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Donna R. Luis

Keto Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry

A fast, savory skillet meal featuring lean ground beef, crisp-tender Napa cabbage, shredded carrots, garlic, ginger, and a rich sesame-soy sauce. The beef is browned, the vegetables are quickly sautéed, and everything is tossed together with the sauce for a flavorful finish. Serve over rice with scallions and toasted sesame seeds for a simple, satisfying dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Meal Prep
Cuisine: Asian

Ingredients
  

Stir-Fry Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or gluten-free tamari
  • ¼ cup beef broth or water
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce or gluten-free oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce or gluten-free hoisin sauce
  • 1 teaspoon mushroom soy sauce or dark soy sauce; for gluten-free preparation, use more gluten-free hoisin sauce instead
  • ½ teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Stir-Fry
  • 1 pound lean ground beef such as sirloin or bison
  • 2 teaspoons fresh ginger grated
  • 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 6 cups Napa cabbage sliced
  • 1½ cups shredded carrot
  • Rice optional, for serving
  • Scallion greens for garnish
  • Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Equipment

  • Large nonstick skillet or pan
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Small measuring cup or bowl for mixing the sauce
  • Whisk
  • Wooden spoon
  • Paper towels
  • Serving spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Mix the Sauce: Add the low-sodium soy sauce, beef broth, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, mushroom soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and cornstarch to a measuring cup.
    Whisk until the mixture is well combined, then set it aside.
  2. Brown the Beef: Heat a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat and spray it with oil.
    Add the ground beef and use a wooden spoon to break it into small pieces. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
  3. Add Aromatics: Add the finely chopped garlic and grated ginger to the cooked beef.
    Continue cooking for about 30 seconds, stirring as needed, until the aromatics become fragrant.
  4. Transfer the Beef: Move the cooked beef to a plate and set it aside while preparing the vegetables.
  5. Clean the Pan: Use a paper towel to carefully wipe the skillet clean, then return the pan to the stove.
  6. Cook the Cabbage: Add 1 teaspoon sesame oil to the hot skillet over medium heat.
    Add the sliced Napa cabbage and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2 to 3 minutes, until the cabbage is just tender.
  7. Combine the Vegetables and Beef: Add the shredded carrot and reserved cooked beef to the skillet with the cabbage.
    Stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  8. Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet and stir thoroughly so it coats the beef and vegetables.
  9. Finish the Stir-Fry: Cook for 30 to 40 seconds, stirring, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the meat well. Remove the skillet from the heat.
  10. Serve: Spoon the finished beef and cabbage stir-fry over rice, if desired. Garnish with scallion greens and toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

  • The source uses pre-shredded carrots, which are slightly thicker than finely grated carrots and provide a pleasant crunch.
  • Napa cabbage should be cooked only until just tender so it retains some texture in the finished stir-fry.
  • Freshly grated ginger and finely chopped garlic are added after browning the beef to build an aromatic base without overcooking them.
  • The sauce contains cornstarch, so whisk it thoroughly before adding it to the skillet to keep the mixture evenly combined.
  • For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free tamari, oyster sauce, and hoisin sauce as specified, and replace the mushroom soy sauce with additional gluten-free hoisin sauce.
  • Rice is optional and can be served underneath the stir-fry according to preference.
  • The original nutrition information is based on 1 generous cup and does not include optional rice.