Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage
The Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings bold flavors to your table. Itβs perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. This recipe highlights the rich taste of ground beef, complemented by fresh vegetables and savory sauces. With its crispy cabbage topping, this stir-fry stands out among traditional dishes, ensuring everyone will enjoy each flavorful bite.
Why Youβll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This stir-fry comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce delivers an irresistible taste.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables like cabbage and onion, this dish is nutritious without compromising on flavor.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies or proteins for a personalized touch.
- Perfect Leftovers: Enjoy the leftovers the next day; the flavors deepen over time, making for an even tastier meal.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking your Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Having everything ready at hand will make the process enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wok or large skillet
- Cutting board
- Chefβs knife
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Wok or large skillet: Ideal for high-heat cooking and allows for better tossing of ingredients.
- Cutting board: Keeps your workspace organized while chopping vegetables safely.
- Chefβs knife: Provides precision in slicing ingredients quickly and efficiently.
- Spatula: Perfect for stirring and flipping ingredients without damaging them.

Ingredients
For the Stir-Fry
- 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
For the Sauce
- 1 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
Start by prepping all your ingredients. Slice the cabbage thinly, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and finely slice the onion. Having everything ready will make cooking easier.
Step 2: Heat Your Wok
Heat your wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sesame oil once itβs hot.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Add the ground beef to the hot wok. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with your spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5β7 minutes.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Once the beef is cooked through, add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced onion to the wok. Stir-fry for an additional 2β3 minutes until fragrant.
Step 5: Incorporate Vegetables
Next, add in the sliced cabbage. Toss everything together until the cabbage wilts slightly but remains crispβabout 2 minutes.
Step 6: Add Sauce
Pour in the soy sauce and hoisin sauce over the stir-fried mixture. Stir well to coat all ingredients evenly. Allow it to cook for another minute.
Step 7: Serve
Remove from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy your hearty Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage warm!
How to Serve Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage
Serving Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage can elevate your dining experience. Here are some delicious serving ideas to consider.
Pair with Rice
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: The aromatic flavor of jasmine rice complements the stir-fry perfectly.
- Brown Rice: A healthier alternative that adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle these on top for a fresh crunch.
- Cilantro Leaves: Adds a burst of freshness that enhances the dishβs flavor.
Include Crunchy Toppings
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: These add a delightful crunch and nuttiness.
- Crushed Peanuts: For an extra layer of texture and flavor, sprinkle crushed peanuts on top.
Serve in Lettuce Wraps
- Butter Lettuce Leaves: Use these as wraps for a fun, hands-on meal.
- Romaine Leaves: Their sturdiness makes them perfect for holding the stir-fry.
How to Perfect Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage
Perfecting your Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry is all about technique and timing. Follow these tips for the best results.
- Use High Heat: Cooking on high heat helps achieve that signature stir-fried texture and keeps vegetables crisp.
- Prep Ingredients Ahead: Have all ingredients ready before cooking; this will streamline the cooking process.
- Donβt Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go; feel free to adjust soy sauce or hoisin sauce to your liking.
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 the meal. Here are some great options.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed, it adds vibrant color and nutrients.
- Fried Rice: A classic side that can be customized with veggies or eggs.
- Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and crunchy, this salad brings balance to the meal.
- Garlic Noodles: Flavorful noodles seasoned with garlic complement the rich flavors of the stir-fry.
- Quinoa Salad: A nutritious option that works well with various dressings and flavors.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned seasonal vegetables add depth and variety to your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid using too much oil: Using excess sesame oil can make the dish greasy. Stick to 1 tablespoon for flavor without overwhelming the stir-fry.
- Donβt overcook the beef: Cooking ground beef for too long can lead to a tough texture. Aim for just browned, which keeps it tender.
- Skip skipping the aromatics: Neglecting garlic and ginger will result in less flavor. Always include these for a rich taste profile.
- Beware of too much soy sauce: Adding more than necessary can overpower the dishβs other flavors. Use low sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.
- Forgetting to slice cabbage thinly: Thick slices may not cook evenly or become crispy. Aim for thin slices for perfect texture and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage
- Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage
- Oven: Preheat to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage.
Can I substitute other meats in Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage?
Yes! You can use chicken, turkey, or lamb as alternatives that work well with this recipe.
How do I make my stir-fry crispy?
For extra crispiness, ensure your cabbage is sliced thinly and cooked at high heat briefly to retain its texture.
Is Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish stores well and is perfect for meal prep. Just follow the storage instructions above.
What side dishes pair well with this stir-fry?
Serve it with steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal that complements the flavors.
Final Thoughts
Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage is not only hearty but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasoning. Give this recipe a try; youβll love how delicious and satisfying it is!
Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage
Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage is a vibrant and satisfying dish that packs bold flavors into a quick, easy meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe features tender ground beef paired with fresh vegetables and a savory sauce, all topped with delightfully crispy cabbage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-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
- 1 cup soy sauce (low sodium if preferred)
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
Instructions
- Prep all ingredients: slice cabbage, mince garlic, grate ginger, and slice onion.
- Heat a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat and add sesame oil.
- Cook ground beef until browned (about 5β7 minutes), breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add garlic, ginger, and onion; stir-fry for another 2β3 minutes until fragrant.
- Incorporate the sliced cabbage and toss until slightly wilted but still crisp (around 2 minutes).
- Pour in soy sauce and hoisin sauce; stir well and cook for an additional minute.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
