Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage
Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage is a delightful dish that perfectly balances flavors and textures. This hearty recipe is great for busy weeknights or special gatherings. The combination of tender ground beef, vibrant cabbage, and aromatic spices creates a satisfying meal that appeals to everyone. With its quick cooking time and bold taste, this stir-fry is sure to become a family favorite.
Why Youβll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic evenings.
- Rich Flavors: The blend of garlic, ginger, and soy sauce infuses the beef with delicious umami notes.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
- Healthy Option: Packed with nutritious cabbage and lean beef, this stir-fry is both filling and wholesome.
- Easy Cleanup: With minimal tools needed, youβll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
Tools and Preparation
To create your Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage, youβll need some essential kitchen tools. They will help streamline the cooking process and ensure everything comes together seamlessly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wok or large skillet
- Cutting board
- Chefβs knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Wok or large skillet: Ideal for high-heat cooking, allowing even distribution of heat for perfect stir-frying.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe space for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients efficiently.
- Chefβs knife: A sharp knife helps save time when slicing veggies and ensures precision in your cuts.

Ingredients
For the Beef
- 1 lb ground beef
For the Stir-Fry
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 small onion, finely sliced
For the Sauce
- Β½ cup soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
How to Make Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the cabbage, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and slice the onion. This prep work will make cooking easier.
Step 2: Heat the Wok
Heat your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add in the sesame oil and let it warm up for about a minute until it shimmers.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Once hot, add the ground beef to the wok. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Stir frequently until browned and cooked through, about 5β7 minutes.
Step 4: SautΓ© Aromatics
Add in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced onion to the pan. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 5: Add Cabbage
Toss in the thinly sliced cabbage. Cook for another 3β4 minutes until it begins to wilt but remains slightly crunchy.
Step 6: Mix in Sauce
Pour in the soy sauce and hoisin sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly. Let everything cook together for an additional minute so that flavors meld.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Remove from heat and serve your Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage immediately. Enjoy this flavorful dish over rice or noodles!
How to Serve Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage
This hearty dish is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it in various ways to enhance your dining experience.
With Rice
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: Light and fragrant, it pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of the stir-fry.
- Brown Rice: A healthier option that adds a nutty flavor and more fiber to your meal.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Butter Lettuce Leaves: Serve the stir-fry in crisp leaves for a refreshing bite.
- Romaine Hearts: Their sturdiness makes them ideal for holding the beef and cabbage mixture.
As a Salad
- Cabbage Slaw: Toss the stir-fry with additional fresh veggies for a crunchy salad.
- Quinoa Salad: Mix with cooked quinoa for a protein-packed meal thatβs filling and nutritious.
How to Perfect Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage
To get the best results from your Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger provide vibrant flavors that elevate your dish.
- Cook Over High Heat: This helps achieve that desired crispy texture on the cabbage while keeping the beef juicy.
- Donβt Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking in batches ensures even cooking and helps maintain crispness.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to modify soy sauce or hoisin to suit your personal preference.
- Add More Vegetables: Consider adding bell peppers or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
- Garnish Wisely: Top with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
Best Side Dishes for Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage
Pairing side dishes with your Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry can enhance its flavors and create a complete meal.
- Garlic Green Beans: SautΓ©ed green beans tossed in garlic offer a crunchy contrast.
- Stir-Fried Bok Choy: Lightly cooked bok choy adds a lovely texture and complements the stir-fry well.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad made with cucumbers, vinegar, and sesame oil balances the richness of the beef.
- Fried Rice: Quick fried rice mixed with peas and carrots makes for a filling accompaniment.
- Miso Soup: A warm miso soup provides a comforting start to your meal.
- Pickled Carrots: Sweet and tangy, pickled carrots add an excellent crunch that complements the flavors of the stir-fry.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage, itβs easy to make some common missteps. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
- Overcooking the beef: Cooking the beef too long can result in a tough texture. Aim for just until browned to keep it tender.
- Skipping aromatics: Neglecting garlic and ginger will diminish flavors. Always include these key ingredients for an authentic taste.
- Using high-sodium soy sauce: High-sodium soy sauce can overpower the dish. Opt for low-sodium varieties to maintain balance.
- Not slicing cabbage thinly: Thick slices of cabbage wonβt cook evenly. Ensure you slice it thinly for the perfect crispy texture.
- Ignoring cooking order: Adding ingredients in the wrong order can affect cooking times. Start with aromatics, then add beef, and finish with veggies.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover stir-fry in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage
- Allow the stir-fry to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and consume within 2-3 months.
Reheating Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage
- Oven: Preheat to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and heat in a covered dish for about 15 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in short intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage:
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute that will still provide great flavor and texture.
What can I serve with my Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage?
Pair it with rice or noodles for a complete meal that balances the rich flavors.
How do I make this stir-fry vegetarian?
Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of soy sauce if desired.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas can enhance nutrition and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage is not only hearty but also versatile. You can easily customize it based on your preferences by adding different proteins or vegetables. Give it a try; youβll love how simple yet satisfying it is!
Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage
Experience the delightful balance of flavors in this Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, delivering tender ground beef combined with vibrant cabbage and aromatic spices. In under 30 minutes, you’ll create a wholesome meal that appeals to everyone at the table. The rich umami notes from garlic, ginger, and soy sauce elevate this dish, making it a favorite among family and friends. Serve it over rice or in lettuce wraps for an exciting twist!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 3 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 small onion, finely sliced
- Β½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
Instructions
- Gather and prepare all ingredients by chopping vegetables and mincing garlic and ginger.
- Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add sesame oil.
- Add ground beef to the hot oil, breaking it apart as it cooks until browned (about 5β7 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced onion; sautΓ© for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add thinly sliced cabbage; cook for another 3β4 minutes until slightly wilted but still crunchy.
- Pour in soy sauce and hoisin sauce; stir well to combine and cook for an additional minute.
- Serve hot over rice or in lettuce wraps.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 200g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg