Savory Low-Carb Cabbage and Beef Stir Fry
If you’re searching for a hearty, low-carb meal that’s quick to make and packed with bold flavor, this Savory Low-Carb Cabbage and Beef Stir Fry is your answer. Perfect for keto, paleo, or gluten-free diets, this dish blends ground beef with tender cabbage, garlic, ginger, and a savory sauce to deliver a satisfying dinner without the carbs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: No noodles or rice required—cabbage keeps it light yet filling.
- One-Pan Meal: Quick cleanup with just one skillet or wok.
- Ready in 25 Minutes: Great for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Bold Flavor: Garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil give this dish restaurant-quality taste.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (preferably lean)
- 4 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Prep the veggies: Shred the cabbage, slice the onion, mince garlic, and grate ginger. Set aside.
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet or wok, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Stir-fry aromatics: In the same skillet, add sliced onion, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and onions are softened.
- Add the cabbage: Increase heat to high and stir in shredded cabbage. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until the cabbage is tender and slightly caramelized.
- Combine and season: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Stir in soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir-fry everything together for another 2–3 minutes until heated through and well combined.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped green onions. Serve hot, optionally with cauliflower rice or on its own for a complete low-carb meal.
Tips & Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra veggies.
- Top with a fried or soft-boiled egg for added protein and richness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber |
---|---|---|---|---|
350 kcal | 24g | 8g | 25g | 3g |
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Final Thoughts
This cabbage and beef stir fry brings together comfort and nutrition in one skillet. It’s flexible, budget-friendly, and incredibly tasty — the kind of dinner you’ll want to keep in your weekly rotation. Whether you’re on a keto plan or just trying to cut carbs, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss.