Nitrate & Nitrite Free Beef and Cabbage Stir Fry
This skillet dinner delivers bold, satisfying flavor without a single cured or processed ingredient in sight — just honest, whole-food staples that come together fast. Ground beef gets seared until deeply browned, then tossed with tender cabbage and sweet carrots for a combination that's hearty and surprisingly light at the same time. Coconut aminos stand in for soy sauce and bring that savory, umami depth you'd expect from a stir fry, while fresh ginger, turmeric, and a squeeze of lemon juice keep every bite bright and layered. For anyone navigating processed meats or packaged sauces loaded with preservatives, this recipe is a genuine relief — every ingredient is straightforward and easy to verify. The high-heat cooking method means the vegetables stay a little crisp at the edges rather than going soggy, which makes the whole bowl feel restaurant-worthy. Finish it with a scatter of green onion tops, cilantro, and sesame seeds and you've got something that looks as good as it tastes.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
- 4 cups green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 2 medium carrots, julienned or coarsely grated
- 3 tbsp garlic-infused oil, divided
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated
- 3 tbsp coconut aminos
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- 3 green onions (green tops only), thinly sliced
For serving
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Heat 1 tbsp of the garlic-infused oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat until shimmering. Add the ground beef in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 2 minutes, then break it apart and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until browned throughout with no pink remaining and an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C), about 5–6 minutes total. Transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
- 2
Return the skillet to high heat and add the remaining 2 tbsp garlic-infused oil. Add the carrots and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
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