Low Carb Mongolian Ground Beef (Print)

Savory ground beef and tender cabbage stir-fry with classic Mongolian flavors, ready in 25 minutes.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Beef & Vegetables

01 - 1 lb lean ground beef
02 - 1 small head green cabbage (about 1.5 lbs), cored and thinly sliced
03 - 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
06 - 2 green onions, sliced for garnish

→ Sauce

07 - 3 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free)
08 - 1 tbsp sesame oil
09 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
10 - 1 tbsp brown erythritol or preferred low-carb sweetener
11 - 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
12 - 1/4 cup water

→ Oil & Seasoning

13 - 2 tbsp avocado oil or neutral oil
14 - Salt and black pepper to taste

# How To Make:

01 - Whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, sweetener, red pepper flakes if using, and water in a small bowl. Set aside.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
03 - Push beef to one side of the pan. Add remaining oil, then add onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add cabbage to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is just tender but still vibrant.
05 - Pour in the prepared sauce. Toss well to combine and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and liquid to reduce slightly.
06 - Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Everything happens in one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to actually enjoy your evening
  • The cabbage naturally sweetens as it cooks, balancing the savory beef without needing much sugar
02 -
  • Drain the excess fat after browning the beef or the final dish will feel greasy and heavy
  • Slicing the cabbage thinly is crucial, thick pieces will stay crunchy while the rest overcooks
03 -
  • Prep all your ingredients before you start cooking, the actual cooking happens fast once the heat is on
  • Use a large skillet or wok, overcrowding the pan will cause the cabbage to steam instead of sauté