Description
Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful, and healthy one-pan dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender ground beef, crisp cabbage, and carrots in a savory-sweet sauce, this stir fry comes together in just 30 minutes. Serve it with rice, noodles, or low-carb alternatives for a meal that’s as versatile as it is delicious.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- ¼ cup gluten-free soy sauce or tamari (or regular soy sauce)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar (or maple syrup/honey)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Stir Fry:
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- ½ pound ground beef (lean)
- ½ small head cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 carrots, cut into matchsticks
- 4 spring onions, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix sesame oil, soy sauce, water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame seeds (if using), and black pepper. Stir until combined and set aside. - Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add cooking oil. Once hot, add garlic and ginger, stirring quickly to release their fragrance.
Add the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. - Add the Vegetables:
Add the thinly sliced cabbage and carrot matchsticks to the skillet. Stir well, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly, about 5 minutes. - Incorporate the Sauce:
Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet. Stir thoroughly to coat the beef and vegetables evenly. Increase the heat slightly and cook for 3–4 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and soak into the stir fry. - Finish with Spring Onions:
Sprinkle the sliced spring onions over the stir fry and give it one final mix. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. - Serve:
Remove the stir fry from heat and serve immediately. Pair with steamed rice, noodles, or low-carb options like cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Notes
- Prep all ingredients before starting, as stir frying is a quick process.
- Use high heat for better caramelization of the beef and vegetables.
- Don’t overcook the vegetables to maintain a crisp texture.
- Ground chicken, turkey, or pork can be used as an alternative to beef.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Asian