Ground Beef Cabbage Stir Fry: Easy Recipe & Health Benefits

Ground beef cabbage stir fry: Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure that’s both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly simple! Have you ever craved a dish that’s packed with flavor, loaded with nutrients, and ready in under 30 minutes? Then look no further, because this recipe is about to become your new weeknight staple.

Stir-fries, in general, have a rich history rooted in Asian cuisine, particularly Chinese cooking techniques. The rapid cooking over high heat in a wok preserves the crispness of the vegetables and infuses them with a delightful smoky flavor. While this particular combination of ground beef and cabbage might not be steeped in ancient tradition, it’s a modern adaptation that draws inspiration from those classic stir-fry principles.

What makes this ground beef cabbage stir fry so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of savory ground beef, tender-crisp cabbage, and a flavorful sauce that ties everything together. People adore this dish because it’s incredibly versatile – you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables and adjust the spice level to your liking. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy families. The combination of textures, from the slightly chewy beef to the crunchy cabbage, is simply divine. Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
• 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded (about 6-8 cups)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or canola oil)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sesame seeds, chopped green onions

Preparing the Ingredients:

1. First things first, let’s get our veggies ready. Start by prepping the cabbage. You can either shred it by hand using a sharp knife, or you can use a mandoline slicer for a more uniform cut. If you’re using a knife, cut the cabbage in half through the core. Then, lay each half flat-side down and thinly slice across the width. Don’t worry about getting it perfect; a little variation in size is fine. Aim for pieces that are roughly 1/4 inch thick. Set the shredded cabbage aside.
2. Next, chop the onion. Peel the onion and cut it in half from top to bottom. Lay one half flat-side down and make several horizontal cuts, stopping short of the root end. Then, make several vertical cuts, again stopping short of the root end. Finally, slice across the onion to create diced pieces. The root end will hold the onion together, preventing it from falling apart while you’re chopping.
3. Now, mince the garlic and ginger. Peel the garlic cloves and either mince them finely with a knife or use a garlic press. For the ginger, peel it using a spoon (the edge of a spoon works great for scraping off the skin). Then, mince the ginger finely with a knife. You can also use a microplane grater for the ginger if you prefer a very fine texture. Mincing the garlic and ginger well is important because it allows their flavors to release fully into the stir-fry.
4. Finally, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until the sugar is dissolved. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more sugar. If you want more tang, add a little more rice vinegar. If you like it spicier, add more red pepper flakes. This sauce is the key to the flavor of the stir-fry, so make sure it’s to your liking.

Cooking the Ground Beef:

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the ground beef. A hot skillet will help the beef brown properly and prevent it from steaming.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon or spatula. Cook the ground beef until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to break up any large clumps of beef as it cooks. You want the beef to be evenly browned.
3. Once the ground beef is cooked, drain off any excess grease. This will help prevent the stir-fry from becoming too greasy. You can drain the grease by carefully tilting the skillet and spooning it out, or you can transfer the beef to a colander to drain.
4. Season the cooked ground beef with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the soy sauce in the sauce is already salty, so don’t over-salt the beef. Set the cooked ground beef aside in a bowl.

Stir-Frying the Cabbage and Aromatics:

1. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the same skillet or wok. Heat over medium-high heat. Again, make sure the skillet is hot before adding the vegetables.
2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the onion from burning. You want the onion to become translucent and slightly softened.
3. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic and ginger, as this will make them taste bitter. Stir constantly to prevent burning. The aroma of the garlic and ginger should be very noticeable at this point.
4. Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet. Stir-fry the cabbage until it is tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Stir frequently to ensure that the cabbage cooks evenly. The cabbage should soften slightly but still retain some of its crunch. If the cabbage starts to stick to the skillet, add a tablespoon or two of water and continue to stir-fry.

Combining and Finishing the Stir-Fry:

1. Add the cooked ground beef back to the skillet with the cabbage. Stir to combine. Make sure the beef is evenly distributed throughout the cabbage.
2. Pour the sauce over the ground beef and cabbage. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the sauce. The sauce should thicken slightly as it cooks.
3. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the stir-fry is heated through. Stir constantly to prevent sticking. The stir-fry should be bubbling slightly and the sauce should be clinging to the beef and cabbage.
4. Taste the stir-fry and adjust the seasonings as needed. If it needs more salt, add a pinch of salt. If it needs more sweetness, add a little more sugar. If it needs more tang, add a little more rice vinegar.

Serving:

1. Serve the ground beef cabbage stir-fry hot. You can serve it as is, or you can serve it over rice or noodles. White rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice would all be great options. For noodles, try using ramen noodles, udon noodles, or soba noodles.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, if desired. These toppings add a nice visual appeal and a little extra flavor. Other optional toppings include chopped peanuts, sriracha sauce, or a fried egg.

Tips and Variations:

• Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the stir-fry, such as carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli. Just add them to the skillet along with the cabbage and stir-fry until they are tender-crisp.
• Use different protein: If you don’t have ground beef, you can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even tofu. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Make it vegetarian: To make this stir-fry vegetarian, omit the ground beef and add extra vegetables or tofu. You can also use a vegetarian oyster sauce for added flavor.
• Adjust the spice level: If you don’t like spicy food, omit the red pepper flakes. If you like it spicier, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce.
• Add a thickening agent: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a cornstarch slurry to the stir-fry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and whisk until smooth. Add the slurry to the stir-fry during the last minute of cooking and stir until the sauce thickens.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is great for meal prepping. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Conclusion:

This Ground Beef Cabbage Stir Fry isn’t just another weeknight meal; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to try it! The savory ground beef, the slightly sweet and tender cabbage, and that umami-rich sauce all come together in perfect harmony. It’s quick, it’s easy, it’s packed with nutrients, and most importantly, it’s incredibly delicious. What more could you ask for? I know, I know, you might be thinking, “Cabbage? Really?” But believe me, this isn’t your grandma’s boiled cabbage. The stir-fry method transforms the humble cabbage into something truly special, giving it a delightful texture and allowing it to soak up all the wonderful flavors of the sauce. It’s a game-changer! And the best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Want to make it even healthier? Throw in some extra veggies like sliced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even some broccoli florets. The possibilities are endless! For serving suggestions, I personally love to enjoy this Ground Beef Cabbage Stir Fry over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice for a healthier option. Quinoa also works beautifully! If you’re watching your carbs, you can even serve it on its own or with a side of cauliflower rice. Another fantastic option is to wrap it in lettuce cups for a light and refreshing meal. Top it with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and some chopped green onions for an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal. But don’t just take my word for it. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try. I’m confident that you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much you love it. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something quick, healthy, and satisfying. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover ground beef or cabbage you might have in your fridge. Once you’ve made it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? Did you add any extra ingredients? What did you serve it with? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below! I’m always eager to learn from your culinary adventures and see how you’ve made this recipe your own. Cooking is all about sharing and inspiring each other, so let’s create a community of cabbage stir-fry enthusiasts! So, what are you waiting for? Head to your kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to whip up a batch of this amazing Ground Beef Cabbage Stir Fry. I promise you won’t regret it! Happy cooking!

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