This tasty dish features ground beef cooked with crisp and flavorful cabbage. It’s low-carb and simple, making it a satisfying meal for anyone watching their carbs.
I love how quick this recipe is! Just brown the beef, toss in the cabbage, and stir in some yummy sauces. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a meal fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option. If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or chicken can work well too. For a plant-based option, try using crumbled tempeh or mushrooms.
Cabbage: Green cabbage gives this dish a nice crunch, but you can substitute it with bok choy, napa cabbage, or even kale if you prefer. Just adjust cooking time accordingly as some greens cook faster.
Soy Sauce: A key flavor in the dish! For a gluten-free option, use tamari. Coconut aminos is another excellent alternative with a slightly sweeter flavor that fits well in low-carb diets.
Brown Sugar Substitute: I like using erythritol or monk fruit sweetener for a low-carb option. If you don’t have these, a little honey can work, but it does add carbs—just use it sparingly!
How Do I Cook the Cabbage Perfectly?
If you’ve struggled with cooking cabbage without it becoming mushy, here’s the trick: Add the cabbage after the beef and sauce have simmered for a bit. This allows the cabbage to absorb flavor while keeping its crunch.
- Keep the heat at medium-high when you add the cabbage.
- Stir occasionally and cook for just 4-5 minutes—this is enough for it to become tender but remain crispy.
- Avoid overcooking. Cabbage should still have a slight bite to it!
With these tips, your Mongolian ground beef with cabbage will be a hit!
Easy Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef with Cabbage
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Protein:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- Vegetables:
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar substitute (such as erythritol or monk fruit sweetener)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1-2 teaspoons chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- Cooking Oil:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable or avocado oil (for cooking)
- To Taste:
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 15 minutes to cook, making a total of about 25 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that fits perfectly into your low-carb lifestyle!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Skillet:
Start by heating the vegetable or avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This will create a great base for cooking the beef and flavors to come.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Keep cooking until it’s browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Season it lightly with salt and pepper during cooking.
3. Add Garlic and Ginger:
Stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Cook them together with the beef for about 1-2 minutes. Let the fragrant aroma fill your kitchen—it’ll smell amazing!
4. Mix in the Sauce:
Pour in the soy sauce, water, and brown sugar substitute. Stir everything together well, allowing the mixture to simmer for just 1-2 minutes to combine the flavors.
5. Combine with Cabbage:
Add the sliced cabbage into the skillet. Stir it well to coat with all that delicious sauce. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage has softened but still holds a bit of crunch. Remember, a little crunch is the secret to great texture!
6. Finish with Sesame Oil & Spices:
Now add the sesame oil and chili flakes (if you like some heat). Give it a final stir, and taste it to adjust salt and pepper as needed.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove your skillet from the heat. Top your dish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an extra touch. Serve it warm as a fabulous low-carb main dish!
Enjoy your flavorful, healthy, and easy Mongolian ground beef stir-fry with cabbage!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for ground beef, giving the dish a lighter flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as these meats may cook a little faster than beef.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
This recipe is already dairy-free! All the ingredients used are naturally free from dairy. Just be sure to check your soy sauce and any sweeteners to ensure they fit your dietary needs.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes! You can cook the dish, let it cool, and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add to This Recipe?
You can definitely mix in other vegetables! Bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli are great options. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them when you stir in the cabbage, adjusting cooking time as necessary based on how long those veggies take to soften.
