Description
A quick and healthy Chinese-inspired ground beef and cabbage stir fry that’s packed with flavor and perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner. Lean ground beef is combined with fresh cabbage, garlic, ginger, and a savory sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar, creating a delicious low-carb meal with a gentle spicy kick from optional red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced
Seasonings and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Finely chop the green cabbage, mince the garlic and ginger, and slice the green onions. Having all ingredients ready will streamline the cooking process.
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add lean ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink.
- Add Aromatics: Push the beef to one side of the pan and add minced garlic and ginger. Stir quickly and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook the Cabbage: Add the sliced cabbage to the pan, tossing it with the beef and aromatics. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the cabbage softens but remains slightly crunchy.
- Add Sauces: Pour in soy sauce, add a splash of rice vinegar, and drizzle sesame oil. Toss everything well to evenly coat and blend the flavors.
- Final Touches: Mix in sliced green onions and red pepper flakes if desired. Give one final toss and remove from heat. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add fresh chili peppers.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to keep sodium levels moderate.
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated within 2 days for best quality.
