A quick, savory skillet meal made with ground beef, crunchy cabbage, garlic, ginger, and a flavorful soy-sesame sauce. It comes together in about 30 minutes and is great for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Slaw
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil or sesame oil
- ½ medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 6 cups finely shredded green cabbage
- 1 medium carrot, shredded — optional
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, optional
For the Sauce
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp honey or brown sugar, optional
- 1 tsp chili garlic sauce or sriracha, optional
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Make the sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, optional honey, chili sauce, and black pepper. - Brown the beef:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until fully cooked. Drain excess grease if needed. - Add aromatics:
Add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and the onion softens. - Add the cabbage:
Add the shredded cabbage and carrot. Toss everything together and cook for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally. The cabbage should soften while still keeping a little crunch. - Add the sauce:
Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and cabbage. Stir well and cook for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors combine. - Finish:
Turn off the heat and stir in the green onions. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and red pepper flakes if desired. - Serve:
Serve hot on its own or with your favorite low-carb side.
Tips for the Best Crack Slaw
- Don’t overcook the cabbage—it tastes best when slightly crisp.
- Use a large skillet so the cabbage has room to cook evenly.
- For more garlic flavor, add an extra clove.
- For a spicy version, increase the chili garlic sauce or add red pepper flakes.
- Ground turkey or chicken can replace the beef.
Optional Add-Ins
Try adding:
- Sliced mushrooms
- Bell peppers
- Bok choy
- Shredded zucchini
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime juice
- Chopped peanuts or cashews
Q&A
Q: Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes. The main ingredients—beef, cabbage, garlic, ginger, and seasonings—are naturally relatively low in carbohydrates. For a stricter low-carb version, omit the honey/sugar and use a low-carb chili sauce.
Q: Can I use ground chicken?
Absolutely. Ground chicken or turkey works very well.
Q: Can I make it without soy sauce?
Yes. Coconut aminos can be used as an alternative, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Cooked leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in a skillet or microwave.
Q: How long does it keep?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes, although the cabbage will be softer after thawing. Freeze in airtight portions for up to 2–3 months.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
Serve it with:
- Cauliflower rice
- Steamed broccoli
- Sautéed green beans
- A fried or scrambled egg
- Fresh cucumber salad
Quick Recipe
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 18–20 minutes
Total: About 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Savory beef + crunchy cabbage + garlic + ginger + sesame-soy sauce = an easy, delicious low-carb skillet meal!