Ground Pork & Cabbage Stir-Fry for a Plate
budget-friendly

Ground Pork & Cabbage Stir-Fry for a Plate

Budget-friendly and quick stir-fry that packs a punch of flavor.

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

15 mins

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Nutrition Facts

250

Calories

18g

Protein

15g

Carbs

14g

Fat

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground pork (93% lean recommended)
  • 2 cups shredded cabbage (about half a head)
  • 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
  • 1 red bell pepper, julienned (for color and crunch)
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water for thickening (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground pork and cook until browned, breaking it up as you go. Drain any excess fat.

  2. 2

    Reduce heat if necessary and add sliced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until onions become translucent.

  3. 3

    Stir in shredded cabbage and red bell pepper; sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

  4. 4

    In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, and chicken broth or water. Pour this mixture over the pork and vegetable mixture in the skillet.

  5. 5

    Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly and let it simmer for about 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

  6. 6

    If needed, add cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce further, stirring until desired consistency is reached.

  7. 7

    Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over rice or noodles if desired.

So you're looking for a dish that's quick, easy on the wallet, and still manages to be full of flavor? This ground pork & cabbage stir-fry is here to save your dinner plans. Budget-friendly and ready in under 30 minutes, it’s like having a chef in your kitchen without breaking the bank.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

  • It's super budget-friendly: Using just a few ingredients, you can whip up this delicious dish without straining your wallet.
  • No-fuss prep time: It takes less than 10 minutes to gather and prepare everything. No complicated chopping or peeling required!
  • Ready in a flash: From start to finish, it's all done in about 25 minutes max. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you don't have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcooking your veggies—you want them to be crisp and full of color.
  • Not seasoning enough—remember that ground pork can be bland, so make sure you add some salt and pepper (and oyster sauce if using) for extra flavor.
  • Using too much oil: Just a little goes a long way. You don't need more than a tablespoon or two to keep things from sticking.

Ground Pork & Cabbage Stir-Fry for a Plate ingredients

Alternatives & Substitutions

No oyster sauce? No problem! Use extra soy sauce and add a bit of sugar for that umami kick. Got other veggies on hand? Broccoli or carrots work great too, just adjust cooking times accordingly.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Can I use chicken instead of pork? Absolutely! Ground chicken is a fantastic alternative if you prefer lighter meat options.

Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly? You can swap out the pork for tofu cubes or extra veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers to make it vegetarian. Just adjust cooking times as needed.

What should I serve with it? It’s perfect over rice, noodles, or even on its own if you’re watching your carbs.

Ground Pork & Cabbage Stir-Fry for a Plate close-up

Final Thoughts

Now go and impress yourself (or someone else) with this easy-to-make dish. It's proof that you don't need fancy ingredients to have a delicious meal. Enjoy!