Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
4 cups green cabbage, shredded
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (such as canola or sunflower)
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preparation: Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef to the pan. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to break the beef apart into smaller pieces as it browns. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes, or until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat from the pan to keep the dish light and not greasy.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and minced ginger directly to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the onion to become translucent and the garlic and ginger to become fragrant. This step is crucial—it forms the flavor base of the stir fry.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage

Now it’s time to toss in the shredded cabbage. Stir everything well to ensure the cabbage is evenly distributed and coated in the beef and aromatics. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. You want the cabbage to be tender but still retain a slight crunch—it adds great texture to the dish.

Step 4: Season the Stir Fry

Pour in the soy sauce and sesame oil, and if you’re a fan of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly so the flavors are well combined. Let the stir fry cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to coat everything and infuse the ingredients. Add salt and pepper to taste, but go easy—soy sauce is already salty.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Remove the skillet from heat. Top the stir fry with freshly chopped green onions for a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. Serve hot, straight from the pan, or over rice or noodles if you prefer a more filling meal.

Notes

COOKING Note:

Stir fries are all about timing and temperature. Keep your heat at medium-high and stir continuously to prevent anything from burning. Prep all your ingredients before turning on the stove, as the cooking process is fast-paced and doesn’t allow for multitasking. Use a large skillet or wok so everything can move around freely and cook evenly without steaming.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 720mg (can be reduced with low-sodium soy sauce)
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 22g