This Easy Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage is a tasty twist on a classic dish! You’ll enjoy juicy ground beef cooked with fresh cabbage and a sweet-savory sauce that brings it all together.
It’s quick to whip up, making it a perfect weeknight meal. I love serving it with a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top for a little crunch. You won’t even miss the carbs! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using a lean ground beef, like 80/20. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken work well too! For a vegetarian version, try using crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat.
Cabbage: Green cabbage brings a nice crunch, but you could also use Napa cabbage for a softer texture or even a mix of both! If cabbage isn’t your thing, shredded carrots or zucchini noodles can add excitement.
Soy Sauce: Traditional soy sauce gives that classic umami flavor, but if you’re avoiding soy, try coconut aminos or liquid aminos as a great substitute. They’re both delicious and lower in sodium!
Brown Sugar Substitute: Erythritol or monk fruit sweetener blends are excellent choices for keeping it low-carb. I’ve personally found that monk fruit sweetener tends to have a more natural taste.
How Do I Get the Cabbage Perfectly Tender?
Cooking the cabbage just right can make all the difference! The goal is to get it tender while still retaining some crunch. Here’s how to do it:
- After adding the sliced cabbage, make sure you stir it well with the beef so it absorbs that delicious sauce.
- Cook on medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Look for the cabbage to become translucent and slightly wilted but not mushy.
- For extra crunch, take it off the heat a minute earlier than planned!
This approach will keep the dish fresh and vibrant! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Easy Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar substitute (e.g., erythritol or monk fruit sweetener)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (or any neutral cooking oil)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, which means you can have a delicious meal ready in about 25 minutes total. Perfect for busy evenings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Cook this, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. If there’s a lot of grease, feel free to drain the excess fat.
2. Add Aromatics:
Stir in the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet. Cook these for about 1 minute until they’re fragrant and make your kitchen smell amazing!
3. Make the Sauce:
Next, stir in the soy sauce, water, brown sugar substitute, sesame oil, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Mix everything well so that the flavors come together beautifully!
4. Cook the Cabbage:
Now, add the sliced cabbage to the skillet. Toss it together with the beef and sauce, making sure the cabbage is well-coated. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender yet slightly crisp. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish your dish with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a little crunch. Serve this delicious meal hot!
6. Enjoy:
Relish every bite! You can enjoy it on its own or serve it with cauliflower rice for an even lower-carb addition.
FAQs for Easy Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a great lean alternative. Just be mindful that it may cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on it to avoid drying out.
What if I Don’t Have Soy Sauce?
No worries! If you’re out of soy sauce or prefer a soy-free option, coconut aminos is a fantastic substitute. It has a slightly sweeter taste, making it a great fit for this dish.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or stovetop. You may want to add a splash of water or broth when reheating to keep it moist.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snow peas for added nutrition and color. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure everything is tender and delicious!
