If you’re looking for a weeknight winner that’s packed with bold flavors, vibrant textures, and a comforting warmth, this Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe is your new best friend. It’s a delightful combination of tender ground beef, crisp cabbage, and just the right kick of ginger, garlic, and coconut aminos that creates a perfectly balanced meal in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or impressing friends, this dish is an effortless way to enjoy Asian-inspired flavors without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a starring role in making this stir fry sing. These simple essentials come together to create a dish that’s flavorful, well-rounded, and colorful with just the right texture and punch.
- Coconut aminos: A naturally sweet and savory soy alternative that adds depth without overpowering.
- Rice vinegar: Brings a mild tanginess that brightens and balances the richness of the beef.
- Sesame oil: Offers a toasty nutty aroma that elevates the entire stir fry.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle heat that wakes up your palate but keeps it approachable.
- Avocado oil: A neutral oil with high heat tolerance, perfect for stir-frying without smoking.
- Onion: Provides a sweet base flavor as it softens and caramelizes.
- Garlic: Infuses that irresistible punch of pungency and warmth.
- Fresh ginger: A zesty, slightly spicy note that brightens up the dish.
- Ground beef: The hearty protein that makes this meal satisfying and filling.
- Cabbage: Adds crunch, freshness, and a lovely mild sweetness when cooked.
- Shredded carrot: Introduces a pop of color and natural sweetness that complements the cabbage beautifully.
- Salt & pepper: Essential seasonings to taste that bring everything together.
- Green onion slices and sesame seeds: For that final garnish that adds freshness and a subtle crunch.
How to Make Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Setting this savory and tangy sauce aside allows the flavors to mingle while you focus on cooking up the other ingredients. This sauce is the heart of the dish, bringing all components into harmony with each bite.
Step 2: Cook the Onions
Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and tender—about 5 minutes. This slow softening of the onions is crucial to build a flavorful base that lends sweetness and body to the stir fry.
Step 3: Add Ginger and Garlic
Stir in the freshly grated ginger and minced garlic to the skillet with the softened onions. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, making sure you don’t burn them. These aromatic ingredients infuse the oil and beef with their distinct punch, setting the stage for a truly savory dish.
Step 4: Brown the Ground Beef
Push the aromatics to the side and add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook for roughly 5 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it browns evenly and loses all its pinkness. This step creates that delicious caramelization that’s essential for authentic stir-fry flavor.
Step 5: Combine Vegetables and Sauce
Add the thinly sliced cabbage and shredded carrot to the skillet, followed by the prepared sauce. Stir everything together and cook for about 5 minutes more until the cabbage wilts slightly and the sauce thickens just a bit. This moment is where all the textures and tastes meld perfectly, resulting in a dish that’s both crunchy and saucy.
Step 6: Season and Garnish
Give the stir fry a final taste and season with salt and pepper as you like. Serve the dish warm, sprinkled generously with fresh green onion slices and sesame seeds to add color, freshness, and an enticing crunch that makes every bite exciting.
How to Serve Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh green onion slices and toasted sesame seeds brings not just visual appeal but bursts of fresh, nutty flavor to this dish. For an extra touch, consider a drizzle of extra sesame oil or a squeeze of lime for a contrasting brightness that wakes up your taste buds.
Side Dishes
This stir fry shines brightly on its own but also pairs beautifully with fluffy steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. For a veggie boost, serve alongside a simple cucumber salad or pickled radish to add refreshing crunch and balance the savory richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish in vibrant bowls topped with crunchy chopsticks for a fun, authentic feel. You can also pile it into lettuce cups for a handheld treat or scoop it onto rice noodles for a satisfying noodle bowl. The simplicity of the Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe makes it a versatile canvas for your creativity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This stir fry keeps exceptionally well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it a fantastic option for easy lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Be sure to let the stir fry cool completely before freezing and portion it out so you can thaw only what you need, avoiding waste and maintaining its fresh flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently in a pan over medium heat or microwave until heated through. Adding a small splash of water or broth can help maintain moisture. Stir occasionally as you reheat to evenly distribute the heat and keep the beef tender and the cabbage crisp-tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork can be substituted for ground beef, though each will bring a slightly different texture and flavor. Just adjust the cooking times to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
What if I don’t have coconut aminos?
You can replace coconut aminos with a low-sodium soy sauce or tamari if you’re looking to keep it gluten-free. Keep in mind that soy sauce is saltier, so you might want to reduce additional salt in the recipe.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, simply swap out the ground beef for firm tofu, tempeh, or even mushrooms to keep that meaty texture. Adjust cooking times accordingly and keep the same delicious sauce base for flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth but nothing too overpowering. If you prefer more heat, you can increase them or add fresh chili slices. For a milder version, simply omit them.
How do I prevent the cabbage from getting soggy?
Cook the cabbage just until it wilts slightly and still retains some crunch—about 5 minutes is perfect. Avoid overcooking by stirring frequently and removing from heat as soon as the cabbage softens to your liking.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe is a fantastic example of how simple ingredients and straightforward steps can bring to life a meal that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and comfort. It’s perfect for anyone craving a quick, satisfying dinner without sacrificing taste or nutrition. Give it a try tonight, and watch this quick stir fry become a favorite in your cooking rotation!
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 Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick, flavorful weeknight dinner packed with savory and tangy flavors. Combining tender ground beef, crunchy cabbage, and shredded carrot in a delicious soy-free sauce made from coconut aminos and sesame oil, this dish is both satisfying and simple to prepare in under 30 minutes.
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, stir together coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Set aside to allow flavors to meld while you prepare the stir fry.
- Cook the onions: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add ginger and garlic: Stir in grated ginger and minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant to enhance the aroma and flavor base.
- Brown the ground beef: Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks, until fully browned with no pink remaining.
- Combine vegetables and sauce: Add thinly sliced cabbage and shredded carrot to the skillet along with the prepared sauce. Stir well and cook for about 5 minutes until the cabbage wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Season and garnish: Taste the stir fry and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use avocado oil or any neutral high-heat oil for best sauté results.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
- For a lower carb option, reduce or omit shredded carrot.
- This recipe is soy-free by using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
