Easy Asian Ground Beef And Cabbage Stir Fry

Need a fast, tasty dinner? This Asian ground beef and cabbage stir fry is quick, bold, and so easy to make!

You get tender beef, crisp cabbage, and a sweet-savory sauce all in one pan. It’s cozy, healthy, and full of flavor.

Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or anytime you want something fast and filling. One pan. Big flavor.

Grab your skillet and beef—let’s stir up this easy Asian dinner today!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: Everything cooks in one skillet with minimal prep.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients like ground beef and cabbage.
• Flavor-Packed: A balanced stir fry sauce makes the dish taste like takeout — without the cost or mystery ingredients.
• Healthy Option: Packed with veggies, lower in carbs, and easy to modify for different diets.
• Great for Leftovers: It tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for lunch boxes.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: Makes 4 hearty portions (great for dinner or packed lunches)

Difficulty Level: Beginner-friendly. A great dish for home cooks just learning to stir fry.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large non-stick skillet or wok
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater (for fresh ginger)

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup coconut aminos (or low-sodium soy sauce)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

For the Stir Fry:

• 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or any neutral cooking oil)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 pound ground beef
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
• 1 small head of cabbage, thinly sliced (about 8 cups)
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Garnishing (Optional but Recommended):

• Sliced green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds

Variations for Ground Beef & Cabbage Stir Fry

• Swap the Protein: Try ground turkey, pork, or plant-based crumbles for different flavor profiles.
• Add Crunch: Toss in chopped bell peppers or water chestnuts for texture.
• Make it Spicier: Add chili garlic sauce or sriracha.
• Serve Over Rice: Turn it into a bowl meal with brown rice or jasmine rice.
• Go Low-Carb: Serve it as-is or with cauliflower rice.

How to Make Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry — Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Set aside. This sauce will add savory depth with a bit of heat.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and cook until softened — about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the pan. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue stirring occasionally until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink — about 5–7 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.

4. Add the Vegetables

Toss in the sliced cabbage and shredded carrots. Stir everything together, coating the vegetables with the beef and aromatics. Let it cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage wilts and becomes tender-crisp.

5. Pour in the Sauce

Once the veggies are softened, pour the sauce over the stir fry. Mix well so every bite is coated. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to combine and the sauce to reduce slightly.

Serving and Decoration

This dish is satisfying on its own, but here are some ways to serve it:

• Serve Over Grains: Spoon over steamed rice, jasmine rice, or quinoa for a hearty bowl.
• Low-Carb Style: Try it with cauliflower rice or just eat it straight from the skillet.
• Wrap It Up: Spoon into lettuce cups or wrap in warm tortillas for a fun twist.
• Top with Garnish: Add green onions and sesame seeds just before serving for a bit of crunch and color.

Storing Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Freezer:
You can freeze this stir fry for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Meal Prep Tip:
Divide into individual containers with rice or cauliflower rice for easy, grab-and-go meals throughout the week.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Slice Cabbage Thinly: This helps it cook evenly and absorb flavor without becoming soggy.
• Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic: It makes a noticeable difference in aroma and taste.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Use a large skillet or wok to give everything space to cook properly.
• Balance the Flavors: Taste the sauce before adding and adjust — add a touch of honey for sweetness or more vinegar for tang.
• Let the Sauce Simmer Briefly: This helps it thicken slightly and cling to the meat and vegetables.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~320 kcal
Protein	22g
Carbohydrates	10g
Fiber	3g
Sugars	5g
Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	6g
Cholesterol	60mg
Sodium	~720mg
Iron	15% DV

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
Yes, bagged coleslaw mix is a convenient shortcut and works well in this recipe.

Is this dish gluten-free?
If you use coconut aminos or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, then yes.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Swap the ground beef for crumbled tofu, tempeh, or plant-based ground meat.

What kind of beef is best?
Lean ground beef (85–90% lean) works well and doesn’t make the dish greasy.

Conclusion

This Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a fast, flavorful dish that makes dinner a breeze. It’s flexible, satisfying, and easy to make your own. Whether you’re trying to eat more veggies or just want a simple meal with bold flavor, this recipe checks every box.