Healthy Chinese Ground Beef Cabbage (Print version)

A quick Chinese-inspired ground beef and cabbage skillet with ginger, garlic, tamari, sesame, and crisp-tender vegetables.

# Ingredients:

For the sauce

01 - 1/4 cup (60 ml) reduced-sodium gluten-free tamari
02 - 1/4 cup (60 ml) low-sodium beef broth or water
03 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
04 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
05 - 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce, optional
06 - 1 teaspoon cornstarch

For the skillet

07 - 1 tablespoon avocado oil or neutral cooking oil
08 - 1 lb (450 g) 90 to 93 percent lean ground beef
09 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 4 green onions, white and green parts separated and sliced
12 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
13 - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
14 - 6 cups (420 g) thinly sliced green cabbage
15 - 1 medium carrot, julienned or grated
16 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - In a small bowl, whisk together tamari, broth, rice vinegar, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, and cornstarch until smooth. Set it next to the stove.
02 - Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it into small crumbles, until browned and cooked through.
03 - Add the white parts of the green onions, garlic, and ginger. Stir for 30-45 seconds, just until fragrant.
04 - Add the cabbage and carrot. Toss often for 4-6 minutes, until the cabbage is glossy, slightly softened, and still crisp in the thicker pieces.
05 - Give the sauce another quick whisk, then pour it into the skillet. Stir for 1-2 minutes, until lightly thickened and coating the beef and vegetables.
06 - Remove from the heat. Scatter with the green onion tops and sesame seeds. Taste and adjust with a little more tamari or vinegar if needed.

# Good to know:

01 - Serve as is for a low-carb bowl, or spoon over steamed rice for a heartier meal.
02 - Leftovers keep refrigerated in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
03 - Use gluten-free tamari if the recipe must stay gluten-free.

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