Easy Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

Looking for a hearty, nutritious meal that won't break the bank or take forever to make? Look no further than ground beef and cabbage stir fry! Packed with lean protein and an array of colorful veggies, this dish is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Not only is it quick and easy to whip up, but it's also incredibly versatile.

In this guide, I'll walk you through crafting a delicious cabbage and ground beef stir fry recipe. From the essential ingredients to a step-by-step cooking process, along with some handy tips, you'll soon master the art of creating a flavorful cabbage dish that's both satisfying and tasty.

Whether you're cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this cabbage and ground beef stir fry is bound to satisfy your cravings for something delicious and nutritious. Serve it with white rice or brown rice for a filling meal, or opt for lettuce if you're watching your carb intake.

This recipe draws inspiration from my popular Vietnamese caramelized pork, as well as stir-fry pork tenderloin and minced pork noodles. Give it a try tonight and discover a new favorite recipe that's as easy on your wallet as it is on your taste buds! Let's dive in!

Jump to:

• Ingredients:
• How to Make Cabbage and Ground Beef Stir Fry:
• Variations and Substitutions:
• Tips:
• Storage:
• Reheating:
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

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Ingredients:

Here's what you need to make cabbage ground beef stir fry:

1. Lean ground beef: This provides the protein in the dish, helping to keep you full and satisfied.
2. Fresh green cabbage: Cabbage adds a crunchy texture and mild flavor to the stir fry, as well as essential vitamins and minerals.
3. Shredded carrots: Carrots add a pop of color and sweetness to the dish, along with additional vitamins and fiber.
4. Green onion: Green onion, also known as scallions, adds a fresh and slightly pungent flavor to the stir fry. It's often used as a garnish to enhance the visual appeal of the dish and provide a pop of color
5. Garlic: Garlic brings a rich, savory flavor to the stir fry and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
6. Ginger: Ginger adds a warm and slightly spicy flavor, as well as a subtle aroma, to the stir fry.
7. Neutral oil: This is used for cooking the ingredients and helps to prevent sticking to the pan.
8. Homemade Stir Fry Sauce ingredients: The sauce is made of low-sodium soy sauce, oyster sauce, sriracha, brown sugar, and sesame oil.

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How to Make Cabbage and Ground Beef Stir Fry:

Here's a step-by-step guide to stir-frying cabbage with ground beef:

Step 1: Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce

Start by mixing together soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and sriracha in a small bowl.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a skillet heated over medium-high heat, add a bit of oil. Add the ground beef and cook until it's nicely browned. Tilt the pan to drain any excess liquid using clean paper towels.

Step 3: Cook the Aromatics and Season the Ground Beef

Once the beef is drained, push it to one side of the skillet. Add a bit more oil to the empty side and cook garlic, ginger, and green onion for a few seconds. Then, mix the ground beef with the aromatics. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and half of the prepared stir fry sauce.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

Next, add the green cabbage, shredded carrots, and the remaining stir fry sauce to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly wilted. Enjoy your flavorful cabbage and ground beef stir fry!

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Variations and Substitutions:

Whether you're looking to switch up the protein, add more veggies, or adjust the sauce to your liking, these versatile options will help you customize your dish to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few suggestions for you to try:

1. Protein Choices: Instead of ground beef, try using ground turkey, chicken, pork, or tofu for a different flavor and texture.
2. Vegetable Varieties: Mix up the vegetables by adding bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or mushrooms for added color, flavor, and nutrition.
3. Sauce Adjustments: Customize the stir fry sauce by adjusting the quantities of soy sauce, oyster sauce, brown sugar, sriracha, and sesame oil to suit your taste preferences.
4. Spiciness Level: Increase or decrease the amount of sriracha to control the spiciness of the dish according to your preference. You can substitute sriracha with garlic chili sauce if preferred.
5. Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
6. Vegetarian/Vegan Option: Replace ground beef with mushrooms or tofu and use tamari or soy sauce instead of oyster sauce to create a plant-based version of the stir fry.
7. Low-Carb Option: Serve the stir fry over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of rice to reduce the carb content.
8. Garnish Ideas: Add extra flavor and freshness by garnishing the stir fry with chopped cilantro, toasted sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
9. Asian-Inspired Flavors: Enhance the dish with additional Asian-inspired ingredients such as fish sauce, hoisin sauce, or rice vinegar for a more complex flavor profile.
10. Fusion Twist: Experiment with fusion flavors by adding ingredients like pineapple chunks, cashews, or coconut milk for a unique and delicious twist on the classic stir fry.

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Tips:

Here are some tips to help you make the perfect cabbage and ground beef stir fry:

• Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to keep the dish healthier and reduce excess grease.
• Preheat Your Pan: Make sure your skillet or wok is nice and hot before adding the ingredients. This will help you achieve a good sear on the beef and prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.
• Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Choosing the right size of pan is crucial for a successful stir fry. Make sure your pan is large enough to comfortably hold all the ingredients without overcrowding. Overcrowding the pan can lead to a watery stir fry as the ingredients release moisture during cooking. Using a spacious pan allows for proper heat distribution and ensures that each ingredient cooks evenly, resulting in a flavorful and well-textured dish.
• Drain Excess Fat/Liquid: After browning the ground beef, tilt the pan and drain any excess fat using clean paper towels. This helps reduce the overall grease in the dish.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the stir fry sauce before adding it to the dish and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness, brown sugar for sweetness, or sriracha for spiciness.
• Stir Fry Quickly: Stir fry the vegetables over high heat for a short amount of time to retain their crispness and vibrant color. Overcooking can result in mushy cabbage and carrots.

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Storage:

To store leftover cabbage and ground beef stir fry, follow these simple steps:

1. Allow the stir fry to cool completely at room temperature before storing.
2. Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
3. Place the container in the refrigerator and ensure it is tightly sealed to prevent any odors from escaping.
4. Leftovers can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or up to 2 months in the freezer.

For additional food safety guidance, please visit this website.

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Reheating:

When ready to reheat, simply remove the container from the refrigerator and reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Enjoy your delicious stir fry as a quick and convenient meal!

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Check Out More Stir Fry Recipes:

1. Southern Fried Cabbage with Bacon and Onions
2. Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
3. Pork Stir Fry with Green Beans
4. Chinese Tomato Egg Stir Fry
5. Bean Sprout Stir Fry with Tofu

I hope you'll enjoy this recipe and share it with friends! If you try it and don’t mind, please leave me a comment and/or give this recipe a rating. Be sure to subscribe to receive weekly recipes and follow me on Pinterest.

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