This Healthy Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry is a quick and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Made with lean ground beef, crunchy cabbage, and a delicious umami-packed sauce, this dish is not only high in protein but also low in carbs, making it great for quick high-protein meals. Whether you’re looking for healthy recipes, simple high-protein meals, or a quick and easy dinner recipe with ground beef, this stir-fry is a must-try!
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)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1–2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh cilantro or green onions, for garnish (optional)
Prepare the Ingredients:
Thinly slice the cabbage and chop the onion, garlic, and ginger. In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), sesame oil, vinegar, and honey/maple syrup.
Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Season with salt and pepper. Add garlic, ginger, and onion, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Add the Cabbage and Sauces:
Add the cabbage to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the cabbage softens but still has a slight crunch. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss to coat. Add red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 2-3 more minutes.
Serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced green onions. Serve as is or with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
For a gluten-free version, use Tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
You can adjust the level of heat by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes.
For extra flavor, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving