Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
Craving something quick, wholesome, and bursting with flavor? This Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe is your weeknight lifesaver! It’s one of those dishes that ticks every box: fast prep, minimal cleanup, and a harmony of savory, tangy, and just a hint of spice. Each bite is loaded with tender cabbage, juicy ground beef, and pops of fresh veggies, all tossed in a silky sauce that soaks right into steamy rice or noodles. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep this one in your regular rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe lies in its simplicity. Every ingredient is chosen to build layers of flavor and texture, making the final dish vibrant and satisfying without any fuss or complicated steps.
- Sesame Oil: Brings a nutty, toasty aroma that forms the backbone of most Asian stir fries.
- Ground Beef: Lean or regular, it adds savory richness and pairs beautifully with hearty cabbage.
- Garlic: Minced fresh, it infuses the stir fry with a deep, aromatic flavor in every bite.
- Fresh Ginger: Grated ginger gives a gentle warmth and brightness that lifts the whole dish.
- Onion: Thinly sliced onion softens while cooking and adds sweetness and depth.
- Green Cabbage: The star veggie! It soaks up the sauce and stays deliciously crisp-tender.
- Carrot: Either julienned or shredded, carrot gives color, crunch, and a subtle sweetness.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Balances saltiness and umami while keeping the sodium in check.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that wakes up all the flavors.
- Hoisin Sauce (optional): For a touch of sweetness and complexity; use it if you love a deeper sauce.
- Sriracha or Chili Garlic Sauce (optional): A customizable kick of heat for spice lovers.
- Green Onions: Sliced for a fresh, peppery bite and a pop of green color at the end.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds (optional): Sprinkle on top for a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
- Cooked Rice or Noodles (optional): Perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
How to Make Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Sizzle the Sesame Oil and Brown the Beef
Start by heating the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering and fragrant, add the ground beef. Use a spatula to break up the meat as it cooks, letting it brown and caramelize for the best flavor. If your beef is a bit fatty, drain off any excess fat so the final stir fry isn’t greasy.
Step 2: Stir in Aromatics
Next, toss in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and thinly sliced onion. Sauté everything together for about 2 to 3 minutes—just until the onions start to soften and the kitchen smells absolutely irresistible. This step is key to infusing the beef with bold, zesty undertones.
Step 3: Add the Veggies
Now it’s time for the veggies to shine! Stir in the cabbage and carrots, and cook, stirring frequently, for 5 to 7 minutes. You’re looking for the cabbage to wilt just enough to be tender but still keep a bit of crunch. The carrots should be bright and slightly softened, creating a medley of textures.
Step 4: Whisk and Pour the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce (if you’re using it), and sriracha or chili garlic sauce for a little heat. Pour this savory blend over the beef and veggies, and toss everything together to coat evenly. Let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce slightly thickens.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Take the pan off the heat and sprinkle on the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Give everything a gentle toss, then serve the Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe piping hot over a bed of rice or noodles, if you like. Every forkful is a perfect balance of savory, crisp, and fresh!
How to Serve Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is the fun, finishing touch that really makes this dish pop! I love scattering sliced green onions and a generous pinch of toasted sesame seeds over the top. You can also add a few extra drizzles of sriracha or chili oil if you like it spicy, or even a squeeze of lime for a fresh twist. These little details add color, crunch, and personality to every plate.
Side Dishes
This Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe pairs beautifully with simple steamed rice, fluffy jasmine, or even brown rice for a nutty flavor. If you’re feeling like noodles, toss it with rice noodles or lo mein for a heartier meal. For something lighter, serve it with cauliflower rice, a crisp green salad, or a side of stir-fried snap peas or broccoli.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and interactive dinner, try serving the stir fry family-style in a big wok at the table, letting everyone scoop their own portions. Or, pile it into lettuce cups for a low-carb, handheld option—kids love making their own wraps! You can also spoon it into meal prep containers over rice or noodles for easy grab-and-go lunches that reheat beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe keep wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just let the stir fry cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. The flavors actually get even better as they meld together overnight!
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, let the stir fry cool completely first. Pack it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, pressing out as much air as possible. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the stir fry in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. If it seems a bit dry, splash in a tablespoon or two of water or broth to loosen things up. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick and easy lunch.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! This recipe is super flexible. Try it with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork for a lighter or different flavor. You can even use crumbled tofu for a vegetarian twist—just be sure to add a little extra soy sauce for depth.
Is the Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe spicy?
The base recipe is actually quite mild, but you can easily turn up the heat by adding more sriracha or chili garlic sauce to suit your taste. Keep it kid-friendly by leaving the spice out, then let everyone add their own kick at the table.
What vegetables can I add or swap in?
This stir fry is a great way to use up what’s in your fridge. Feel free to toss in sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, snap peas, or even broccoli. The key is to keep the pieces bite-sized so everything cooks evenly.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
To make the Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce, and double-check that your hoisin sauce and sriracha are gluten-free as well.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can chop all the veggies and mix the sauce a day ahead. When you’re ready to eat, just cook everything according to the steps—it comes together in minutes, making it a perfect meal prep option or last-minute dinner.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re inspired to whip up this Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe soon—it’s one of those meals that’s as fun to make as it is to eat! Give it a try, make it your own, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite in your kitchen.
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Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A quick and flavorful Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry perfect for weeknight dinners. This healthy stir fry features tender ground beef cooked with fresh cabbage, carrots, and a savory Asian-inspired sauce. Serve it over rice or noodles for a satisfying meal packed with protein and veggies.
Ingredients
Protein & Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or shredded
- 2 green onions, sliced
Sauce
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional)
Garnish & Serving
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- Cooked rice or noodles for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil and cook beef: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and thinly sliced onion to the beef. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and the onion begins to soften.
- Cook vegetables: Stir in the sliced cabbage and julienned carrot. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables become tender-crisp.
- Prepare and add sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce (if using), and sriracha or chili garlic sauce (if using). Pour the sauce into the skillet and toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer to combine flavors: Cook for another 2–3 minutes until heated through and the flavors meld perfectly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot over cooked rice or noodles if desired.
Notes
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork to change up the protein.
- Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas for extra colorful vegetables.
- For a lower-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or enjoy the stir fry on its own.
- Adjust spiciness by varying the amount of sriracha or chili garlic sauce.
- Optional ingredients like hoisin and sesame seeds add depth but can be omitted for simpler flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
