Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage is a delightful dish that brings together the rich flavors of beef and fresh vegetables in a quick and easy stir-fry. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe stands out with its savory sauce and crispy cabbage texture. The combination of garlic, ginger, and hoisin sauce adds an aromatic touch that will impress your family and friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This stir-fry comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Flavor-Packed: The blend of sesame oil, garlic, and ginger creates a mouthwatering taste that elevates every bite.
- Healthy Option: With plenty of fresh cabbage and lean ground beef, this dish offers a nutritious meal without sacrificing flavor.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap in different vegetables or proteins to suit your taste or what you have on hand.
- Crispy Texture: The sautéed cabbage adds a satisfying crunch that complements the tender beef beautifully.
Tools and Preparation
To prepare your Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will help streamline the cooking process and ensure great results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet or wok: This allows for even cooking and easy tossing of ingredients, giving you the perfect stir-fry consistency.
- Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and meat efficiently.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp chef’s knife ensures precise cuts, making prep work quicker and more enjoyable.

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
- 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 Your Ingredients
Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the cabbage, mince the garlic, grate the ginger, and finely slice the onion.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Heat your large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the sesame oil.
Step 3: Cook the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart using a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook until browned thoroughly, about 5–7 minutes.
Step 4: Add Aromatics
Once the beef is browned:
* Add minced garlic and grated ginger.
* Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Incorporate Vegetables
Stir in sliced onion and cabbage:
* Cook until cabbage is just tender but still crisp, about 4–5 minutes.
Step 6: Add Sauces
Pour in soy sauce and hoisin sauce:
* Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 7: Serve Hot
Remove from heat once everything is heated through. Serve immediately while hot for best flavor. Enjoy your delicious Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage!
How to Serve Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage
Serving Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage is simple and can be tailored to suit any occasion. This dish is colorful, flavorful, and sure to impress your guests. Here are some serving suggestions.
On Rice
- Serve the stir-fry over steamed rice for a hearty meal. The rice absorbs the savory sauce, complementing the flavors well.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Use large lettuce leaves to create fresh wraps filled with the stir-fried beef and cabbage. This option adds a crunchy texture and is perfect for a light lunch.
With Noodles
- Toss the stir-fry with cooked noodles for a delicious twist. The noodles soak up the sauce, making every bite flavorful.
As a Salad Base
- Serve the stir-fry over a bed of mixed greens or shredded carrots. This adds freshness and crunch while keeping it light.
With Pickled Vegetables
- Pair your dish with pickled vegetables for added tanginess. The acidity balances the richness of the beef stir-fry.
How to Perfect Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage
To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage, consider these tips:
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Use fresh ingredients – Fresh garlic and ginger enhance the dish’s aroma and flavor profile, making it more vibrant.
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Don’t overcook the cabbage – Keeping the cabbage slightly crisp adds texture. Sauté it just until tender but still crunchy.
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Adjust seasoning – Taste before serving and adjust soy sauce or hoisin for desired saltiness and sweetness.
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Cook in batches – If making a large quantity, cook in batches to avoid steaming the meat. This helps retain that beautiful sear.
Best Side Dishes for Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage
Pairing side dishes with your Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry enhances your meal experience. Here are some great options:
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Steamed Broccoli – Simple yet nutritious, steamed broccoli adds color and crunch without overpowering flavors.
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Fried Rice – A classic accompaniment that can easily be customized with vegetables or eggs for extra flavor.
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Mixed Vegetable Stir-Fry – A medley of seasonal vegetables provides variety and nutrition alongside your main dish.
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Cucumber Salad – Refreshing cucumber salad adds a cool crunch that balances out the warm stir-fry.
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Garlic Bread – Toasted garlic bread complements the savory flavors while offering a delightful crunch.
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Quinoa Pilaf – A healthy grain side that’s nutty in flavor; quinoa pairs well with bold sauces like those in your stir-fry.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoiding overcooking the beef. Ground beef should be cooked until browned but not dry. Check it frequently to maintain moisture.
- Not using fresh aromatics. Fresh garlic and ginger enhance the flavor significantly. Always use fresh ingredients for the best taste.
- Skipping the slicing technique. Thinly sliced cabbage cooks more evenly and crisps better. Invest some time in proper slicing for better results.
- Ignoring seasoning balance. Adding too much soy sauce can make the dish salty. Adjust the amount based on your taste preferences, using low-sodium options if needed.
- Using low-quality oils. Good quality sesame oil adds depth to flavor. Choose a high-quality oil for the best outcome.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the stir-fry to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Divide into portions for easy thawing and reheating.
Reheating Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place stir-fry in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1 minute, stirring in between until heated thoroughly.
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage?
Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage is a savory dish featuring ground beef sautéed with crisp cabbage and seasoned with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce.
Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef to create a lighter version of this recipe without sacrificing flavor.
How can I customize this recipe?
You can add vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots for extra color and texture. Adjust sauces based on your personal preference too!
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This stir-fry stores well and can be made in advance for quick meals throughout the week.
What can I serve with Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage?
This dish pairs nicely with steamed rice or quinoa, offering a hearty and nutritious meal option.
Final Thoughts
This Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste. We encourage you to try this recipe at home; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage
Mongolian-Style Ground Beef Stir-Fry with Crispy Cabbage is a quick and flavorful dish that brings the essence of Asian cuisine right to your kitchen. This stir-fry combines tender ground beef with fresh, crunchy cabbage, all enveloped in a savory sauce made from soy sauce and hoisin. With aromatic garlic and ginger adding depth, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. In just under 30 minutes, you can serve up a hearty meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Enjoy it over rice, in lettuce wraps, or alongside your favorite noodles for a versatile dining experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 small onion, finely sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by slicing the cabbage, mincing the garlic, grating the ginger, and finely slicing the onion.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add sesame oil.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned thoroughly (about 5–7 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add sliced onion and cabbage; cook until the cabbage is tender yet crisp (about 4–5 minutes).
- Pour in soy sauce and hoisin sauce; mix well to combine.
- Serve hot immediately for best flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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