Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

This quick and flavorful ground beef and cabbage stir fry is perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s paleo and Whole30-friendly, coming together in under 30 minutes. Serve it over rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles for a satisfying meal.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy – Ready in just 25 minutes
• Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with protein & fiber
• Versatile – Swap proteins or add extra vegetables
• Great for Meal Prep – Stores & reheats well

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Preparation & Tools You’ll Need

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet or wok
• Wooden spoon for breaking up the meat
• Knife & cutting board
• Small mixing bowl for the sauce

Preparation Tips

• Slice the cabbage thinly for even cooking
• Use fresh ginger & garlic for the best flavor
• Pre-mix the sauce for a smoother stir fry

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Ingredients

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup coconut aminos
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust for spice)

For the Stir Fry:

• 1 tbsp avocado oil (or preferred cooking oil)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 head of cabbage, thinly sliced (~8 cups)
• ½ cup shredded carrot
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• Green onion slices and sesame seeds, for garnish

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make the Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients. Set aside.

2. Cook the Aromatics

• Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes, until translucent.
• Stir in garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Brown the Beef

• Add ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
• Cook for about 5 minutes, until browned.

4. Add Vegetables & Sauce

• Stir in shredded cabbage, carrots, and sauce.
• Cook for another 5 minutes, until the cabbage is wilted and the sauce thickens.

5. Final Touches

• Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
• Serve warm, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds.

Best Ways to Enjoy This Stir Fry

• Over Rice: Serve with steamed white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice for a hearty meal.
• With Noodles: Toss with rice noodles, udon, or even zucchini noodles for a noodle stir fry version.
• Low-Carb Option: Pair with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly meal.
• In a Wrap: Use lettuce wraps for a fresh and light alternative.
• As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled meats, tofu, or seafood for added variety.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

1. Overcooking the Cabbage

• Mistake: Cooking the cabbage for too long makes it mushy and soggy.
• Solution: Stir-fry only until wilted but still slightly crisp.

2. Skipping the Aromatics

• Mistake: Omitting fresh garlic and ginger reduces the depth of flavor.
• Solution: Always use fresh ingredients for the best taste.

3. Not Prepping Ingredients Before Cooking

• Mistake: Stir-frying happens quickly, and chopping while cooking leads to overcooked meat.
• Solution: Chop and measure all ingredients beforehand to cook smoothly.

4. Using High Heat Too Soon

• Mistake: Cooking at high heat immediately can burn onions and garlic.
• Solution: Start with medium-high heat, then increase as needed.

5. Not Adjusting Seasoning to Taste

• Mistake: Relying only on the written ingredient amounts may lead to a dish that lacks balance.
• Solution: Taste and adjust salt, spice, or acidity as needed.

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Side Dish Recommendations

A great stir fry pairs well with complementary sides. Here are eight options to elevate your meal:

1. Asian Cucumber Salad – Crisp, tangy, and refreshing.
2. Egg Drop Soup – A light and comforting soup option.
3. Steamed Dumplings – Serve as an appetizer or side.
4. Garlic Roasted Broccoli – Adds a roasted, nutty crunch.
5. Fried Rice – A classic choice for a heartier meal.
6. Spring Rolls – A fresh and crispy addition.
7. Miso Glazed Eggplant – Sweet, savory, and packed with umami.
8. Stir-Fried Snow Peas – A simple, crunchy side dish.

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Best Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh garlic and ginger enhance the flavor significantly.
• Do Not Overcrowd the Pan – If your pan is too small, cook the beef in batches to ensure even browning.
• Adjust Spice Levels – Add more crushed red pepper flakes for heat or omit them for a milder dish.
• Let the Sauce Thicken – Allow the sauce to cook down slightly to coat the ingredients well.
• Customize the Vegetables – Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or bok choy for variety.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Freezing

• Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 weeks.
• Allow to thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Reheating Instructions

Microwave

• Place in a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely.
• Heat for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Stovetop

• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add a splash of water or coconut aminos to refresh the sauce.
• Stir frequently until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a different protein?

Yes, ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey, chicken, pork, or crumbled tofu.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, if served without rice or noodles, it is low-carb and keto-friendly.

What can I use instead of coconut aminos?

You can use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari as an alternative.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, replace ground beef with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or plant-based ground meat.

How do I make it spicier?

Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add sriracha or chili paste.

Can I double this recipe for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe scales well. Just use a large enough skillet or cook in batches.

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Conclusion

This Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick, healthy, and versatile meal that fits into multiple diets, including Whole30, paleo, and keto. With simple ingredients and a flavorful sauce, it is perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it over rice, noodles, or in lettuce wraps for a meal the whole family will enjoy.

Would you like additional variations or meal prep ideas?