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Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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