Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
- 1 medium head of cabbage, thinly sliced (or 6–8 cups shredded cabbage)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated or finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or Tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional for extra umami)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for stir-frying)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef provides a rich source of protein and iron, helping to make this dish filling and satisfying. You can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
- Cabbage: A low-calorie, high-fiber vegetable that adds a refreshing crunch to the stir-fry while boosting the dish’s overall nutritional value.
- Soy Sauce: Adds the perfect salty, savory flavor to the dish. Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.
- Sesame Oil: A key ingredient that imparts a distinct, nutty flavor, making this stir-fry even more aromatic and delicious.
- Oyster Sauce: While optional, oyster sauce provides a rich depth of flavor to the stir-fry, enhancing the umami notes and bringing the dish together. Be sure to check for Halal-certified oyster sauce if required.
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Chop the Vegetables: Begin by thinly slicing the cabbage and chopping the onion, garlic, and ginger. Having all the ingredients prepped and ready to go will make the stir-frying process much quicker.
- Measure the Sauces: In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, vinegar, and honey/maple syrup. Set aside for later use.
Cook the Ground Beef:
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
- Season the Beef: Once the beef is browned, season it with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped onion. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic and ginger become aromatic.
Add the Cabbage and Sauces:
- Add the Cabbage: Toss the sliced cabbage into the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir everything together to combine.
- Stir-Fry: Continue cooking the mixture over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage wilts down and becomes tender but still retains some crunch.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the beef and cabbage, then toss to coat everything evenly. Add the crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat, and cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve the Stir-Fry:
- Garnish and Serve: Once everything is cooked and well combined, taste for seasoning and adjust if needed. Garnish the stir-fry with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions, if desired.
- Enjoy: Serve the stir-fry as is, or pair it with a side of cauliflower rice or steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g