Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or olive oil if you prefer)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced or grated
  • 1 small head of green cabbage, shredded (about 4-5 cups)
  • 2 large carrots, julienned or shredded
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (optional, for tanginess)
  • 1-2 tablespoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste for heat)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar or honey
  • 2-3 green onions, sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup chopped cilantro for garnish
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Method

Cook the Meat

  1. Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Season with a little salt and pepper. Once cooked, remove any excess fat if necessary.

Add Aromatics

  1. Add the diced onion to the skillet with the pork. Sauté until the onion begins to soften, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Cook the Vegetables

  1. Stir in the shredded cabbage and julienned carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender but still have a bit of crunch, about 5-7 minutes. You might need to add a bit more oil if the mixture seems too dry.

Add Sauces and Seasonings

  1. Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar if using, and sriracha or chili garlic sauce. Stir well to combine. If you like a bit of sweetness, add the sugar or honey at this point. Let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

Finish and Serve

  1. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or sriracha if needed. Stir in the sliced green onions.
  2. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro and toasted sesame seeds if desired.