Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage Recipe

Introduction

This Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage recipe is a flavorful and healthy twist on a classic favorite. Combining savory beef with tender cabbage and a rich, tangy sauce, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and diet-friendly.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium head of cabbage, roughly chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar substitute (like Swerve or monk fruit)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• ¼ cup green onions, sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for added heat

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Step 2: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar substitute, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Mix until the beef is well-coated with the sauce.
4. Step 4: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet, gently folding it into the beef mixture. Reduce heat to medium, cover the skillet, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
5. Step 5: Uncover the skillet and stir in the sliced green onions. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cabbage is soft and the sauce has slightly thickened.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy it hot!

Tips & Variations

• Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
• Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Adjust sweetness and spice by modifying the amount of sweetener or red pepper flakes to your taste.
• For gluten-free, choose tamari instead of soy sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey or chicken work well as leaner alternatives and still absorb the flavors nicely.

Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?

Absolutely. The dish uses cabbage, which is low in carbs and high in nutrients, making this recipe perfect for low-carb or keto-friendly meals.

Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 147 reviews

This Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage recipe offers a flavorful, nutritious meal that’s perfect for those following a low-carb diet. Featuring tender ground beef and sautéed cabbage bathed in a savory-sweet sauce enhanced with garlic, ginger, and soy, this dish is quick to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients. It’s a delicious, satisfying choice for lunch or dinner with an Asian-inspired twist.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Vegetables

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium head of cabbage, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced

Aromatics

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

Sauces and Seasonings

• 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar substitute (like Swerve or monk fruit)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for added heat

Garnish

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Cook the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the dish lean.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet with the cooked beef. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, releasing their rich flavors into the beef.
3. Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar substitute, sesame oil, and rice vinegar into the beef mixture. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly coated with the savory, slightly sweet sauce.
4. Cook the Cabbage: Add the roughly chopped cabbage to the skillet. Gently fold it into the beef mixture, reduce the heat to medium, cover, and cook for 5-7 minutes until the cabbage has softened but still retains slight crunch.
5. Finish Cooking: Uncover the skillet and stir in the sliced green onions. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Continue cooking uncovered for another 2-3 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for garnish. Serve hot and enjoy this flavorful, low-carb meal.

Notes

• Cabbage is low in calories and rich in vitamins, making it ideal for low-carb diets.
• This dish can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Additional vegetables such as bell peppers or mushrooms can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Adjust sweetness and spice by varying the amount of brown sugar substitute and red pepper flakes to suit your preferences.

Keywords: Low-Carb, Ground Beef, Mongolian, Cabbage, Asian, Healthy, Quick Dinner