Juicy ground beef, tender-crisp cabbage, carrots, and onions tossed in a savory garlic-ginger sauce. This quick one-pan meal is packed with protein, vegetables, and bold Asian-inspired flavor.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Servings
4
Ingredients
For the Stir Fry
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
- 5 cups finely shredded green cabbage
- 1 medium carrot, julienned or grated
- ½ medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, optional
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
For the Sauce
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, water, cornstarch, and black pepper.
Set aside.
2. Cook the Beef
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
Add the oil and ground beef. Cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through.
If there is a lot of excess grease, carefully drain some of it.
3. Add the Aromatics
Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and fresh ginger.
Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant and the onion begins to soften.
4. Add the Vegetables
Add the shredded cabbage and carrot.
Increase the heat slightly and stir-fry for 4–6 minutes.
The cabbage should become tender but still have a little crunch.
5. Add the Sauce
Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and vegetables.
Toss everything together and cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef and cabbage.
6. Garnish & Serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
For a balanced meal, serve the stir fry with:
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option
- Quinoa
- Shirataki noodles
- Lettuce cups for a light option
Helpful Tips
Use lean ground beef:
90–95% lean beef keeps the dish lighter while still providing plenty of flavor.
Don’t overcook the cabbage:
For the best texture, cook it until tender-crisp rather than completely soft.
Make it spicy:
Add red pepper flakes, chili garlic sauce, or a little sriracha.
Add more vegetables:
Bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, snow peas, or zucchini are excellent additions.
Want extra protein?
Add an egg to the skillet near the end and scramble it into the stir fry.
Easy Substitutions
- Ground beef: Ground turkey or chicken
- Green cabbage: Napa cabbage or a coleslaw mix
- Soy sauce: Tamari for gluten-free
- Honey: Maple syrup or a low-calorie sweetener
- Olive oil: Avocado oil
- Carrot: Bell pepper or extra cabbage
Storage & Reheating
Allow leftovers to cool before storing.
Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until hot, or microwave in short intervals, stirring between each interval.
This recipe also works well for meal prep. Divide into 4 containers and add rice or cauliflower rice separately.
Allergen & Dietary Information
- Contains: Soy and sesame.
- Nuts: No nuts are required.
- Dairy: Naturally dairy-free.
- Eggs: None required.
- Gluten: Use certified gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
- Low-carb: The stir fry itself can be low-carb; serve with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- High-protein: Ground beef provides the main protein source.
Approximate Nutrition
Per serving, without rice:
- Calories: ~350
- Protein: ~27 g
- Carbohydrates: ~14 g
- Fat: ~22 g
- Fiber: ~4 g
Nutrition is an estimate and varies depending on the beef, sauce, and exact ingredient brands used.
Recipe Q&A
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey makes an excellent lighter alternative.
Can I make this without honey?
Yes. Simply omit it or replace it with a small amount of your preferred low-calorie sweetener.
Can I use bagged coleslaw mix?
Absolutely. A bag of shredded cabbage and carrots makes this recipe even faster.
How do I make it extra saucy?
Increase the sauce ingredients by about 50%. Add the extra sauce gradually so the stir fry doesn’t become watery.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it excellent for meal prep.
Is this keto-friendly?
It can be adapted for keto by replacing the honey with a keto-friendly sweetener and checking that your soy sauce is low in carbohydrates.
What can I serve with it?
Steamed rice, cauliflower rice, quinoa, noodles, or lettuce cups all work beautifully.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, although the cabbage will become softer after thawing. Cool completely, freeze in airtight containers, and use within about 2–3 months for best quality.
