Prep Time: ~10 minutes | Cook Time: ~15 minutes | Total Time: ~25 minutes | Yield: ~4 servings
Introduction
This Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef & Cabbage bowl is a savory, Asian-inspired skillet meal that swaps noodles or rice for tender cabbage, keeping it light and low in carbs. Juicy ground beef is coated in a rich, gingery sauce and paired with crisp-tender cabbage for a meal that’s bold in flavor but simple to make — perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Bold Mongolian-style flavors without the carbs
- One-pan meal with minimal cleanup
- Tender cabbage soaks up savory sauce
- Great for meal prep or quick dinners
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or leaner if preferred)
- 1 small head green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp fresh ginger, minced (or 1 tsp ground ginger)
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- 2–3 Tbsp brown sugar substitute (or low-carb sweetener)
- 1–2 Tbsp sesame oil (or neutral oil)
- 2–3 green onions, sliced
- Optional: sesame seeds for garnish
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat
The Flavor Profile
This dish balances savory, sweet, and slightly tangy notes with umami depth. Soy sauce and ginger infuse the beef with rich flavor, while green cabbage softens slightly but still keeps a pleasing texture. A hint of sweetness rounds out the sauce, and green onions add freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and no longer pink (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add Aromatics
Reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and ginger to the beef, stirring until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce (or coconut aminos), brown sugar substitute, and sesame oil.
4. Add Cabbage & Sauce
Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the skillet with the beef. Pour the sauce over the top and stir well to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but still has some bite (about 6–8 minutes).
5. Finish & Season
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or optional heat (red pepper flakes/sriracha) if desired.
6. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with sliced green onions and optional sesame seeds before serving.
Tips for Best Results
- Thinly slice the cabbage so it cooks evenly and quickly.
- Control sweetness by adjusting the low-carb sweetener to taste.
- Add heat with sriracha or chili flakes if you like a spicy kick.
- For extra depth, deglaze the pan with a splash of beef broth or water before adding cabbage.
How to Serve
Serve hot straight from the skillet. This dish pairs beautifully with cauliflower rice, steamed greens, or on its own for a filling low-carb meal.
Storage & Freshness
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Conclusion
Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef & Cabbage is a flavorful, satisfying one-pan dinner that’s rich in savory Asian flavor without extra carbs — perfect for quick meals, meal prep, and satisfying family dinners!
