Tasty Asian Stir Fry

I whipped up this ground beef and cabbage stir fry with Asian flavors when I needed something fast that wouldn't create tons of dirty dishes, and it was such a success that even my fussy teen asked for more! The mix of rich beef with slightly sweet cabbage makes the ultimate comfort food that feels filling yet not heavy.

My guy, who usually avoids anything labeled "healthy," didn't even realize this followed Whole30 guidelines until I mentioned it after he'd finished everything on his plate!

What You'll Need

• Ground beef: Don't go too lean or you'll miss out on flavor. The 80/20 mix is just right for this dish.
• Cabbage: Plain green cabbage works great, though Napa cabbage can give you a different, equally nice texture.
• Coconut aminos: This stands in for soy sauce and brings amazing taste without using soy. It's got a touch of sweetness that fits perfectly here.
• Fresh ginger and garlic: The real deal matters here - powder versions just won't give you that authentic Asian flavor punch.
• Sesame oil: A small splash adds that nutty flavor that makes everything taste like it came from your favorite restaurant.
• Red pepper flakes: Add more or less depending on how spicy you like things. I cut the amount in half when my kids are eating.

Pin it

How I Make It

Sauce First

I always get the sauce mixed up and ready before anything else. This keeps things moving quickly once I start the actual cooking part.

Smart Browning

I let the beef sit without touching it for a couple minutes before breaking it apart. This creates some tasty brown bits that add extra flavor.

Veggie Technique

I put the cabbage in gradually instead of all at once. This keeps the pan hot enough for proper stir-frying instead of just steaming everything.

Final Flavor Boost

Just before I serve, I give it a taste and add salt if needed. Sometimes I'll throw in another dash of coconut aminos if it needs more depth.

I came up with this meal totally by accident when I found half a cabbage about to go bad in my fridge and ground beef was my only thawed protein. What started as a desperate dinner solution has turned into one of our favorite quick meals!

Serving Ideas

We love this on plain white rice for an easy dinner, but I often use cauliflower rice when I want to cut carbs. To make it even heartier, I'll top it with a fried egg - the runny yolk mixes in to create an amazing sauce. For packed lunches, I divide it into containers with rice for quick grab-and-go meals.

Make It Your Own

Toss in some water chestnuts if you want extra crunch. Add mushrooms for more savory flavor. If you're not doing paleo, a little hoisin sauce drizzled on at the end tastes amazing. For more color and nutrients, throw in a handful of frozen peas during the final minute of cooking.

Storage Smarts

This dish stays good in the fridge for 3-4 days, and it actually tastes better the next day as flavors blend together. I find it tastes best when reheated in a pan rather than the microwave, which can make the cabbage mushy. For longer storage, cool it down completely, then portion into freezer bags for up to a month.

Pin it

Clever Shortcuts

• Cut the cabbage really thin so it cooks faster and has better texture
• Use a microplane for grating ginger - you don't even need to peel it first
• When prepping meals ahead, keep the stir fry away from rice or noodles to avoid sogginess

This dish has totally changed how I feel about cabbage. What used to be something I'd reluctantly use in coleslaw is now an ingredient I actually put on my shopping list. The way it soaks up all the sauce flavors while staying a bit crisp makes it work perfectly with ground beef in this quick, satisfying meal!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What can I pair this with?

If you're doing paleo or Whole30, cauliflower rice is a great choice. Otherwise, regular rice, brown rice, or noodles make excellent accompaniments.

→ What is coconut aminos, and what can I swap for it?

Coconut aminos is a soy-free, slightly sweet sauce. Not on paleo or Whole30? Swap with soy sauce or tamari (use less since it’s saltier).

→ Can another meat work for this dish?

For sure! Ground turkey, pork, or chicken will taste great here, or try thin slices of beef steak if you prefer.

→ Any tips for meal prepping this dish?

Cool the dish completely, then pack it into containers with a base like rice or cauliflower rice. Refrigerate for up to four days and reheat for two minutes in a microwave.

→ How do I add extra heat?

Toss in more red pepper flakes while cooking, or stir in some sriracha (if not Whole30) or compliant hot sauce before serving.