Sizzling Healthy Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

Crafting a delectable ground beef cabbage stir-fry sparks joy in home kitchens everywhere.

Weeknight dinners demand quick, nutritious solutions that please everyone at the table.

Lean protein meets crisp vegetables in this simple yet satisfying dish.

Cabbage brings unexpected crunch and subtle sweetness to the mix.

Minimal ingredients combine for maximum flavor, proving healthy eating can be effortless.

One-pan meals like this stir-fry simplify cooking while delivering impressive taste.

We bet you’ll make this recipe a regular rotation in your meal planning.

Why You Must Try Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry

• Boost Nutrition Fast: Packed with lean protein from ground beef and fiber-rich cabbage, this stir-fry delivers a powerful nutritional punch in a single skillet.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: Minimal ingredients and quick preparation make this recipe a go-to solution for busy households seeking delicious, healthy meals without complicated techniques.
• Customize Your Flavor: Easily adaptable with optional ingredients like red pepper flakes, oyster sauce, and choice of garnishes, allowing personal taste preferences to shine through.
• Master One-Pan Magic: Streamline your cooking process by using just one skillet, reducing cleanup time and making meal preparation a breeze for home cooks of all skill levels.

Ingredients Needed for Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry

• Ground Beef: A lean protein source that adds richness and satisfying texture to the stir-fry.

• Cabbage: A crunchy, nutrient-dense vegetable that provides a light and fresh base for the dish.
• Onion, Garlic, Ginger: Aromatic ingredients that create a flavorful foundation and add depth to the stir-fry.

• Soy Sauce: A savory, umami-rich condiment that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Oyster Sauce: An optional ingredient that adds a rich, slightly sweet depth to the stir-fry.
• Sesame Oil: A nutty, fragrant oil that provides a distinctive Asian-inspired flavor.
• Vinegar: Adds a tangy brightness to balance the richness of the beef.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Introduces a subtle sweetness to complement the savory elements.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Red Pepper Flakes: An optional ingredient that brings a spicy kick to the stir-fry.

• Cilantro, Green Onions: Fresh herbs that add a bright, fresh finish to the dish.
• Jasmine Rice, Cauliflower Rice: Optional base ingredients to serve alongside the stir-fry.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and preventing sticking in the skillet.

Cooking Instructions for Healthy Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry

Step 1: Slice and Chop Veggies

Grab your cutting board and slice the cabbage into thin, elegant strips. Finely chop the onion, garlic, and ginger.

These fresh ingredients will be the flavor powerhouses of your dish.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Sesame oil
• Vinegar
• Honey or maple syrup

Mix until the ingredients blend into a smooth, glossy sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef and let it sizzle.

Break up the meat as it cooks, aiming for a beautiful golden-brown color. Sprinkle with salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Step 4: Build Aromatic Base

Toss in the chopped garlic, ginger, and onion. Let them mingle with the beef, releasing their incredible fragrance and creating a mouthwatering foundation for your stir-fry.

Step 5: Introduce Crispy Cabbage

Add the sliced cabbage to the skillet. Stir everything together, letting the cabbage soften but maintain a delightful crunch.

This adds texture and nutrition to your meal.

Step 6: Sauce It Up

Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and cabbage.

Toss everything to ensure each bite is coated with deliciousness. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.

Step 7: Final Touches

Give the stir-fry a taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a complete, satisfying meal.

Tips to Perfect Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry

• Sear the ground beef at high heat to develop a rich, caramelized exterior that enhances overall taste and texture.
• Cook cabbage just until it begins to soften to maintain a satisfying crunch and prevent mushiness during stir-frying.
• Adjust sauce ingredients gradually to control sweetness and saltiness, ensuring a harmonious flavor profile without overwhelming the dish.
• Swap jasmine rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate version that keeps the meal nutritious and diet-friendly.
• Add red pepper flakes incrementally to customize heat intensity, allowing each person to enjoy their preferred spiciness without compromising the recipe's core flavors.

Variations to Try With Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry

• Spicy Korean-Style Beef Cabbage Bowl: Replace soy sauce with gochujang and add kimchi for authentic Korean flavors, serving over steamed rice with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
• Mediterranean Herb-Infused Beef Cabbage Skillet: Mix in dried oregano, fresh mint, and crumbled feta cheese, drizzling with extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice for a Mediterranean touch.
• Low-Carb Keto Beef Cabbage Lettuce Wraps: Skip rice, use large lettuce leaves as wraps, add extra hot sauce, and garnish with sliced almonds for crunch and protein boost.

Pairings That Complement Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A zesty Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of ground beef, complementing the cabbage's freshness with its bright, acidic notes.
• Serve with Ginger-Infused Green Tea: The subtle, earthy green tea enhances the ginger and garlic flavors in the stir-fry, creating a harmonious balance between the dish and beverage.
• Match with Pickled Cucumber Salad: The tangy, cool cucumber salad provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory stir-fry, adding a light and crunchy texture to the meal.
• Complement with Korean Banchan: Small side dishes like kimchi or pickled radishes offer a traditional Asian accompaniment that adds complexity and depth to the ground beef cabbage stir-fry.

Best Storage Methods for Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, keeping the stir-fry fresh and safe to eat later.
• Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Quickly reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Stir frequently for 3-4 minutes until heated thoroughly, maintaining the original texture and flavor.

FAQs

• Is this stir-fry healthy?

Yes, it’s a nutritious meal packed with lean protein from ground beef, low-carb cabbage, and minimal added sugars. The recipe uses heart-healthy olive oil and includes vegetables for extra nutrients.

• Can I use a different meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great as alternatives. Just ensure you cook the meat thoroughly and maintain similar cooking times.

• How spicy can this dish get?

You control the heat by adjusting red pepper flakes. Start with a small pinch for mild warmth, or add more if you enjoy a stronger kick. For zero spice, simply omit the red pepper flakes.

Healthy Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Korean-inspired Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry delivers bold Asian flavors in a quick, nutritious meal. Fragrant garlic, sesame oil, and savory beef mingle with crisp cabbage, creating a delightful dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (450 grams) lean ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 medium head of cabbage, thinly sliced (6–8 cups shredded cabbage)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, grated or finely chopped

Sauces and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh cilantro
• Green onions

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Instructions

1. Finely chop cabbage, onion, garlic, and ginger into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and balanced flavor distribution.
2. Create a vibrant sauce mixture combining soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, and honey, whisking until ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
3. Preheat a large skillet to medium-high heat, adding olive oil to create a smooth cooking surface for the ground beef.
4. Sear ground beef for 5-7 minutes, breaking into crumbly texture and developing rich caramelized edges. Season with salt and pepper during cooking.
5. Incorporate minced garlic, ginger, and onion into the beef, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes to release aromatic flavors and prevent burning.
6. Introduce sliced cabbage into the skillet, tossing gently to combine with meat and aromatics. Cook for 5-7 minutes, maintaining a slight crispness in the cabbage.
7. Pour prepared sauce over the beef and cabbage mixture, ensuring every ingredient is evenly coated and infused with the savory-sweet liquid.
8. Sprinkle red pepper flakes for optional heat, allowing an additional 2-3 minutes of cooking to meld flavors and slightly reduce the sauce.
9. Perform a final taste test, adjusting seasoning as needed with additional salt, pepper, or sauce components.
10. Plate the stir-fry, garnishing with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions. Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a complete, nutritious meal.

Notes

• Slice cabbage uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the stir-fry.
• Use high heat to achieve a quick sear on ground beef, which helps develop rich caramelized flavors and prevents meat from becoming tough or watery.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option that suits different dietary preferences and nutritional needs.
• Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to boost nutritional value and create a more colorful, vibrant dish that provides additional vitamins and minerals.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 387 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 470 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg