If you’re craving a flavorful dinner that comes together quickly and satisfies big on taste, this Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe is about to become your new go-to. It’s a brilliant blend of savory ground beef, crisp cabbage, and a tangy, umami-rich sauce that hits all the right notes without making you work too hard in the kitchen. Perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want a comforting meal bursting with fresh flavors and textures, this recipe proves that simple ingredients can create something truly memorable and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing the balance of flavors and textures in this stir fry. Each ingredient here plays a vital role, from the tender ground beef to the crisp cabbage, and the perfectly balanced sauce that brings everything together beautifully.
- 1/2 cup coconut aminos: This naturally sweet, soy-free alternative adds a mild umami flavor and keeps the dish light.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Brightens the dish with subtle acidity that balances the richness of the beef.
- 2 tsp sesame oil: Imparts a gorgeous nutty aroma and depth of flavor just when the sauce comes together.
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle kick of heat without overpowering the mix.
- 1 tbsp avocado oil or your favorite cooking oil: Perfect for high-heat cooking and adds a neutral base to bring everything together.
- 1 onion, chopped: Softens as it cooks, providing a natural sweetness that complements the savory beef.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Sharply aromatic, garlic infuses the stir fry with a mouthwatering depth of flavor.
- 1 inch ginger, grated: Gives a fresh, zesty spark that brightens the whole dish spectacularly.
- 1 lb ground beef: The star protein that brings heartiness and rich umami to each bite.
- 1 head of cabbage, thinly sliced (about 8 cups): Adds crunch, loads of fiber, and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot: Offers subtle sweetness and a lovely pop of color to balance the composition.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors without overshadowing them.
- Green onion slices and sesame seeds for garnish: These final touches provide fresh brightness and a satisfying crunch.
How to Make Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the sauce
Before turning on the stove, mix the coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes in a small bowl. This prepped sauce layer is foundational—it’s where the depth, tang, and gentle heat develop while the other ingredients cook. Setting it aside helps you move smoothly through cooking without missing a beat.
Step 2: Cook the onions
Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the chopped onion and stir occasionally until it becomes translucent and tender, about 5 minutes. This step softens the onions enough to meld perfectly with the beef and spices, building the flavorful base for the stir fry.
Step 3: Add ginger and garlic
Next, stir in the grated ginger and minced garlic into the skillet. Cook these for about 1 minute until fragrant, letting their bold and fresh scents burst through. This brief burst of aromatic flavor gives the dish its signature zing and warmth.
Step 4: Brown the ground beef
Add the ground beef straight into the skillet. As it cooks for around 5 minutes, break it apart with a wooden spoon to ensure even browning and thorough cooking. Watching that deep brown color develop is exciting—it means layers of complex flavor are forming wonderfully.
Step 5: Combine vegetables and sauce
Once the beef is perfectly browned, add the thinly sliced cabbage and shredded carrot. Pour the prepared sauce over the top and give everything a good stir. Allow the mixture to cook for about 5 minutes until the cabbage softens slightly but still retains some crunch, and the sauce thickens slightly. This is where all the ingredients harmonize, creating a deliciously saucy, textured masterpiece.
Step 6: Season and garnish
Give your stir fry a final taste, seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Serve it warm, generously sprinkled with freshly sliced green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and a satisfying crunch that rounds out the dish perfectly.
How to Serve Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onion slices and toasted sesame seeds are not just pretty—they provide contrast in texture and a burst of freshness. Adding a drizzle of extra sesame oil or a squeeze of lime can elevate your dish even more, turning an everyday dinner into something quite special.
Side Dishes
While this stir fry shines beautifully on its own, pairing it with jasmine rice or cauliflower rice makes for a complete meal. Steamed veggies or a crisp cucumber salad add refreshing lightness that complements the richness of the beef and the depth of the sauce perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this stir fry over warm lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on dining experience, or pile it atop steamed buns for an easy Asian-inspired slider. It also makes a delicious filling for wraps or a hearty topping for noodles—versatility makes this Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe endlessly exciting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The stir fry holds up well for up to 3-4 days, making it a fantastic option for quick lunches or low-effort dinners during a busy week.
Freezing
This dish freezes nicely, too—just pop cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. Keep them frozen for up to 2 months for convenient meals that reheat quickly without losing their vibrant flavors and textures.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until warm throughout. Adding a splash of water or broth while reheating can help revive that fresh stir-fry texture, preventing the cabbage from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work wonderfully here. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to make sure your chosen protein is cooked through.
Is coconut aminos a necessary ingredient?
While coconut aminos give this dish its uniquely mild sweetness and umami boost, low-sodium soy sauce or tamari are fine substitutes if you don’t have coconut aminos on hand.
How spicy is this Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth rather than intense heat. You can easily increase or decrease this amount to tailor the spice level to your taste preferences.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Chopping the vegetables and mixing the sauce a day ahead saves time when cooking. Just keep everything refrigerated separately and combine when ready to stir fry.
What’s the best way to achieve the perfect texture for the cabbage?
Slice the cabbage thinly and cook it only until it just begins to wilt but still retains some crunch. This prevents it from becoming soggy, ensuring every bite has a lovely contrast to the savory beef.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe is a keeper in every sense—quick to make, packed with flavor, and adaptable to whatever you have on hand. It’s one of those recipes that feels both comforting and exciting, perfect for feeding yourself or a hungry crowd with a dish that tastes way more complex than the effort you put into it. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself making it over and over again!
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 Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and flavorful Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry that combines savory ground beef with fresh cabbage and carrot, cooked fast in a skillet with a tasty sauce made from coconut aminos, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner 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 the coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Set aside while preparing the stir fry.
- Cook the onions: Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add ginger and garlic: Stir in the grated ginger and minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant and aromatic to meld the flavors.
- Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook for roughly 5 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink.
- Combine vegetables and sauce: Add the thinly sliced cabbage and shredded carrot along with the prepared sauce to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for about 5 minutes until the cabbage wilts and the sauce reduces slightly.
- Season and garnish: Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Serve warm, garnished with green onion slices and a scattering of sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level of the dish.
- Serve over steamed rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
- For extra crunch, add chopped water chestnuts or bell peppers.
- Make sure to slice the cabbage thinly for even cooking.
