If you’re craving a meal that’s vibrant, satisfying, and incredibly quick to whip up, this Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe is going to become your new kitchen hero. Combining the hearty flavor of ground beef with crisp, tender cabbage and a punchy, savory sauce, this dish is all about bold tastes and simple ingredients that come together in just about 25 minutes. It’s comforting, colorful, and perfect for those nights when you want something delicious without spending hours cooking. Get ready to enjoy a stir fry that’s as comforting as it is exciting!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color that make every bite a true delight.
- 1/2 cup coconut aminos: A naturally sweet, soy-free seasoning that gives the sauce its rich umami depth.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that balances the savory elements perfectly.
- 2 tsp sesame oil: Brings a nutty aroma that’s absolutely essential for that authentic Asian stir fry vibe.
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes: Offers a gentle kick of heat without overpowering the dish.
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or your favorite cooking oil: Great for sautéing with a clean flavor that lets the other ingredients shine.
- 1 onion, chopped: Provides foundational sweetness and texture as it softens.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the dish with pungency and warmth.
- 1 inch ginger, grated: Brightens the stir fry with its fresh, zesty kick.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty protein that makes this meal filling and rich.
- 1 head of cabbage, thinly sliced (about 8 cups): Adds a wonderful crunch and absorbs the flavorful sauce beautifully.
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot: For a pop of color and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Salt & pepper to taste: To season perfectly according to your palate.
- Green onion slices and sesame seeds for garnish: These finishing touches add freshness and a delightful crunch.
How to Make Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by mixing coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This sauce is the star of the show, infusing the dish with that perfect balance of salty, tangy, nutty, and spicy flavors. Set it aside while you move on to the rest of the cooking process.
Step 2: Cook the Onions
Heat your cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent and soft, roughly 5 minutes. This step brings out the natural sweetness of the onions and creates a flavorful base for the stir fry.
Step 3: Add Ginger and Garlic
Next, stir in the grated ginger and minced garlic. Cook them for about a minute, just until they become fragrant and aromatic. This step elevates the depth of flavor and sets the stage for the rest of the ingredients to shine.
Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef
Push the aromatics to the side and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it for around 5 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns. You want it fully cooked and no longer pink to ensure that rich, meaty flavor fills every bite.
Step 5: Combine Vegetables and Sauce
Stir in the thinly sliced cabbage and shredded carrot along with the prepared sauce. Mix everything thoroughly and cook for about 5 minutes more. The cabbage will soften just enough to stay crisp-tender while soaking up that beautiful sauce, which reduces slightly to coat every morsel.
Step 6: Season and Garnish
Finally, taste your stir fry and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve it warm, topped with freshly sliced green onions and a scattering of sesame seeds. These garnishes not only add burst of fresh flavor but also a nice textural contrast to the rich beef and tender cabbage.
How to Serve Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Green onion slices and sesame seeds are classic garnishes here, adding a subtle crunch and bright flavor. You can also sprinkle some finely chopped cilantro or a drizzle of sriracha if you want a little extra zing on top.
Side Dishes
This dish is fantastic on its own but pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. You can also serve it alongside pickled vegetables for a refreshing contrast or even with simple steamed dumplings for a fuller meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this stir fry inside lettuce cups for a fresh, handheld meal. Or plate it over a bed of noodles tossed lightly in sesame oil to turn it into a comforting noodle stir fry. Feeling festive? Garnish with chopped roasted peanuts or a drizzle of peanut sauce for an exciting nutty flavor boost.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this stir fry in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water or coconut aminos while reheating can help keep the cabbage tender and prevent dryness.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that they can be leaner, so you might want to add a bit more oil to keep the stir fry moist and flavorful.
Is coconut aminos the same as soy sauce?
Not quite. Coconut aminos is a soy-free, gluten-free alternative with a slightly sweeter and less salty profile than traditional soy sauce, making it a great option for those avoiding soy or looking for a different flavor dimension.
Can I add other vegetables to this stir fry?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in bell peppers, snap peas, or mushrooms to customize the dish. Just add them according to their cooking times to keep everything crisp-tender.
How spicy is this recipe?
With just a half teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, the spice level is mild with a gentle warmth. If you like it hotter, you can increase the amount or add a dash of chili sauce at the end.
What’s the best way to thinly slice the cabbage?
Use a sharp knife to cut the cabbage into quarters, remove the core, then slice thinly crosswise. A mandoline slicer also works beautifully for even, quick slices.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe is truly one of those dishes that make dinner feel effortless, cozy, and exciting all at once. With simple ingredients and quick steps, you’ll end up with a meal rich in flavor, texture, and warmth. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and enjoy every comforting bite!
Print
Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and flavorful Asian-inspired ground beef and cabbage stir fry, packed with fresh vegetables and a savory sauce made from coconut aminos and sesame oil. Ready in just 25 minutes, this healthy and hearty dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner and serves four.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1/2 cup coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Stir Fry
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or your favorite cooking oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 1 lb ground beef
- 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
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well and set aside while preparing the stir fry.
- Cook the onions: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add ginger and garlic: Stir in the grated ginger and minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant and aromatic.
- Browning the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until fully browned and no longer pink.
- Combine vegetables and sauce: Add the thinly sliced cabbage and shredded carrot to the skillet along with the prepared sauce. Stir to combine and cook for another 5 minutes until the cabbage wilts and the sauce reduces slightly.
- Season and garnish: Taste the stir fry and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired. Serve warm, garnished with freshly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier version, increase the crushed red pepper flakes according to taste.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein if desired.
- Use tamari or soy sauce instead of coconut aminos if preferred, but adjust salt accordingly.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
