Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry

When it comes to quick, easy, and healthy meals, few dishes check all the boxes quite like Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry. This one-pan wonder is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep Sundays, or whenever you crave something hearty and flavorful with a hint of spice and crunch. Best of all, it’s budget-friendly, customizable, and packed with protein and veggies.

In this article, you’ll learn how to make the ultimate Asian ground beef and cabbage stir fry with step-by-step instructions, a list of precise ingredients, expert tips, and exciting variations. We’ll also cover how to store leftovers and the best ways to serve this dish. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: Ready in under 30 minutes
Easy: Made in one skillet
Nutritious: Packed with lean protein and fiber
Customizable: Great base for variations
Delicious: Savory, slightly sweet, and a little spicy

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a guaranteed hit.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

Here’s everything you’ll need for this stir fry. You can find most of these ingredients in a standard grocery store or Asian market.

For the Stir Fry:

1 pound (450g) ground beef (preferably lean, 85% or higher)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced (about half a medium head)
1 medium carrot, julienned or shredded
4 green onions, chopped (white and green parts separated)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon cooking oil (like vegetable or avocado oil)

For the Sauce:

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon honey or brown sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
1 teaspoon cornstarch (to slightly thicken the sauce)
2 tablespoons water

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just note that it has a milder flavor, so you might want to add a little extra soy sauce, garlic, or seasoning to enhance the taste.

2. Can I make this stir fry vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian or vegan. Replace the ground beef with crumbled tofu, tempeh, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Also, use a vegan hoisin sauce and skip the honey or use maple syrup instead.

3. How do I keep the cabbage from getting soggy?

To keep your cabbage crisp, cook it over high heat and avoid over-stirring. Stir fry just until it’s tender-crisp, usually around 4–6 minutes. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the veggies to steam instead of fry.

4. Can I use purple (red) cabbage instead of green cabbage?

Yes! Red or purple cabbage works well and adds a pop of color. It’s slightly more peppery in flavor and holds up nicely in stir-fries.

5. Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be! To make this stir fry gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and make sure your hoisin sauce is gluten-free as well. Always double-check the labels.

6. Can I make this ahead of time for meal prep?

Definitely. This stir fry holds up great in the fridge and makes an excellent meal prep option. Store it in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth.

7. What can I serve with Asian ground beef and cabbage stir fry?

This dish pairs well with:

Steamed rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option
Noodles (like rice noodles or soba)
Lettuce wraps for a light, crunchy twist

8. Is this dish spicy?

It has a mild kick from the sriracha and red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the spice level to your liking. Add more heat for a bolder flavor, or skip the spicy ingredients for a kid-friendly version.

9. Can I freeze this stir fry?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove for best texture.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

To take your stir fry from good to great, keep these tips in mind:

1. Use High Heat

Stir frying is all about cooking quickly on high heat. This helps caramelize the beef and keeps the veggies crisp.

2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

If you double the recipe or use too many vegetables, the pan may steam rather than stir fry. Use a wide skillet or work in batches if necessary.

3. Taste and Adjust

Before serving, taste the stir fry and adjust the seasoning:

Need more salt? Add a splash of soy sauce.
Want more heat? Drizzle more sriracha or chili flakes.
Prefer it sweeter? Add a touch more honey or hoisin.

4. Go Fresh with Garlic and Ginger

Fresh garlic and ginger provide much better flavor than powders. Don’t skip them!

Variations and Add-Ins

Once you’ve mastered the basic version, try these delicious twists to mix things up:

1. Protein Swaps

Ground turkey or chicken: A lighter option with less fat.
Tofu or tempeh: For a vegetarian version (press tofu first to remove water).
Shrimp: Add peeled and deveined shrimp during the last 3–4 minutes of cooking.

2. Veggie Upgrades

Add more color and nutrition with these vegetables:

Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
Mushrooms (shiitake or cremini)
Snow peas or snap peas
Baby spinach or kale (add at the end to wilt)

3. Low-Carb Version

Skip the hoisin sauce and sweetener, reduce the soy sauce, and serve it over cauliflower rice.

4. Noodle or Rice Add-On

Serve over cooked rice (white, brown, jasmine) or toss with:

Rice noodles
Udon noodles
Soba noodles

Cook the noodles separately and stir them in with the sauce.

Storage and Meal Prep

This stir fry stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.

How to Store:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months.

How to Reheat:

Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.

Avoid overcooking during reheating to maintain the texture of the cabbage.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create a delicious stir fry from scratch:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you turn on the stove, prep everything:

Slice the cabbage and carrots.
Chop the green onions.
Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until smooth.

Having everything ready will make the cooking process smoother and faster.

2. Cook the Ground Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if needed.

3. Add Aromatics

Reduce heat slightly. Add the white parts of the green onions, garlic, and ginger to the beef. Stir and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Stir-Fry the Veggies

Push the beef to one side of the pan. Add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil to the empty side. Add the cabbage and carrots. Cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring frequently, until vegetables are tender but still crisp. You want them to retain a bit of their crunch for texture.

5. Combine and Add Sauce

Mix the beef and vegetables together. Pour the sauce over the mixture and stir well to coat evenly. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and soak into the ingredients.

6. Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat. Sprinkle the green parts of the onions over the stir fry. Give everything one last toss.

Serving Suggestions

Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry is wonderfully versatile. Here are a few ideas to round out your meal:

1. Serve with Rice or Grains

Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
Brown rice for a nutty flavor
Quinoa for extra protein

2. Wrap It Up

Scoop the stir fry into lettuce wraps or rice paper rolls for a fresh, handheld option.

3. Add a Fried Egg

Top with a runny fried or poached egg to add richness and flavor.

4. Pair with a Side

Miso soup or egg drop soup
Pickled vegetables or kimchi
A crisp cucumber salad with rice vinegar

These sides add freshness and contrast beautifully with the rich stir fry.

Make It a Weekly Staple

This Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry isn’t just another weeknight dinner—it’s a flexible, flavor-packed recipe that fits almost any lifestyle. Whether you’re keto, low-carb, gluten-free, or just looking to eat more vegetables, this dish can easily adapt.

Let’s face it: we all need more go-to meals that are quick, satisfying, and don’t leave us with a pile of dishes. This stir fry delivers on all fronts. With a balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet notes, plus the satisfying crunch of cabbage and carrots, it’s a crowd-pleaser from the very first bite.

Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry proves that fast food doesn’t have to mean unhealthy or boring. With a few fresh ingredients and a skillet, you can create a wholesome, satisfying meal that bursts with flavor. The combination of tender beef, crisp veggies, and a tangy-sweet sauce comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.

And let’s not forget: this dish is endlessly customizable. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different proteins, sauces, or vegetable combinations. Once you master the basic method, you’ll always have a quick, healthy, and delicious meal in your back pocket.

So grab that skillet, slice up some cabbage, and give this stir fry a go—you might just find it becomes your new weeknight favorite.