Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry! This recipe is a delightful fusion of classic Chinese flavors and a commitment to wholesome ingredients. Forget heavy sauces and excessive oil; this stir-fry is light, vibrant, and packed with nutrients. Imagine tender ground beef, crisp-tender cabbage, and aromatic vegetables all tossed in a savory, slightly sweet, and subtly spicy sauce. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that’s both quick to prepare and incredibly rewarding to eat. This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the best of Chinese cuisine without compromising your health goals. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling energized and satisfied.

One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies

A simple and delicious one-pan roasted chicken and vegetable recipe, perfect for a weeknight meal. Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Mediterranean

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Large Roasting Pan
• Mixing bowl

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs Chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks) Bone-in, skin-on preferred
• 1 lb Potatoes, quartered
• 1 lb Carrots, chopped
• 1 head Broccoli florets
• 1 Lemon Juiced and zested
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano
• To taste Salt and Pepper

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a large bowl, toss the potatoes, carrots, and broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Place the chicken pieces in the roasting pan.
• Arrange the vegetables around the chicken.
• Drizzle the chicken and vegetables with lemon juice and sprinkle with lemon zest and oregano.
• Roast for 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
• Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can substitute other vegetables, such as bell peppers or onions. For extra flavor, add a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme.

Keyword easy, lemon herb, one-pan, roasted chicken, vegetables, weeknight

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry isn’t just another stir-fry; it’s a culinary experience designed to delight your senses and nourish your body. Here’s what makes it truly special:

• Speed and Simplicity: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. The straightforward instructions make it accessible even for beginner cooks.
• Flavor Explosion: The blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a touch of chili flakes creates a complex and delicious flavor profile that’s both savory and slightly sweet.
• Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with nutrient-rich vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers, this stir-fry is a guilt-free indulgence. The lean ground beef adds protein without excessive fat.
• Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or protein sources to personalize this recipe to your liking. Experiment with different sauces or spice levels to find your perfect combination.
• Leftover Potential: This stir-fry tastes just as good (if not better!) the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping. Pack it for lunch or enjoy a quick and easy dinner.
• Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are readily available and affordable, making this a delicious and economical meal option.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Beyond the delicious taste and ease of preparation, this Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry offers several compelling reasons to give it a try:

• Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse: Cabbage is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, while carrots provide beta-carotene, essential for good vision. Bell peppers offer vitamin C and antioxidants, boosting your immune system.
• Lean Protein Source: Lean ground beef is a good source of protein, crucial for building and repairing tissues, and supporting muscle growth.
• Weight Management Friendly: This light and flavorful stir-fry is a great option for those watching their weight. It’s lower in calories and fat compared to traditional stir-fries.
• Improves Digestive Health: Cabbage is known for its high fiber content, which aids in digestion and prevents constipation.
• Boosts Energy Levels: The combination of lean protein and complex carbohydrates provides sustained energy throughout your day.
• Great for Meal Prepping: Prepare a large batch on the weekend and enjoy delicious and healthy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

This section details the ingredients and utensils needed for a successful Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry. Precise measurements are crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb lean ground beef (90% lean or higher)
• 1 large head of green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 large carrot, peeled and julienned or thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

Utensils:

• Large wok or skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small bowl for sauce mixture
• Spatula or wooden spoon for stirring
• Serving dish

Detailed Recipe Steps

Follow these detailed steps for a perfect Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry. Remember, practice makes perfect! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques.

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Thinly slice the cabbage, carrot, and bell pepper. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. Chop the green onions. Having everything prepped before you begin cooking will make the process much smoother and faster.
2. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or brown sugar), cornstarch, and water until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This ensures a smooth and glossy sauce.
3. Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned. Remove the beef from the wok and set aside.
4. Stir-fry the Vegetables: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the wok. Add the carrots and bell peppers and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened. Then, add the cabbage and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, until it starts to wilt but still retains some crispness. **Don’t overcook the vegetables; they should be tender-crisp.**
5. Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the wok and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic and ginger.
6. Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked beef to the wok. Pour the sauce over the beef and vegetables. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. **Stir frequently to prevent sticking.**
7. Add Spice and Garnish: Stir in the red pepper flakes (to taste). Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds (optional).
8. Serve Immediately: Serve the Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry hot over rice or quinoa. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to elevate your Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry experience:

• Vegetable Alternatives: Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, mushrooms, snow peas, or zucchini. Get creative and use what you have on hand!
• Protein Swaps: Substitute the ground beef with chicken, pork, shrimp, or tofu for a different protein source. For a vegetarian option, use firm or extra-firm tofu.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level. If you prefer a milder stir-fry, omit the red pepper flakes altogether. Alternatively, add a dash of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce.
• Sauce Variations: Experiment with different sauces, such as oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, or teriyaki sauce, to create unique flavor profiles.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free or use tamari as a substitute. Also, check the labels of any other ingredients that might contain gluten.
• Avoid Overcooking: Overcooked vegetables will be mushy and lose their vibrant color and nutrients. Stir-fry them until they are tender-crisp, retaining their bite.

Nutritional Values and Benefits

This Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is a nutritionally balanced meal. While exact values depend on specific ingredients and portion sizes, here’s a general overview of the benefits:

Approximate Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):

(Note: These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

• Calories: Approximately 350-400
• Protein: Approximately 30-35g
• Fat: Approximately 15-20g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g

Benefits of Key Ingredients:

• Ground Beef: Provides lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues.
• Cabbage: Rich in vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants.
• Carrots: Excellent source of beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, important for vision and immune function.
• Bell Peppers: Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Ginger and Garlic: Possess anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

FAQs

This Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is a fantastic weeknight meal that balances flavor and health. It’s quick, easy, customizable, and utterly delicious. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below, and be sure to share your beautifully plated creation on Pinterest! Check out our Pinterest page for more delicious inspiration. For more amazing recipes, try our Asparagus Lemon Basil Ricotta Stuffed Shells or our Cheesy Ground Beef Rice Casserole!