Asian-Inspired Beef & Cabbage Skillet Recipe

Introduction

This Asian-inspired beef and cabbage skillet is a quick, flavorful dish perfect for any weeknight. Packed with savory ground beef and crisp cabbage, it combines simple ingredients with bold flavors for a satisfying meal.

The dish shows cooked ground beef mixed with translucent, cooked cabbage leaves that have slightly browned edges. There are small pieces of green onion sprinkled evenly on top, along with white sesame seeds. The textures of the meat look crumbly and juicy, while the cabbage appears soft and glossy. The colors range from the deep brown of the beef to the pale green and white of the cabbage, highlighted by the bright green onion bits. The food is close up, framed tightly to show detail with a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • Optional: sriracha for heat

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger for about 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add ground beef and cook until browned; drain excess fat if necessary.
  4. Step 4: Stir in cabbage along with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and optional sriracha.
  5. Step 5: Cook for an additional 5–7 minutes until the cabbage is tender yet crisp.
  6. Step 6: Season with salt and pepper to taste; garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra crunch, add sliced water chestnuts or shredded carrots along with the cabbage.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
  • Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a lower-sodium and soy-free version.
  • Adjust sriracha to your preferred spice level or omit entirely for a milder dish.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through to maintain the texture of the cabbage.

How to Serve

A close-up of a dish in a white bowl filled with cooked minced meat mixed with translucent, soft cabbage pieces that have a light brown glaze. On top, bright green chopped scallions and small white sesame seeds are scattered evenly across the surface, adding freshness and texture. The colors range from the dark brown meat to the pale cabbage and vivid green garnishes, creating a rich and hearty appearance. The white bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cabbage for this recipe?

Yes, you can use Napa cabbage or red cabbage as alternatives. Just adjust cooking time as Napa cabbage tends to cook faster.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make the recipe gluten-free, substitute the soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

Print

Asian-Inspired Beef & Cabbage Skillet Recipe

This Asian-Inspired Beef & Cabbage Skillet is a quick and flavorful one-pan meal combining savory ground beef with crisp-tender cabbage, enhanced by aromatic ginger, garlic, and a tangy soy-based sauce. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, it balances rich umami flavors with a slight tang and optional spicy kick.

  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated

Sauce & Seasoning

  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • Optional: sriracha for heat
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Garnish: chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: Heat sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering to release its nutty aroma and prepare the pan for sautéing.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger to the skillet and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant and softened, which builds the base flavor of the dish.
  3. Cook beef: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until fully browned. Drain any excess fat if needed to avoid greasiness.
  4. Add cabbage and sauce: Stir in the thinly sliced cabbage, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and optional sriracha. Mix well to coat the cabbage and beef evenly with the flavorful sauce.
  5. Cook until tender: Continue cooking for an additional 5 to 7 minutes until the cabbage softens but retains some crispness, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  6. Season and garnish: Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired. Garnish the skillet with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving to add freshness and texture.

Notes

  • Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
  • For a spicy kick, add sriracha or chili flakes according to taste.
  • Drain excess fat from the ground beef to keep the dish lighter.
  • Try adding other vegetables like shredded carrots or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.
  • This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Keywords: beef skillet, asian beef recipe, cabbage stir fry, quick dinner, one-pan meal, gluten-free dinner, sesame ginger beef

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