Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage is a delightful and hearty dish that brings bold flavors to your table. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe features tender ground beef stir-fried with vibrant vegetables and aromatic spices. The crispy cabbage adds a satisfying crunch, making it an irresistible meal that everyone will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This stir-fry comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: A delicious blend of soy sauce and hoisin sauce creates a rich, savory flavor profile.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand or prefer.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein and fiber, this dish is both filling and healthy.
- One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup is required since everything is cooked in one pan!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make your Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage as seamless as possible.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Wok or large skillet
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Wok or large skillet: Ideal for stir-frying as it provides ample space for even cooking.
- Cutting board: Protects your countertops while preparing ingredients safely.
- Chef’s knife: Ensures precision when slicing veggies for a uniform cook.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware.

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
- 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 the ingredients. Wash and thinly slice the green cabbage, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and finely slice the onion.
Step 2: Heat the Wok
Place your wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sesame oil and allow it to warm up until shimmering.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Add the ground beef to the hot wok. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Once the beef is cooked through, add in the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced onion. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Step 5: Incorporate Cabbage
Toss in the thinly sliced cabbage and continue to stir-fry until it’s just tender but still crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 6: Add Sauce Ingredients
Pour in the soy sauce and hoisin sauce. Mix thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly in the savory sauce. Cook for an additional minute before removing from heat.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Serve your Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage immediately while hot. Enjoy this flavorful dish on its own or over steamed rice!
How to Serve Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage
Serving Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage is a delightful experience. This dish can be enjoyed in various ways, enhancing its flavors and making it suitable for different palates.
Create a Bowl
- Serve the stir-fry over a base of steamed rice or quinoa for a hearty meal.
- Add some sliced green onions on top for an extra crunch and flavor.
Wrap it Up
- Use lettuce leaves as wraps to create fresh and crunchy bites filled with stir-fried goodness.
- This option is perfect for those looking for a lighter meal.
Pair with Noodles
- Toss the stir-fry with cooked rice noodles or soba noodles for a filling dish.
- This combination adds texture and complements the flavors beautifully.
Add Toppings
- Sprinkle sesame seeds or chopped peanuts on top for added crunch.
- A drizzle of chili sauce can bring a spicy kick to the dish.
How to Perfect Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage
Perfecting your Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage takes just a few tips to elevate it further. Here are some suggestions:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs make a significant difference in flavor.
- Cook in batches: If making a large quantity, cook in smaller batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go, adjusting soy sauce and hoisin sauce to your preference for saltiness and sweetness.
- Don’t overcook the cabbage: For best results, keep the cabbage slightly crispy by cooking it just until tender.
Best Side Dishes for Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage
Complementing your Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with hearty side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fluffy rice that pairs perfectly, absorbing the delicious stir-fry sauce.
- Garlic Broccoli: Sautéed broccoli with garlic adds nutrition and color to your plate.
- Vegetable Spring Rolls: These crispy rolls provide a delightful contrast in texture.
- Sesame Green Beans: Tender green beans tossed in sesame oil make for a simple yet tasty side.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad adds crunch and balances out the savory flavors of the stir-fry.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A nutritious alternative that complements the beef while adding protein and fiber.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage experience. Here are some mistakes to watch for:
- Using Too Much Oil – Excess oil can make your dish greasy. Stick to the recommended amount of sesame oil for the best flavor.
- Skipping the Aromatics – Neglecting garlic and ginger will diminish the dish’s overall taste. Always include these ingredients for depth.
- Overcooking the Cabbage – Overcooked cabbage becomes mushy. Stir-fry until just tender to keep it crispy and vibrant.
- Not Prepping Ingredients Ahead – Last-minute chopping can lead to uneven cooking. Prepare all ingredients before starting your stir-fry.
- Ignoring Soy Sauce Variants – Using regular soy sauce can overpower the dish. Opt for low sodium if you prefer a milder flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake in a covered dish for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave – Heat in short intervals, stirring between each, until warmed evenly.
- Stovetop – Reheat in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about making Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage.
Can I use different proteins in this stir-fry?
Absolutely! Chicken, lamb, or turkey can be used as substitutes for ground beef.
What vegetables can I add to my Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage?
Feel free to incorporate bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added color and nutrition.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can chop vegetables and marinate the beef beforehand; just cook right before serving for best results.
Final Thoughts
The Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage is not just delicious; it’s also versatile and easy to customize. You can play around with different proteins and vegetables based on your preference. Give it a try today!
Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage
Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage is a quick and delicious option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This dish features tender ground beef stir-fried with vibrant vegetables and aromatic spices, all topped off with a satisfying crunch from crispy cabbage. Rich in flavor yet simple to prepare, this one-pan meal can be customized with your favorite vegetables. It’s not just a feast for the taste buds, but also a nutritious choice packed with protein and fiber.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- 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
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and slicing the cabbage, mincing the garlic, grating the ginger, and slicing the onion.
- Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add ground beef; cook until browned (5-7 minutes), breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Incorporate garlic, ginger, and onion; stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Toss in sliced cabbage; stir-fry until just tender but still crisp (3-4 minutes).
- Pour in soy sauce and hoisin sauce; mix well and cook for an additional minute before removing from heat.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or enjoy wrapped in lettuce leaves.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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