A delicious, protein-rich Asian-inspired meal made with savory ground beef, tender cabbage, garlic, ginger, and a flavorful soy-based sauce. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes Servings: 4 Cuisine: Asian-inspired Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
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1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
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5 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
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1 medium carrot, julienned or grated
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1 small onion, thinly sliced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
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2 green onions, sliced
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1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
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1 teaspoon sesame oil
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1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
For the Stir-Fry Sauce
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3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar
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1 tablespoon water
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1 teaspoon honey or your preferred sweetener
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½ teaspoon chili flakes, optional
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water, optional for a thicker sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Wash and thinly slice the cabbage, carrot, and onion. Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and slice the green onions. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, honey, chili flakes, and black pepper.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Ginger
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the beef. Stir-fry for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Avoid burning the garlic.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Add the sliced onion and carrot. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the cabbage and continue cooking for 4–6 minutes, until tender but still slightly crisp.
Step 5: Add the Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables. Toss everything together and cook for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors combine.
For a thicker, glossy sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook briefly until the sauce thickens. Stir in the sesame oil at the end.
Step 6: Build the Stir-Fry Stack
For an attractive stacked presentation, place a layer of the cooked cabbage mixture on a serving plate or in a shallow bowl. Spoon the seasoned ground beef and remaining vegetables over the top. Use a serving spoon or spatula to arrange the mixture neatly.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot on its own or alongside brown rice, cauliflower rice, or steamed rice.
Tips for the Best Results
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Keep the cabbage slightly crisp: Avoid overcooking it so it retains texture.
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Use lean ground beef: This helps keep the dish less greasy.
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Adjust the heat: Add chili flakes or a little sriracha for extra spice.
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Make it gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
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Meal prep: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well as a lighter alternative.
2. Is this recipe low-carb? It can be relatively low in carbohydrates, especially when served without rice. Exact nutrition depends on the ingredients and portion sizes.
3. Can I make it ahead of time? Yes. Prepare it ahead and refrigerate it in portions. Reheat thoroughly in a skillet or microwave before serving.
4. What can I serve with this stir-fry? Try cauliflower rice, brown rice, steamed broccoli, or cucumber salad.
5. How do I know the ground beef is fully cooked? Cook it until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
Serving Suggestion
Serve this colorful beef and cabbage stir-fry in a shallow bowl, topped with sesame seeds and fresh green onions. The savory beef, crunchy cabbage, and garlicky sauce create a simple, satisfying meal with a delicious Asian-inspired flavor.