Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry

Craving a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal? Look no further than this Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry! This recipe is a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy a classic Chinese dish without the guilt. Packed with lean protein, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful sauce, this stir-fry is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a healthy lunch, or even a light and satisfying weekend meal. Forget takeout! This recipe is surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and even less time. Get ready to experience the delightful blend of savory ground beef, crisp-tender cabbage, and a tantalizing sauce that will leave you wanting more. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure and create a stir-fry that’s both healthy and heavenly!

One-Pan Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken and Veggies

A simple and flavorful one-pan recipe featuring roasted chicken and vegetables, perfect for a weeknight dinner. Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor!

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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 Baking Sheet
• Mixing Bowl

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs Chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks)
• 1 lb Potatoes (small, quartered)
• 1 lb Carrots (peeled and chopped)
• 1 head Broccoli florets
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 Lemon juiced
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1 tsp Dried Thyme
• to taste Salt and Pepper

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
• In a large mixing bowl, toss the potatoes, carrots, and broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Arrange the vegetables on a large baking sheet.
• Place the chicken pieces on top of the vegetables.
• Drizzle the chicken with lemon juice and sprinkle with oregano and thyme.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Roast for 40-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
• Serve immediately.

Notes

You can substitute other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini. For extra flavor, add a few cloves of minced garlic to the vegetables before roasting.

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

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. First, the speed! It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. No more agonizing over complicated recipes or spending hours in the kitchen. Secondly, the taste is phenomenal! The blend of savory ground beef, sweet cabbage, and zesty sauce is a flavor explosion in your mouth. The slight sweetness of the cabbage perfectly balances the richness of the beef, while the sauce adds a delightful tang and umami depth. It’s a truly satisfying culinary experience that will quickly become a family favorite. Thirdly, the health benefits are undeniable. This stir-fry is loaded with lean protein from the ground beef, fiber-rich cabbage, and a host of other beneficial nutrients. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that will nourish your body from the inside out. Finally, the versatility is amazing! You can easily adapt this recipe to your dietary needs and preferences. Want to make it spicier? Add some chili flakes! Prefer a different vegetable? Swap out the cabbage for broccoli or snap peas! The possibilities are endless.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time for a nutritious and delicious meal can be a challenge. This Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry solves that problem. It’s a quick and easy recipe that doesn’t compromise on flavor or health. Think of the time you’ll save – no more long grocery lists or complicated prep work. Simply gather the readily available ingredients and let the cooking magic begin. Beyond the convenience, the recipe offers significant health benefits. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate lean protein and essential vitamins and minerals into your diet. The ground beef provides a great source of protein crucial for muscle building and repair, while the cabbage is packed with fiber, promoting healthy digestion and gut health. Moreover, this recipe is naturally low in calories and fat, making it an excellent choice for weight management. Finally, the delightful flavors will make you forget you’re eating a healthy meal. It’s a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy, guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling energized and satisfied.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

This section details the ingredients and utensils you’ll need for a successful Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry. Precise measurements ensure optimal flavor and texture.

• Ground Beef: 1 pound (lean ground beef is recommended for a healthier option)
• Cabbage: 1 medium head (about 1 pound), thinly sliced
• Onion: 1 medium, thinly sliced
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger: 1 tablespoon, minced (fresh ginger is preferable)
• Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup (low sodium preferred)
• Oyster Sauce: 2 tablespoons (adds umami flavor)
• Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon (balances the savory flavors)
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (for thickening the sauce)
• Water: 1/4 cup (to mix with cornstarch)
• Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon (for added aroma and flavor)
• Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons (for stir-frying)
• Green Onions: 2, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Recommended Tools and Utensils:

• Large Wok or Skillet: A wok is ideal for stir-frying, but a large skillet works well too.
• Chopping Board: For prepping the vegetables and garlic.
• Sharp Knife: To ensure even slicing of the vegetables.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to success.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring and tossing the ingredients in the wok.
• Small Bowl: For whisking together the cornstarch and water.

Detailed Recipe Steps

Follow these steps for a perfect Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Thinly slice the cabbage, onion, and green onions. Mince the garlic and ginger. This step ensures even cooking and prevents the vegetables from becoming mushy.
2. Brown the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in the wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned. Drain off any excess fat.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the wok. Add the onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and ginger and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don’t burn the garlic and ginger – it can make the dish bitter.
4. Stir-Fry the Cabbage: Add the sliced cabbage to the wok and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until it starts to wilt but remains crisp-tender. Don’t overcrowd the wok; work in batches if necessary.
5. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water until smooth. Ensure there are no lumps to prevent a grainy sauce.
6. Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce over the beef and cabbage mixture in the wok. 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 continuously to prevent sticking or burning.
7. Finish and Serve: Stir in the sesame oil and garnish with sliced green onions. Serve hot over rice or noodles. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to make your Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry even better:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for extra heat.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
• Make it vegan: Substitute the ground beef with crumbled firm tofu or plant-based ground meat.
• Gluten-free option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Adjust the sweetness: Reduce or increase the brown sugar to your preference.
• Don’t overcook the cabbage: Overcooked cabbage will become mushy. Aim for a slightly crisp-tender texture.

Nutritional Values and Benefits

This Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is a nutritious and balanced meal. While precise nutritional values vary based on specific ingredients used, here’s a general overview of the benefits:

• Lean Protein: Ground beef is a great source of protein, essential for building and repairing tissues.
• Fiber: Cabbage is rich in dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion and preventing constipation.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Cabbage contains Vitamins C, K, and various minerals like potassium and folate.
• Low in Calories: This stir-fry is relatively low in calories compared to other similar dishes, making it a great option for weight management.
• Antioxidants: Cabbage contains antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage.

Note: For precise nutritional information, it’s best to use a nutrition calculator based on the specific ingredients and quantities you use.

FAQs

Conclusion

This Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry is a delicious and nutritious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Its quick preparation time, incredible flavor, and health benefits make it a winner in our book. We hope you’ve enjoyed this recipe and found it both helpful and inspiring. Don’t forget to share your experience in the comments section below! Let us know how you customized the recipe and what you thought of the results. And, if you loved this recipe, don’t hesitate to share it with your friends and family on social media. You can also pin this recipe to your Pinterest board for later here! Happy cooking, and we can’t wait to see your culinary creations! For more delicious and healthy recipes, check out our other articles on Recipes Lora and Recipes Lora .