Quick & Easy Keto Cabbage Stir Fry with Ground Beef
A budget-friendly, one-pan keto dinner ready in just 20 minutes!
KEY INFO
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4-6
- Difficulty: Easy
- Diet: Keto, Low-carb, Paleo, Whole30
- Cost: $10-15
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large skillet or wok (12-inch minimum)
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife
- Grater for ginger
- Alternative: Regular sauté pan works if you don’t have a wok

INGREDIENTS
Main Components:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 small onion, chopped (about 1 cup/150g)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1 medium cabbage head, shredded (about 8 cups/600g)
- ½ cup (50g) shredded carrots (optional)
Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) coconut aminos (or soy sauce if not strict keto)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) sesame oil (optional)
Garnish (Optional):
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
METHOD
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef, breaking it up with your wooden spoon.
- Cook until no pink remains (about 5 minutes).
- Remove beef, leaving 2 tablespoons fat in pan.
- Add onion, garlic, and ginger.
- Sauté until onions are translucent (2-3 minutes).
- Add shredded cabbage in batches.
- Stir frequently until cabbage begins to wilt (5-7 minutes).
- Return beef to pan.
- Add coconut aminos and seasonings.
- Cook until cabbage reaches desired tenderness (3-5 minutes).
- Finish with sesame oil and garnishes if using.




CRUCIAL TIPS
- Don’t overcook the cabbage – it should still have some crunch.
- Season gradually – cabbage releases water while cooking.
- Use high heat to prevent soggy vegetables.
- Break up meat well while cooking for even distribution.
STORAGE & VARIATIONS
Storage:
- Refrigerate up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer-friendly for up to 2 months.
Common Substitutions:
- Ground turkey or pork instead of beef.
- Bok choy or Brussels sprouts for cabbage.
- Coconut aminos ➜ soy sauce (if not strict keto).
Scaling:
- Recipe doubles easily for meal prep.
- Use a larger pan or cook in batches if scaling up.
Variations:
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for heat.
- Mix in mushrooms for extra umami.
- Top with a fried egg for extra protein.
- Include bacon bits for a smoky flavor.
Nutritional Info (per serving):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 27g
- Net Carbs: 5g