A simple yet flavorful stir fry featuring tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and a rich, tangy sauce. This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for a quick and nutritious meal. Serve it over rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles for a delicious and satisfying dinner.
Courses & Diet Categories
- Courses Category: Main Dishes
- Diet Category: Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Whole30, Paleo (if using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce)
Part 1: Ingredients, Tools, & Step-by-Step Instructions
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
- One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup and hassle.
- Versatile: Serve over rice, noodles, or keep it low-carb with cauliflower rice.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Stores well and reheats beautifully.
Essential Tools & Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Sharp knife for chopping vegetables
- Cutting board
- Small mixing bowl for the sauce
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
Why These Tools Matter
- A large skillet or wok ensures even cooking.
- A sharp knife makes slicing cabbage easier.
- A wooden spoon helps break up the ground beef without scratching your pan.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup coconut aminos (or low-sodium soy sauce for non-Paleo/Whole30)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or preferred cooking oil)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 head of cabbage, thinly sliced (about 8 cups)
- ½ cup shredded carrot
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Green onion slices and sesame seeds, for garnish
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
2. Heat the Oil
In a large skillet or wok, heat avocado oil over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the Onion
Add chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
4. Add Garlic & Ginger
Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5 minutes until browned.
6. Add Cabbage & Carrots
Stir in the shredded cabbage and carrots, then pour in the prepared sauce.
7. Stir & Cook
Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is tender and the sauce thickens.
8. Season & Garnish
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt & pepper if needed. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
9. Serve & Enjoy
Serve warm over rice, noodles, or cauliflower rice.
Best Ways to Serve This Stir Fry
- Classic: Serve over steamed white rice or brown rice for a traditional pairing.
- Low-Carb: Use cauliflower rice for a keto and Whole30-friendly option.
- Noodle Bowl: Toss with ramen, soba, or rice noodles for a heartier meal.
- Wraps: Use as a filling for lettuce wraps or spring roll wrappers for a fresh, light meal.
- Meal Prep: Portion into airtight containers with rice or veggies for easy grab-and-go lunches.
8 Side Dish Recommendations
1. Steamed Jasmine Rice
A neutral and fluffy base that soaks up the savory sauce.
2. Garlic Butter Green Beans
Lightly sautéed with garlic and butter for a crunchy, flavorful side.
3. Kimchi
A tangy and spicy fermented cabbage that enhances the dish’s depth.
4. Egg Drop Soup
A warm and comforting soup with delicate egg ribbons.
5. Asian Cucumber Salad
Refreshing cucumbers tossed in sesame oil, rice vinegar, and chili flakes.
6. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Crispy and slightly caramelized, adding a rich texture contrast.
7. Miso Soup
A light, umami-packed broth that pairs well with stir fry dishes.
8. Vegetable Spring Rolls
Fresh rolls filled with crisp vegetables and served with a dipping sauce.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
1. Overcrowding the Pan
When too many ingredients are added at once, the stir fry steams instead of browning. Use a large skillet or cook in batches for even caramelization.
2. Overcooking the Cabbage
Cabbage should be slightly tender yet crisp. Cooking it too long results in a soggy texture. Stir frequently and cook just until wilted.
3. Skipping the Sauce
The sauce is what brings the flavors together. Skipping or reducing it too much can leave the dish dry. Ensure the ingredients are well coated for the best flavor.
4. Not Draining Excess Fat
If using a fattier cut of ground beef, drain excess grease before adding vegetables. This prevents the stir fry from becoming too oily.
5. Using Too Much Salt
Coconut aminos and soy sauce are naturally salty. Taste the dish before adding extra salt to avoid over-seasoning.
6. Cooking on Low Heat
Stir fry requires high heat for quick cooking. If the pan is too cool, the vegetables release water and become mushy rather than crisp-tender.
7. Not Prepping Ingredients in Advance
Since stir fry cooks quickly, chopping and measuring everything before turning on the heat ensures smooth cooking without burning ingredients.
Pro Tips for the Best Stir Fry
- Slice Cabbage Thinly – Helps it cook evenly and absorb flavors better.
- Use High Heat – Stir frying works best with high heat and quick cooking to retain texture.
- Make It Spicier – Add extra red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili paste for more heat.
- Customize It – Swap in chicken, turkey, or shrimp instead of beef.
- Add More Vegetables – Bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or snap peas work well.
- Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger – Freshly minced garlic and grated ginger give the best flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 weeks. Let thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
- Skillet: Reheat over medium heat with a splash of water or coconut aminos to restore moisture.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different protein?
Yes, this stir fry works well with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even crumbled tofu for a vegetarian option.
2. Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes, it is low in carbs, especially when served over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice or noodles.
3. What’s a good soy-free alternative?
Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a soy-free, Paleo, and Whole30-friendly option.
4. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, replace the ground beef with firm tofu, tempeh, or plant-based ground meat substitutes.
5. Can I prep this in advance?
Absolutely. Chop the cabbage, carrots, and onions ahead of time, and mix the sauce so everything is ready to cook quickly.
6. What can I add to make it more filling?
Try adding cooked quinoa, soba noodles, or an extra protein like shrimp or fried eggs on top.
7. How can I thicken the sauce?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch (or arrowroot powder for Paleo/Whole30) with 1 tablespoon of water, then stir it into the sauce while cooking.
8. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but cook in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan, which can cause the ingredients to steam instead of stir fry properly.
Conclusion
This Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal that fits a variety of dietary preferences. Whether you serve it over rice, noodles, or as a low-carb option with cauliflower rice, it is sure to become a go-to recipe for busy weeknights. Packed with protein, fiber, and bold flavors, it is an easy one-pan dish that is perfect for meal prep.
Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1/2 cup coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Stir Fry
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or preferred cooking oil
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1- inch piece of ginger grated
- 1 head of cabbage thinly sliced (about 8 cups)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Green onion slices and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
-
In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients and set aside.
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Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in the garlic and ginger, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
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Stir in the shredded cabbage, carrots, and prepared sauce. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cabbage is tender and the sauce thickens.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
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Serve warm, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Notes
Add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for more color and flavor.
Adjust the spice level by adding more red pepper flakes or omitting them for a milder dish.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different protein option.
Storage & Meal Prep
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 2 weeks for easy meal prep.
To reheat, microwave for about 2 minutes or warm in a skillet over medium heat.
