This hearty dish combines tender ground beef and crisp cabbage for a yummy, low-carb meal. It’s quick to make and packed with flavor!
I love how this meal comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for busy nights when I want something delicious without a lot of fuss. Plus, the leftovers are always a treat! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using 80/20 ground beef for the right balance of flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works too, but they may need extra seasoning.
Cabbage: Green cabbage is what brings that crunch, but feel free to swap in Napa cabbage or even bok choy for a different flavor and texture.
Soy Sauce: For a gluten-free alternative, use tamari. Or, you can try coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter taste that’s lower in sodium.
Brown Sugar Substitute: I suggest erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, but if you’re not worried about carbs, regular brown sugar is fine too. Just adjust to taste since real sugar is sweeter.
How Do I Cook Cabbage So It Stays Crisp?
Cooking cabbage just right is key to this dish. You want it tender yet still crisp. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by adding the cabbage once your beef is well seasoned and cooked.
- Stir frequently while cooking over medium heat to keep it from wilting too much.
- Cook just until it’s tender, around 5-7 minutes, for that perfect bite.
This technique helps maintain crunchiness while also letting the flavors meld together. It’s easy and rewarding! Enjoy your meal! 🌱
Easy Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef & Cabbage
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar substitute (like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp chili flakes (optional, for some heat)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp avocado or olive oil (for cooking)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, totaling around 25 minutes. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil
Start by heating the avocado or olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s nice and hot before adding the beef for an even cook!
2. Cook the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it into crumbles. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor!
3. Add Garlic and Ginger
Once the beef is cooked, stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, filling your kitchen with a wonderful aroma!
4. Mix in Sauces
Pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar substitute, and sesame oil. Stir everything together well so the beef is coated in that flavorful sauce.
5. Incorporate the Cabbage
Toss in the sliced cabbage next. Cook it all together for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. You want the cabbage to be tender but still have a bit of crunch—just perfect!
6. Optional Spice & Taste
If you’d like a little kick, sprinkle in the chili flakes and stir thoroughly. Taste your dish—feel free to add more soy sauce, salt, or pepper as desired!
7. Garnish & Serve
Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish your delicious beef and cabbage with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if you like. Serve hot and enjoy this satisfying low-carb meal!
Enjoy your flavorful and easy Mongolian-style ground beef with cabbage!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. Just be aware that leaner meats may require additional seasoning to maintain flavor.
What Can I Substitute for Soy Sauce?
If you’re looking for a soy sauce alternative, tamari works well for a gluten-free option. You can also use coconut aminos, which is slightly sweeter and lower in sodium.
Can I Prep This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the ground beef and cabbage mixture ahead of time, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat it in a skillet until warmed through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
