Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage: 20-Minute Meal

Indulge in the delightful Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage: 20-Minute Meal. This quick and flavorful dish blends savory ground beef with a sweet and tangy sauce, making it a perfect option for busy evenings. With a total prep and cook time of just 20 minutes, it serves as a healthy, satisfying meal ideal for any occasion. Enjoy this dish over cauliflower rice or alongside steamed veggies for a complete, guilt-free dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This meal can be ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights.
• Flavorful Experience: The combination of garlic, ginger, and sauces creates a rich flavor profile that pleases the palate.
• Low-Carb Friendly: A great option for anyone looking to reduce their carb intake without sacrificing taste.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over cauliflower rice or with your favorite steamed vegetables to suit your dietary needs.
• Easy Cleanup: One skillet is all you need for this recipe, keeping your kitchen mess to a minimum.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this low-carb delight efficiently, gather the necessary tools and equipment. Having the right items on hand will streamline your cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet or wok
• Spatula
• Medium bowl
• Small bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet or wok: Essential for browning the ground beef evenly and sautéing the vegetables quickly.
• Spatula: Helps in breaking apart the beef while cooking and mixing ingredients effortlessly.
• Medium bowl: Used to mix sauces together before adding them to the skillet.
• Knife and cutting board: Necessary for chopping cabbage, garlic, and ginger accurately.

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Ingredients

To make this delicious Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage: 20-Minute Meal, gather the following ingredients:

For the Protein

• 1 lb Ground Beef

For the Vegetables

• ½ Head Cabbage (fresh large head)(chopped)
• 8 Cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 Tbsp Ginger (minced)
• ⅓ Cup Green Onions (diced)

For Flavoring

• 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
• ½ Tsp Red Pepper Flakes

For the Sauce

• 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar Swerve
• ½ Cup Soy Sauce (low-sodium)
• ¼ Cup Hoisin Sauce
• 1 Cup Beef Broth
• 3 Tsp Cornstarch

Optional Garnish

• 1 Tbsp Sesame Seeds

How to Make Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage: 20-Minute Meal

Step 1: Prep the Cabbage

Chop ½ head of fresh cabbage into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Ginger

Push the browned beef to one side of the skillet. Add minced garlic cloves and minced ginger to the center. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Cook the Cabbage

Add chopped cabbage to the skillet and mix it with beef, garlic, and ginger. Sprinkle red pepper flakes over the mixture. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes until cabbage softens.

Step 5: Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine low-sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and brown sugar swerve.

Step 6: Prepare Cornstarch Slurry

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with beef broth until fully dissolved. Add this slurry to the sauce mixture in step 5.

Step 7: Combine and Thicken

Pour the sauce mixture over beef and cabbage in the skillet. Stir well to coat evenly. Continue cooking for about 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.

Step 8: Finish with Green Onions

Stir in diced green onions and cook for an additional minute.

Step 9: Serve

Optionally sprinkle sesame seeds over the dish before serving for extra texture.

Step 10: Enjoy

Serve hot as a standalone dish or over cauliflower rice for an enjoyable low-carb meal! Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

How to Serve Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage: 20-Minute Meal

This delicious Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage dish is versatile and can be served in various ways. Whether you prefer it on its own or paired with other dishes, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal experience.

Over Cauliflower Rice

• Cauliflower rice is a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional rice. Its neutral flavor allows the rich Mongolian sauce to shine.

With Steamed Vegetables

• Pairing this dish with steamed broccoli, green beans, or snap peas adds color and crunch while keeping the meal healthy.

Stuffed in Lettuce Wraps

• Use large lettuce leaves as wraps for a fun, hands-on way to enjoy this meal. The crisp lettuce complements the savory beef nicely.

On a Bed of Zoodles

• Zucchini noodles (zoodles) are another low-carb option that soaks up the flavor of the sauce beautifully.

Garnished with Extra Green Onions

• Freshly diced green onions sprinkled on top provide a burst of freshness, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

As Part of a Salad Bowl

• Create a hearty salad bowl by adding mixed greens and topping them with the Mongolian beef and cabbage for a satisfying meal.

How to Perfect Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage: 20-Minute Meal

To ensure your Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage turns out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cabbage, garlic, and ginger will elevate the dish’s flavors significantly.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the amount of red pepper flakes according to your heat preference for a customized kick.
• Brown the Beef Well: Ensuring the ground beef is browned properly enhances depth of flavor—don’t rush this step!
• Thicken Sauce Properly: Allow enough time for your sauce to thicken after adding the cornstarch slurry for that perfect coat over ingredients.
• Taste Before Serving: Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving; a little extra soy sauce or salt can make all the difference.
• Prep Ahead: Chop vegetables ahead of time to streamline cooking when you’re ready to make this quick meal.

Best Side Dishes for Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage: 20-Minute Meal

Completing your meal with appropriate side dishes can enhance satisfaction. Here are some excellent low-carb side options to pair with your dish.

1. Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
   A creamy alternative to mashed potatoes that pairs well with savory flavors.

2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts
   These crispy sprouts add texture and are easy to prepare with just olive oil, salt, and pepper.

3. Sautéed Spinach
   Quick to cook, sautéed spinach adds nutrients while its mild taste complements the main dish perfectly.

4. Cucumber Salad
   A refreshing salad made with sliced cucumbers, vinegar, and sesame oil provides a nice contrast in texture and temperature.

5. Zucchini Fritters
   Lightly fried or baked fritters offer additional flavor and are great for dipping in extra sauce from the main dish.

6. Radish Slaw
   A crunchy slaw made from radishes adds an exciting twist while keeping carbs low—perfect alongside any savory meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking this Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage: 20-Minute Meal can be straightforward, but avoiding common mistakes can enhance your dish.

• Skipping the prep: Always chop your ingredients before cooking. It saves time and ensures everything is ready to go when you need it.
• Overcooking the beef: Brown the ground beef just until it’s fully cooked. Overcooking can make it tough and dry.
• Ignoring flavor balance: Taste as you cook! Adjusting sweetness or saltiness at various stages helps achieve a well-balanced dish.
• Not using fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger significantly improve flavor. Opt for fresh rather than pre-minced for the best results.
• Neglecting sauce consistency: Make sure to stir the cornstarch slurry well before adding it to prevent lumps in your sauce.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The dish stays fresh for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage: 20-Minute Meal

• Portion out servings into freezer-safe containers.
• This meal can be frozen for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage: 20-Minute Meal

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover the dish with aluminum foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage: 20-Minute Meal that may help enhance your cooking experience.

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe. It will still be delicious and slightly lighter!

How do I make this a vegetarian option?

To make this dish vegetarian, replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives, such as lentils or mushrooms, and ensure all sauces are vegan-friendly.

What can I serve with Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage: 20-Minute Meal?

Serve it over cauliflower rice or alongside steamed vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for a complete meal.

How do I store leftovers of Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage?

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

This Low-Carb Mongolian Ground Beef and Cabbage: 20-Minute Meal is not only quick to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by swapping out vegetables or adjusting seasoning levels to fit your taste. Give it a try on busy weeknights; you won’t be disappointed!