Low Carb Mongolian Ground Beef Cabbage Recipe
Low Carb Mongolian Ground Beef Cabbage Recipe
This Low Carb Mongolian Ground Beef Cabbage recipe delivers a quick, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Combining lean ground beef with the crunch of cabbage and a rich sauce, it’s both hearty and healthy, making it a great choice for those looking to reduce their carb intake without sacrificing flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Mongolian Ground Beef Cabbage Recipe
This dish is not just low in carbs; it is packed with protein and nutrients. The savory and slightly spicy flavors of the Mongolian sauce blend perfectly with the tender cabbage, making each bite satisfying and delicious. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup. Quick to prepare, you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. Whether you are following a low-carb diet or just looking for a healthy meal, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
How to Make Low Carb Mongolian Ground Beef Cabbage
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or other high smoke point oil)
- 1/2 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or low-sodium tamari/coconut aminos)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare Ingredients:
- Mince the garlic, finely dice the onion, measure out the ground ginger, shred the green cabbage, and thinly slice the green onions. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos), sesame oil, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set the sauce aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef to the hot pan. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until thoroughly browned and no pink remains, about 6-8 minutes. If there’s excessive rendered fat, carefully drain it off, leaving a small amount in the pan for flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Add the finely diced onion to the pan with the browned beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion begins to soften and become translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and ground ginger, stirring for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Stir the aromatics thoroughly into the ground beef.
- Add Sauce and Simmer:
- Pour the prepared sauce mixture directly over the beef and aromatics in the pan. Stir everything together well. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen slightly.
- Sauté the Cabbage:
- While the beef mixture is simmering, heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a separate large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shredded green cabbage to the hot pan. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Sauté, tossing frequently, for 5-8 minutes or until the cabbage is tender-crisp, still retaining a slight bite.
- Combine and Serve:
- Once the cabbage reaches your desired tenderness, add the ground beef mixture back into the pan with the cabbage. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to combine, ensuring the cabbage is coated in the delicious sauce. Serve immediately, garnished generously with thinly sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
How to Serve Low Carb Mongolian Ground Beef Cabbage
This dish is versatile and can be served on its own or with a side of steamed vegetables. You can also use it as a filling for lettuce wraps for a delightful handheld meal. For those who enjoy a touch of crunch, serve it with some sliced radishes or pickled cucumbers on the side. Pair it with a refreshing sparkling beverage to balance the flavors, and you have a complete meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
How to Store Low Carb Mongolian Ground Beef Cabbage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat, or you can microwave it in short intervals until heated through. If you plan to freeze it, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.
Tips to Make Low Carb Mongolian Ground Beef Cabbage Perfect
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The flavors in this dish shine when you use fresh garlic, ginger, and cabbage. Fresh ingredients enhance the overall taste.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some chopped chili peppers.
- Customize the Sauce: Feel free to tweak the sauce ingredients according to your taste. A splash of lime juice can add a refreshing tang.
- Cooking Time for Cabbage: If you like your cabbage softer, simply sauté it for a few more minutes.
Flavor Variations
You can add protein variety to this dish by substituting ground beef with:
- Ground turkey for a leaner option
- Ground chicken for a lighter flavor
- A mix of ground meats for added depth
Additionally, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, shredded carrots, or snap peas for extra color and nutrition. You can also experiment with a splash of chili garlic sauce for an added kick.
Pro Tips for Success
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the beef to get a good brown sear.
- If you anticipate leftovers, slightly undercook the cabbage for better texture when reheating.
- Toss the green onions and sesame seeds on just before serving to keep them fresh and vibrant.
FAQs About Low Carb Mongolian Ground Beef Cabbage
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use turkey, chicken as substitutes for ground beef. Each option will give the dish a different flavor, so choose according to your preference.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Store it in individual portions for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, this recipe is already dairy-free. Just ensure that the soy sauce or tamari you are using is also free from any dairy ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Low Carb Mongolian Ground Beef Cabbage recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor. It’s an excellent option for anyone looking to enjoy a healthy, low-carb dinner. Enjoy the combination of crunchy cabbage and savory beef, feeling great that you made a nutritious choice for your family. Give it a try tonight, and watch it become a repeat dish in your household!
Low Carb Mongolian Ground Beef Cabbage
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef Choose lean to minimize fat.
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil Or other high smoke point oil.
- 1/2 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic for better flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce Or low-sodium tamari/coconut aminos for a gluten-free option.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional, adjust to taste.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 cups green cabbage, shredded
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish Add just before serving.
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds Optional, for garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Mince the garlic, finely dice the onion, measure out the ground ginger, shred the green cabbage, and thinly slice the green onions.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce (or tamari/coconut aminos), sesame oil, rice vinegar, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set the sauce aside.
Cooking the Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the lean ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until thoroughly browned, about 6-8 minutes.
- If there's excessive fat, drain off but leave a small amount for flavor.
Adding Aromatics
- Add the diced onion to the beef and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and ground ginger, cooking for another 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
Simmering the Sauce
- Pour the prepared sauce over the beef and aromatics, stir to combine, and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Let it cook for 2-3 minutes for flavors to meld.
Sautéing the Cabbage
- In a separate skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the shredded cabbage, seasoning with salt and pepper; sauté for 5-8 minutes until tender-crisp.
Combining and Serving
- Add the ground beef mixture back into the pan with the cabbage and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.
