Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage
This Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage is the perfect dish for anyone looking for a quick, satisfying meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Packed with tender beef, vibrant cabbage, and savory sauces, this recipe is an excellent choice for busy weeknights or meal prep. Enjoy it as a standalone dinner or pair it with your favorite low-carb side. It’s versatile enough to suit various occasions, ensuring you’ll have a delicious option ready in just 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish is ideal for busy evenings.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering taste that will impress everyone at the table.
- Nutritious Meal: Loaded with protein and vegetables, this recipe offers a healthy balance without sacrificing flavor.
- Versatile: Enjoy it alone or serve it over cauliflower rice for an even heartier meal.
- Easily Adaptable: Customize the heat level with red pepper flakes or swap in your favorite vegetables for added nutrition.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience seamless, ensure you have the right tools on hand.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: A spacious skillet allows for even cooking of the ground beef and cabbage without overcrowding.
- Spatula: Perfect for breaking apart the meat while cooking, ensuring it browns evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements of ingredients help maintain the flavor balance in your dish.

Ingredients
This Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage is a hearty, flavorful meal featuring tender beef, savory sauces, and crunchy cabbage. It’s quick, satisfying, and perfect for a healthy dinner.
For the Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar substitute (like Swerve or monk fruit)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
For the Cabbage
- 1 medium head of cabbage, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for added heat
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
How to Make Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Mix in Sauces
Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar substitute, sesame oil, and rice vinegar. Mix until all beef is well-coated with the sauce.
Step 4: Add Cabbage
Add chopped cabbage to the skillet. Gently fold it into the beef mixture. Reduce heat to medium, cover the skillet, and cook for about 5-7 minutes until cabbage is tender.
Step 5: Final Touches
Uncover the skillet and stir in sliced green onions. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Cook an additional 2-3 minutes until cabbage softens further.
Step 6: Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy hot!
How to Serve Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage
This dish is not only delicious but also versatile. It can be served in various ways to enhance your meal experience. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage.
Serve in Lettuce Wraps
- Use large lettuce leaves, like romaine or butter lettuce, as a wrap for the beef and cabbage mixture. This adds a refreshing crunch.
Pair with Cauliflower Rice
- Serve the dish over cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative to traditional rice. It absorbs the flavors beautifully.
Top with Fresh Herbs
- Add fresh herbs such as cilantro or basil on top for an aromatic touch that brightens the flavor profile.
Include Avocado Slices
- Sliced avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats, making your meal even more satisfying.
Garnish with Lime Wedges
- A squeeze of fresh lime juice right before eating adds a zesty kick that complements the savory flavors well.
How to Perfect Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage
To ensure you create the best version of this dish, consider these tips. They can help you enhance flavor and texture.
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Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger significantly boost the overall flavor of the dish. Choose high-quality produce for better taste.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Depending on your preferences, you may want to adjust the amount of soy sauce or sugar substitute.
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Cook Cabbage Just Right: Avoid overcooking cabbage; it should be tender but still have a bit of crunch for texture.
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Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add spices like ground pepper or chili flakes for extra heat if desired.
Best Side Dishes for Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage
Completing your meal with complementary side dishes can enhance flavor and satisfaction. Here are some excellent options to consider.
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Zucchini Noodles: Spiralized zucchini offers a great low-carb alternative to pasta and pairs well with savory flavors.
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Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with garlic add a crunchy texture and vibrant color to your plate.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts bring earthy flavors that balance beautifully with the beef and cabbage.
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Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed with vinegar provides a cool contrast to the warm main dish.
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Mushroom Stir-Fry: Quick stir-fried mushrooms add umami richness that complements the beef’s flavor nicely.
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Radish Slaw: A crunchy radish slaw can introduce a sharp bite that cuts through the richness of the dish.
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Creamy Coleslaw: A low-carb coleslaw made with shredded cabbage and low-sugar dressing offers a creamy side option.
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Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus enhances nutrition while adding elegance to your dinner table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage, it’s easy to make simple mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Overcooking the Beef: Cooking the ground beef too long can lead to dryness. Always cook until just browned and drain excess fat before adding other ingredients.
- Ignoring Cabbage Size: If the cabbage pieces are too large, they may not soften properly. Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Skipping Seasoning Adjustments: Not tasting the dish before serving may leave it bland. Always adjust salt and pepper at the end to enhance flavor.
- Using Low-Quality Soy Sauce: Cheap soy sauce can affect the dish’s flavor profile. Opt for a high-quality soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free options.
- Not Covering While Cooking: Failing to cover the skillet can result in uneven cooking of cabbage. Cover during cooking to steam and soften the cabbage effectively.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish and cover with foil, heating for about 15-20 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage.
What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can use ground turkey or chicken as alternatives. They will work well with the same seasonings.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes! Adding red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers will give your dish an extra kick. Adjust according to your heat preference.
How do I customize Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage?
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more color and nutrients. You can also swap out soy sauce for coconut aminos if desired.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish stores well, making it perfect for meal prep throughout the week.
How do I serve Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage?
Serve it hot on its own or alongside cauliflower rice for a complete meal that fits into low-carb diets.
Final Thoughts
Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage is not only delicious but also versatile enough for various dietary preferences. Customize it with your favorite veggies or spices, making it perfect for any dinner table. Give it a try today!
Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage
Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage is a delightful dish that brings a burst of flavors to your table. This quick and satisfying meal features tender ground beef, vibrant cabbage, and a rich combination of savory sauces. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this recipe can be ready in just 30 minutes. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with cauliflower rice for a heartier option. With customizable spice levels and the ability to add your favorite veggies, this dish is versatile enough to suit any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar substitute (like Swerve)
- 1 medium head of cabbage, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula.
- Add minced garlic and grated ginger; sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar substitute, sesame oil, and rice vinegar until beef is well-coated.
- Fold in chopped cabbage and cover the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until cabbage is tender.
- Stir in green onions and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired. Cook an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 200g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
