Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

Irresistible Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

My latest culinary adventure with ground beef and cabbage stir fry promises a quick, mouthwatering meal that’ll become your weeknight favorite.

Weeknight dinners demand something fast yet delicious, and this recipe checks all the boxes.

Lean ground beef sizzles perfectly with crisp cabbage, creating layers of savory flavor.

Minimal ingredients combine for maximum taste, making this dish both budget-friendly and incredibly satisfying.

Kitchen novices and seasoned cooks alike will appreciate how simple yet delectable this combination can be.

Fragrant garlic and subtle spices elevate this classic stir fry from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those moments when hunger strikes and time is short.

Storage Help For Easy Asian Ground Beef And Cabbage Stir Fry

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure the container is clean and completely sealed to maintain freshness.
  • Transfer cooled stir fry to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
  • Place portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Warm a skillet over medium heat.

Easy Asian Ground Beef And Cabbage Stir Fry FAQs

  • Is this stir fry spicy?

The sauce can be adjusted to your heat preference. Add more or less sriracha or red pepper flakes to control the spice level.

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work perfectly as substitutes for ground beef in this recipe.

  • Do I need a wok to make this stir fry?

No, a large skillet works great and will give you similar results with even heat distribution.

  • How do I prevent the ground beef from becoming tough?

Cook the beef on medium-high heat and break it into small pieces while stirring to ensure even cooking and tender texture.

Why You’ll Enjoy Easy Asian Ground Beef And Cabbage Stir Fry

  • Quick and Simple Cooking: Master this Asian ground beef and cabbage stir fry with minimal cooking skills, perfect for beginners wanting delicious meals without complicated techniques.
  • Nutritious One-Pan Wonder: Pack incredible flavors and healthy ingredients like lean protein, vegetables, and aromatic spices into a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing nutrition.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Customize this recipe by adding different vegetables, adjusting spice levels, or serving over rice, noodles, or as a standalone dish for flexible dining experiences.
  • Budget-Friendly Feast: Create a satisfying meal using affordable ingredients like ground beef, cabbage, and common pantry seasonings, making it an economical choice for family dinners.

What’s In Easy Asian Ground Beef And Cabbage Stir Fry

Protein Base:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty and flavorful protein that creates the foundation of this stir fry.
Aromatics and Vegetables:
  • Onion, Garlic, Ginger: A classic combination that provides deep, rich flavor and fragrant base notes to the dish.
  • Cabbage, Carrots: Crisp vegetables that add texture, nutrition, and fresh crunch to the stir fry.
Sauce and Seasonings:
  • Soy Sauce: A classic Asian condiment that adds savory depth and umami flavor.
  • Sesame Oil: Provides a distinctive nutty and aromatic essence to the dish.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.
  • Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Fresh garnishes that add color, mild onion flavor, and nutty texture.
  • Cooking Oil: Ensures smooth cooking and prevents sticking in the skillet.

Easy Steps For Easy Asian Ground Beef And Cabbage Stir Fry

Step 1: Prepare Flavor-Packed Sauce

Whisk together the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. This creates a delicious base that will coat every bite with amazing Asian-inspired flavors.

  • Soy sauce
  • Rice vinegar
  • Honey
  • Sriracha sauce
  • Sesame oil

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions and cook until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma. This process takes about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Build Layers of Flavor

Introduce minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Stir and cook for about 1 minute until the kitchen fills with a fragrant smell that makes everyone’s mouth water.

Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a cooking spoon and cook until the meat turns a delicious golden brown. This should take around 5 minutes, ensuring the beef is fully cooked.

Step 5: Create the Stir Fry Magic

Toss in shredded cabbage and carrots. Pour the prepared sauce over the ingredients. Stir everything together and cook for another 5 minutes. The cabbage will become tender, and the sauce will thicken and cling to all the ingredients.

Step 6: Final Touch and Serve

Give the stir fry a taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Transfer to serving plates and sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor.

Tips For Easy Asian Ground Beef And Cabbage Stir Fry Success

  • Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of rice wine or mirin to enhance the sauce's complexity and bring out richer umami notes in the stir fry.
  • Customize Veggie Options: Swap cabbage with bok choy or mix in additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and texture variety.
  • Perfect Meat Browning: Ensure ground beef is cooked on high heat and spread evenly to achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and develop deep caramelized flavors.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: Adjust sauce thickness by adding more cornstarch or water, depending on your preferred coating and glossiness on the beef and vegetables.
  • Quick Meal Prep: Chop vegetables and mix sauce ingredients ahead of time to reduce cooking time and create a faster weeknight dinner solution.

Tasty Combos With Easy Asian Ground Beef And Cabbage Stir Fry

  • Vegetarian Version: Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu or tempeh, sautéed until golden and crispy for a protein-packed plant-based alternative.
  • Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Swap cabbage with cauliflower rice and use coconut aminos instead of traditional soy sauce to reduce carbohydrate content.
  • Spicy Korean Spin: Add gochujang or red pepper flakes for extra heat, and include sliced mushrooms for additional umami flavor and texture.
  • Low-Sodium Option: Use reduced-sodium soy sauce, fresh herbs like cilantro, and skip added salt while maintaining robust flavor profile with ginger and garlic.

Great Sides For Easy Asian Ground Beef And Cabbage Stir Fry

  • Elevate Flavor Harmony: Complementary Pairings
  • Serve with steamed jasmine rice to soak up the delicious stir fry sauce and provide a neutral base that balances the dish's bold flavors.
  • Refresh with Asian Beer Companion: Choose a crisp Asian lager like Sapporo or Tsingtao, which cuts through the richness of the beef and cleanses the palate with its light, hoppy profile.
  • Enhance with Bright Side Salad: Prepare a quick cucumber and radish salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil to add a cool, tangy contrast to the warm, savory stir fry.
  • Wine Match Magic: Select a medium-bodied red like Pinot Noir with low tannins that complements the beef's richness without overwhelming the delicate vegetable flavors.
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Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe


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4.8 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 21 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry brings Korean-inspired comfort to your dinner table with its bold, umami-packed flavors. Quick weeknight cooking meets delicious simplicity, ensuring you enjoy a satisfying meal in minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 4 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1-inch piece of ginger (grated)
  • 1 onion (chopped)
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Black pepper (to taste)

Sauces and Oils:

  • 1/2 cup coconut aminos
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil

Vegetables:

  • 1 head of cabbage (thinly sliced (about 8 cups))
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrot

Garnish:

  • Green onion slices
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce by whisking ingredients together in a small mixing bowl, then set aside for later use.
  2. Warm oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Sauté chopped onions, stirring periodically, until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
  4. Introduce minced garlic and ginger, cooking briefly until aromatic, about 1 minute.
  5. Incorporate ground beef, crumbling meat with a wooden spoon, and cook until evenly browned and no longer pink, roughly 5-6 minutes.
  6. Add shredded cabbage and carrots to the skillet, then pour prepared sauce over the mixture.
  7. Stir continuously while cooking for 4-5 minutes, ensuring vegetables become tender and sauce thickens and coats ingredients uniformly.
  8. Sample the stir fry and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  9. Transfer to serving plates, garnishing with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version that maintains the dish’s savory flavor profile.
  • Slice cabbage extra thin for quicker cooking and more delicate texture, ensuring it doesn’t become mushy during stir-frying.
  • Control spice levels by adjusting ginger and adding red pepper flakes gradually for personalized heat intensity.
  • Use low-sodium soy sauce to manage salt content, perfect for those watching their sodium intake while keeping authentic Asian taste.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 16 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 298 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 21 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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