Ah, the wonderful flavors of Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry! This dish is a love letter to your palate with its savory, subtly spicy tones and satisfying textures. Whether you’re craving something hearty for dinner or a quick lunch with a healthy twist, this recipe has you covered. Prepare to fall in love at first bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This stir fry comes together in just about 25 minutes!
- Versatile Ingredients: Simple kitchen staples turn into a culinary delight.
- Nutritious and Filling: It’s packed with proteins and fiber to keep you satisfied longer.
- Diet-Friendly: Naturally gluten-free when using tamari.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings a touch of magic, from the juicy beef providing depth to the cabbage offering its hearty bite.
- 1 pound grass-fed ground beef: Provides a rich, savory base. Consider Moink for a sustainable choice.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of your ingredients.
- ½ medium onion, diced: Brings sweetness and depth to the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds that quintessential aromatic flavor.
- 3 Tablespoons freshly minced ginger: Infuses the stir fry with a fresh, zingy kick.
- 1 head green cabbage, shredded: Offers texture and volume. You want 10-12 cups.
- 2 Tablespoons tamari or gluten-free soy sauce: Helps to create a savory umami-rich flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle heat to balance the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: For a nutty finish, drizzle over at the end.
- Optional: green onion for garnish: For a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- 1 cup brown rice + 2 cups water: Perfect base to soak up all the delicious sauce.
Variations
This Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is delightfully flexible. Mix and match based on what you have or any dietary needs or preferences. The options are endless!
- Vegetarian Option: Swap in tofu or tempeh for the ground beef.
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, snow peas, or carrots for more crunch and nutrients.
- Spice It Up: Double the red pepper flakes or drizzle with sriracha for an extra kick.
- Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of brown rice.
How to Make Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef and season with a pinch of salt. Brown the beef on all sides, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. If using lean beef, add a splash of oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Vegetables
Chop up your onion and toss it in with the beef. Sauté until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, letting it cook for 30 seconds before adding the cabbage, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Stir fry until the cabbage is wilted.
Step 3: Finish and Serve
Once your cabbage is soft, remove the stir fry from heat and drizzle with sesame oil. For a bit of color and extra flavor, garnish with chopped green onions. Serve as is or over a steaming bowl of brown rice.
Pro Tips for Making Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
- Ginger Freshness: Always use fresh ginger for a more potent and vibrant flavor.
- Cabbage Crunch: Don’t overcook the cabbage to keep a slight crunch in your stir fry.
- Rice Cooking: Use a rice cooker to simplify the process, ensuring perfectly fluffy rice every time.
- Beef Choice: Opt for grass-fed beef for richer flavor and better texture.
How to Serve Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Garnishes
Simplicity shines with this dish, a simple sprinkle of green onions and toasted sesame seeds will add brightness and a hint of nuttiness. They complement the bold flavors perfectly without overwhelming them.
Side Dishes
If you’re looking to round out your meal, consider serving this stir fry with a light cucumber salad or some steamed edamame. They add refreshing and delicate balance against the savory main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress your guests by serving this stir fry in individual bowls with a small side of rice on one half and the stir fry on the other. Finish with your garnishes for a colorful, appetizing presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this dish store beautifully. Simply place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days, making meal prep for the week a breeze!
Freezing
You can freeze portions for longer storage. Just allow the stir fry to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be frozen for up to two months.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the stir fry over medium heat on the stove. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals until heated through.
FAQs
-
Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken, turkey, or pork work excellently in this recipe. Each offers a unique flavor profile that pairs well with the cabbage.
-
What if I don’t have tamari?
Feel free to substitute with regular soy sauce or coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter taste. Just adjust the quantity to taste for salt levels.
-
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! This recipe is highly adaptable. Think bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas – all add color and nutrition.
-
Is this recipe spicy?
The spice level is mild with the ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Feel free to adjust according to your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a meal that’s both satisfying and simple, look no further than this Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry. Its versatility, wholesome ingredients, and delightful flavors are sure to earn it a spot in your regular rotation. Happy cooking!
PrintGround Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Stir Fry
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
A flavorful and nutritious Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry that combines lean meat with crispy vegetables, seasoned with ginger, garlic, and soy sauce. This quick dish is perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner and served best over fluffy brown rice.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound grass-fed ground beef (like Moink)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons freshly minced ginger
- 1 head green cabbage (about 10-12 cups shredded)
Sauces and Oil
- 2 tablespoons tamari or gluten-free soy sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Garnish and Rice
- Optional: chopped green onion for garnish
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Cook the beef: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt, and cook, breaking apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. You may add a little oil if using extra lean beef.
- Sauté onions: Push the beef to one side of the pan or remove and set aside briefly. Add diced onion to the skillet, and cook with the beef for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir-fry vegetables: Add shredded cabbage, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Toss everything together and cook uncovered until the cabbage is wilted and tender, approximately 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon sesame oil and sprinkle with chopped green onions if desired. Serve hot as is or over cooked brown rice.
- Prepare brown rice: Combine 1 cup brown rice with 2 cups water in a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Cover and cook for about 40 minutes. Turn off heat and let it steam, covered, for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
Notes
- Add other vegetables like mushrooms, snow peas, carrots, or bean sprouts for variation.
- Use pre-shredded coleslaw mix as a time-saving shortcut instead of chopping cabbage.
- Prepare all ingredients in advance for quick assembly.
- Stir-frying is best done in a wok or large skillet for even heat distribution and easy tossing.
- Recipe includes approximate estimates; adjust seasonings to taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (without rice)
- Calories: 544 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 770 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 53 g
- Fiber: 8 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 81 mg
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