This Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a delightful dish that brings vibrant flavors to your table in no time. Ideal for busy weeknights, it combines savory ground beef with crunchy cabbage, creating a meal that’s not only quick to prepare but also packed with nutrition. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this stir fry is versatile enough to suit various occasions and dietary preferences.

Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tools and Preparation
- Essential Tools and Equipment
- Importance of Each Tool
- Ingredients
- For the Sauce
- For the Stir Fry
- How to Make Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
- Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
- Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
- Step 3: Brown the Beef
- Step 4: Add Vegetables and Sauce
- Step 5: Season and Serve
- How to Serve Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
- Over Rice
- With Cauliflower Rice
- On Noodles
- In Lettuce Wraps
- As a Grain Bowl
- With Side Salad
- How to Perfect Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
- Best Side Dishes for Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage
- Freezing Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
- Reheating Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What can I serve with Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry?
- Can I make Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry ahead of time?
- How do I customize Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry?
- Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
- Final Thoughts
- 📖 Recipe Card
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of coconut aminos, ginger, and garlic creates a deliciously rich flavor.
- Versatile Ingredients: Customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins for endless variations.
- Healthy Option: It’s paleo and Whole30-friendly, offering a nutritious meal without compromising taste.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is needed since everything cooks in one skillet, saving you time.
Tools and Preparation
To make this stir fry effortlessly, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can streamline the cooking process and enhance your overall experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A large skillet allows for even cooking of ingredients while providing enough space to stir them easily.
- Whisk: Using a whisk helps combine sauce ingredients smoothly, ensuring a well-blended flavor in your dish.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
For the Stir Fry
- 1 tablespoon 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 (about 8 cups)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Green onion slices and sesame seeds, for garnish
How to Make Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring until translucent (about 5 minutes).
Step 3: Brown the Beef
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until browned (about 5 minutes).
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Sauce
Add the thinly sliced cabbage and shredded carrots to the skillet. Pour in the prepared sauce. Cook while stirring until the cabbage wilts and the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).
Step 5: Season and Serve
Taste your stir fry and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm, garnished with green onion slices and sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor.
Enjoy your homemade Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry!
How to Serve Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
This Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it in various ways to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
Over Rice
- Serve the stir fry over cooked white or brown rice for a classic pairing that soaks up the flavorful sauce.
With Cauliflower Rice
- For a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice. It adds texture while keeping the dish light and healthy.
On Noodles
- Toss the stir fry with your favorite noodles, such as rice noodles or soba, for a comforting meal.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Spoon the stir fry into crisp lettuce leaves for a fun, hand-held meal that’s fresh and crunchy.
As a Grain Bowl
- Create a grain bowl by adding quinoa or farro under the stir fry, topped with avocado slices and sesame seeds.
With Side Salad
- Pair it with a simple side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the beef.

How to Perfect Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Achieving the perfect stir fry is all about technique and timing. Here are some tips to enhance your dish:
-
Use high heat: Cooking on high heat helps to sear the beef, giving it a nice texture while keeping everything tender.
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Prep ingredients ahead: Chop vegetables and measure out sauces before starting. This will make cooking smoother and quicker.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan: If you’re making a larger batch, consider cooking in two batches to ensure even cooking without steaming.
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Add veggies at different times: Add firmer vegetables like carrots earlier than softer ones like cabbage for even tenderness throughout.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
Pairing side dishes with this stir fry can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:
-
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and crunch, complementing the flavors of the stir fry.
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Sesame Green Beans: Toss green beans in sesame oil with garlic for a simple yet flavorful side dish that matches well.
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Fried Rice: A side of fried rice brings extra flavor; toss in peas and carrots for added nutrition.
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Egg Drop Soup: This light soup pairs nicely as an appetizer before diving into the hearty stir fry.
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Pickled Vegetables: A small serving of pickled veggies offers tanginess that contrasts beautifully with the savory stir fry.
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Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar adds brightness and balances out richer flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making an Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.
- Overcooking the beef: Cooking ground beef for too long can make it tough. Sauté just until browned for the best texture.
- Neglecting to prep ingredients: Not having all ingredients ready before cooking can lead to uneven cooking. Always prepare your veggies and sauce beforehand.
- Using too much oil: Adding excess oil can make the stir fry greasy. Use just enough to coat the pan for optimal results.
- Skipping seasoning adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning may result in a bland dish. Always sample during cooking and tweak flavors as needed.
- Adding cabbage too early: Introducing cabbage too soon can lead to overcooking. Add it towards the end so it stays crisp yet tender.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- item Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- item Keep in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Freezing Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
- item Allow the stir fry to cool completely before freezing.
- item Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
- item Can be frozen for up to 2 weeks.
Reheating Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat for about 2 minutes or until warm, stirring halfway.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry.
What can I serve with Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry?
This stir fry pairs well with rice, cauliflower rice, or noodles. You can choose according to your dietary preference.
Can I make Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry ahead of time?
Yes! This dish is great for meal prep. Store it in meal prep containers for quick lunches throughout the week.
How do I customize Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry?
You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli, swap proteins, or adjust spiciness by changing the amount of red pepper flakes.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It’s easy to portion out into containers for future meals, making it a great choice for busy schedules.
Final Thoughts
The Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is not only quick but also versatile. This dish allows you to experiment with different vegetables or proteins based on your preference. Its balance of flavors makes it a fantastic option for busy weeknights. Give it a try and enjoy crafting your own delicious version!
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Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick, delicious meal that brings vibrant Asian flavors to your dinner table in under 30 minutes. This one-pan dish features savory ground beef paired with crunchy cabbage and colorful vegetables. Whether for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prep, this stir fry is nutritious and customizable to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 head of cabbage (thinly sliced)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1-inch piece of ginger (grated)
- 1/2 cup coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup shredded carrot
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together coconut aminos, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes for the sauce. Set aside.
- Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté chopped onion until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Incorporate ground beef into the skillet; break it up with a spoon and brown it for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in sliced cabbage and shredded carrots, then pour in the prepared sauce. Cook while stirring until cabbage wilts and sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).
- Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg