Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (90–93% lean)
• ½ medium head green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 5 cups)
• 1 medium carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or avocado oil)

Sauce

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional but adds great flavor)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey (optional)
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for a thicker sauce)

Instructions

1. Cook the Beef

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• Add ground beef.
• Cook 5–7 minutes until browned.
• Drain excess fat if necessary.

2. Add Aromatics

• Stir in garlic and ginger.
• Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add Vegetables

• Add cabbage and carrots.
• Stir-fry for 4–6 minutes until cabbage softens but still has a slight crunch.

4. Make the Sauce

Mix together:

• Soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Rice vinegar
• Sesame oil
• Brown sugar (if using)
• Red pepper flakes

Pour over the beef and vegetables.

5. Finish

• Stir everything together.
• Add cornstarch slurry if you prefer a thicker sauce.
• Cook another 1–2 minutes.
• Sprinkle with sliced green onions.

Serve immediately.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Approximate values:

Nutrition will vary depending on the brand of beef and sauces used.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve over steamed rice.
• Brown rice for extra fiber.
• Cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.
• Rice noodles.
• Quinoa.

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Variations

Low Carb

Skip the brown sugar and serve over cauliflower rice.

Keto

Use coconut aminos instead of sweet sauces and omit sugar.

Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free oyster sauce (or omit it).

Extra Veggies

Add:

• Bell peppers
• Mushrooms
• Broccoli
• Snow peas
• Bok choy

Protein Options

Replace beef with:

• Ground turkey
• Ground chicken
• Ground pork
• Crumbled tofu

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Storage

Refrigerator:

• Up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Freezer:

• Up to 3 months.

Reheat:

• Microwave 1–2 minutes.
• Or stir-fry in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bagged coleslaw mix?

Yes. It’s a great time-saver and works perfectly.

Can I freeze it?

Yes. Cool completely before freezing.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.

Is it spicy?

No. Add red pepper flakes or sriracha if you want heat.

Can I use ground turkey?

Absolutely. It’s a leaner alternative with similar cooking time.

What if I don’t have oyster sauce?

You can leave it out or add a little extra soy sauce plus a pinch of sugar for balance.

How do I keep the cabbage from getting soggy?

Cook over medium-high heat and avoid overcooking. The cabbage should stay slightly crisp.

Is this meal healthy?

Yes. It provides lean protein, plenty of vegetables, and can be adapted for lower sodium, lower carb, or gluten-free diets.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes. Use a very large skillet or cook in two batches so the ingredients stir-fry instead of steaming.