There’s something incredibly comforting about a vibrant bowl of Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry. From the moment you heat the oil to the final peppery finish, the aromas fill your kitchen, making it feel like home. After testing this recipe several times, each attempt revealed new layers of flavor and texture, ensuring it’s a weeknight winner! Don’t forget to check out my Quick Fried Rice recipe for a perfect pairing!
About Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
This dish is a delightful fusion of savory ground beef and tender cabbage, steeped in a flavorful sauce. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip this up in under 30 minutes! Throughout my cooking trials, I discovered how versatile this recipe is; it can easily adapt to various dietary preferences by tweaking ingredients. It shines as a budget-friendly, wholesome meal, making it a staple in many households.
- Quick prep makes it ideal for busy nights.
- Budget-friendly, utilizing economical ingredients.
- Family-friendly with cozy, familiar flavors.
- In Asian cuisine, the balance of flavors in stir-frying is key to delighting the palate.
Key Ingredients & Their Roles
- Coconut aminos: The base for the umami-rich sauce; soy sauce can be a great substitute.
- Ground beef: Adds protein and heartiness; feel free to swap for turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Head of cabbage: Provides crunch and volume; savoy or Napa cabbage works well here too.
- Ginger: Infuses warmth and spice; fresh is best, but ground ginger can be used in a pinch.
How to Make Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
- In a bowl, mix together the coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Set this fragrant sauce aside.
- Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the grated ginger and minced garlic, cooking until aromatic, about 1 minute. Follow with the ground beef, breaking it apart and browning it, roughly 5 minutes until completely cooked.
- Add the thinly sliced cabbage and shredded carrots, then pour in the sauce. Stir continuously until the cabbage wilts down and the sauce slightly thickens, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper before serving, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- During my initial tests, I found that cooking the beef in batches prevents steaming and achieves a better sear. This tip made a noticeable difference!
- A common mishap is overcooking the cabbage; it should remain tender-crisp. If it starts to mush, lower the cooking time.
- To switch things up, consider adding bell peppers or snap peas for an extra crunch and delightful color.
- This dish can be easily scaled; just double the ingredients if feeding a larger crowd!
Storage & Make-Ahead Guide
This Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in an airtight container for up to 2 months. When reheating, I found that the skillet method brings back some of the original texture, just add a splash of water to rehydrate.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this stir fry over fluffy rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Pair with a light cucumber salad and consider trying my Teriyaki Salmon for a delightful meal combination!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What can I substitute for ground beef? You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Can I add other vegetables? Yes, feel free to incorporate bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms for a personalized touch.
- How do I store leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
- What can I serve it with? This dish pairs beautifully with rice, noodles, or on its own as a light meal.
- Is this dish paleo-friendly? Yes, as it uses coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, making it paleo and Whole30 compliant!
Final Thoughts
Cooking the Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry has turned into a joyful routine in my kitchen. I love enjoying it with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your own experiences—I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes Skillet – a delicious one-pan meal similar in ease and flavor profile.
- Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole – offers comforting flavors that mirror the savory notes of the stir-fry.
- Healthy Chinese Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry – an alternative with similar ingredients but a unique twist.
- Sausage Gravy Puff Pie – complements with its rich, comforting flavors, making a hearty meal.
Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or your favorite cooking oil
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 inch ginger grated
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 head cabbage thinly sliced – about 8 cups
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Green onion slices for garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Stir together all the sauce ingredients. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add onion and cook stirring until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in ginger and garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon – about 5 minutes.
- Stir in shredded cabbage, carrots, and the sauce. Cook stirring until the cabbage is wilted and the sauce is cooked down, about 5 minutes.
- Taste to add salt and/or pepper. Serve warm, sprinkled with green onions and sesame seeds.