Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
Ready to whip up something irresistibly tasty and comforting? This Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe brings weeknight magic to your table in just 25 minutes. Imagine crisp-tender cabbage, juicy ground beef, and the zing of ginger and garlic all tossed in a deeply savory sauce. It’s a meal you’ll crave again and again, perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends—flavorful, filling, and gloriously simple to pull together.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe lies in its simple ingredients—each adds something special, coming together for a dish that turns everyday basics into something extraordinary. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Ground Beef: Provides hearty, savory richness and the perfect bite-sized texture for stir fry.
- Vegetable Oil: Just a tablespoon helps sear everything to golden perfection without overpowering the flavors.
- Onion (diced): Adds sweet depth and a soft crunch as it cooks down with the beef.
- Garlic (minced): Brings a bold, aromatic kick that’s essential in Asian-style dishes.
- Fresh Ginger (grated): Offers bright, zingy warmth—don’t skip it for that classic stir fry flavor.
- Green Cabbage (thinly sliced): The star veggie—mild, crunchy, and soaking up all the savory sauce.
- Carrot (julienned): Offers delicate sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: Gives depth and umami without overwhelming saltiness—choose low-sodium if possible.
- Hoisin Sauce: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity you’ll love in every bite.
- Rice Vinegar: Balances the richness with gentle tang and brightness.
- Sesame Oil: A finishing drizzle delivers nutty, toasty aroma classic to Asian cuisine.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who love a little heat—adjust or omit as you like.
- Green Onions (sliced): Sprinkle on for fresh crunch and color right before serving.
- Sesame Seeds (toasted): These tiny beauties provide an irresistible crunch and lovely finish.
- Steamed Rice: The perfect partner to soak up that luscious stir fry sauce and complete the meal.
How to Make Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, breaking it apart with your spatula so it browns evenly. Once you see those deeply caramelized bits, drain off any excess fat. This simple step is the flavor foundation of your Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe.
Step 2: Sauté Flavor Makers
Stir in the onion, garlic, and fresh ginger. Let them sizzle for 2 to 3 minutes until your kitchen is filled with that mouthwatering aroma—this trio brings wonderful depth, warmth, and a savory base that sets the stage for everything else.
Step 3: Toss in Veggies
Add the sliced cabbage and julienned carrot, stirring well to combine with the beef mixture. Cook for another 5 to 6 minutes; you want your veggies to be crisp-tender and brimming with color, not limp. The cabbage soaks up all those flavorful bits and becomes perfectly coated through the stir fry process.
Step 4: Make & Add the Sauce
Quickly whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if you want a touch of heat. Pour this beautiful blend over your skillet and give it a good toss to coat everything evenly. Let it cook for two more minutes so the sauce can soak into every bite.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle on your green onions and toasted sesame seeds for extra freshness and crunch. Serve your Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe piled high over steamed rice while it’s hot and inviting.
How to Serve Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

Garnishes
Elevate each bowl with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds for that irresistible crunch and pop of color. If you’re feeling fancy, add a few extra red pepper flakes or even a tiny drizzle of extra sesame oil for a finishing flourish that smells absolutely divine.
Side Dishes
This stir fry shines when served over fluffy steamed rice, but you can also try it with cauliflower rice for a lighter meal, or soba noodles for an extra twist. Want more veggies? Lightly steamed broccoli or blistered green beans make great companions without stealing the show.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun family-style dinner, spoon the stir fry onto a big platter and let everyone build their own bowls. Or, serve it in lettuce cups for a fresh, hand-held option—crisp Romaine or butter lettuce are perfect. For gatherings, top with a tangle of microgreens or even a handful of chopped roasted peanuts for extra crunch and visual drama.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Tuck any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Your Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe keeps beautifully for up to three days, making it perfect for lunches or quick dinners—just keep the garnishes fresh for serving time.
Freezing
If meal prepping, portion the cooled stir fry into freezer-safe bags or containers (leaving off the garnishes until serving). It’ll stay tasty in the freezer for up to two months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce and keep everything moist. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works too—just cover to prevent splatters and stir once or twice for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or pork are all delicious substitutes for beef in this Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe. Feel free to pick what you have on hand or your favorite protein—just follow the same instructions.
Is this dish spicy?
As written, it’s only mildly spicy thanks to the optional red pepper flakes. If you like it with more kick, add extra flakes or a squeeze of sriracha. To keep it completely mild, simply omit any spicy elements.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap out the regular soy sauce for a gluten-free variety or tamari, and double-check your hoisin sauce for gluten content—many brands now offer gluten-free options. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
What’s the best way to slice cabbage for this recipe?
Cut the cabbage in half lengthwise, then remove the core. Lay the halves flat and slice them crosswise into thin shreds. Aim for about 1/4-inch thick slices for the ideal stir fry texture—they’ll cook quickly and soak up plenty of sauce.
How can I make this a lower-carb meal?
For a lower-carb version of the Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe, serve it over cauliflower rice or simply enjoy on its own—the bold flavors and crisp veggies are completely satisfying even without the traditional rice.
Final Thoughts
If you’re longing for something quick, comforting, and seriously packed with flavor, you simply can’t go wrong with the Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe. It’s endlessly adaptable, fuss-free, and bound to become a regular favorite at your table. Give it a try and see why it wins rave reviews every single time!
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Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Asian Ground Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. With the bold flavors of soy sauce, hoisin, and sesame oil, this stir fry is a satisfying and delicious meal served over steamed rice.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Stir Fry:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Vegetable Mix:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/2 head green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
- 1 large carrot, julienned
Sauce and Garnish:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
Serving:
- Steamed rice for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok. Cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook until fragrant.
- Cook Vegetables: Add cabbage and carrot, cook until tender-crisp.
- Make the Sauce: Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes if using. Pour over the beef and vegetables.
- Finish and Serve: Cook for 2 minutes, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over steamed rice.
Notes
- For a lower-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice.
- Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork for beef.
- Adjust spice levels to taste with sriracha or red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-Fry, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (without rice)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg