Chinese Skillet Hamburger
A quick and savory Chinese-inspired skillet dish combining ground meat, vegetables, and soy sauce for a flavorful, family-friendly meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a satisfying mix of textures and tastes that appeal to both meat lovers and vegetable enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger or ground turkey in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Add sliced onions to the skillet and fry slowly until transparent.
- Add the chow mein vegetables and cooked meat to the skillet; stir well.
- Add the drained mushrooms and stir to combine.
- Sprinkle the cornstarch over the mixture and stir to evenly coat.
- Add soy sauce and stir to incorporate.
- Simmer the mixture for five minutes to meld flavors.
- Add red wine (optional) before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey with lean chicken or plant-based meat alternatives. You can adjust the soy sauce to reduce sodium, or use a low-sodium version. If you want more crunch, consider adding some water chestnuts or bean sprouts. This dish can also incorporate leftover vegetables from other meals, making it a versatile addition to your weeknight dinners.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chinese Skillet Hamburger over a bed of steamed rice or alongside a portion of Oriental Fried Rice for a complete meal. Garnish with sliced green onions for added freshness. This dish also pairs well with a side of pot stickers or a light salad to balance the flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm the mixture in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Skillet Hamburger contains roughly 173 calories, with 5g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (66% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2094mg per serving (91% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned chow mein vegetables?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, and carrots can be used. Just make sure to adjust cooking times as fresh vegetables may take longer to cook. This way, you can customize the dish to your taste and enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors of fresh produce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Cook it fully, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stovetop to maintain the texture and flavor. However, for best results, it’s recommended to add fresh vegetables just before serving to keep them crisp.
What can I serve with Chinese Skillet Hamburger?
You can serve it with steamed rice, fried rice, or noodles as a base. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of egg rolls or a fresh cucumber salad. For a lighter option, steamed broccoli or sautéed bok choy pairs wonderfully, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).