Sesame ginger ground beef slaw delivers the perfect combination of bold, tangy flavors and wholesome ingredients. Packed with protein from the ground beef and fiber-rich vegetables like cabbage and carrots, this recipe offers a satisfying crunch with every bite. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and full of nutrient-dense ingredients, making it a go-to meal for anyone prioritizing their health.

We developed this recipe to bring you a dish that’s not only quick and easy but also loaded with flavor and health benefits. Our team tested multiple iterations to ensure the perfect balance of savory, umami flavors from the sesame and soy sauce, paired with the fresh, vibrant crunch of vegetables. Whether you’re meal prepping or need a last-minute healthy dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes. Get ready to fall in love with a dish that makes eating well so effortless.
Why This Sesame Ginger Ground Beef Slaw Is Good for You
- High in Protein: Ground beef offers 25 grams of protein per serving, helping keep you full longer and supporting muscle growth and repair.
- Rich in Fiber: Cabbage and carrots add a generous dose of fiber, improving digestion and aiding in weight management.
- Healthy Fats: Sesame oil provides heart-healthy fats that are also essential for absorbing fat-soluble vitamins.
- Naturally Gluten-Free: By using reduced-sodium soy sauce, this dish is perfect for those avoiding gluten.
- Low in Carbs: With just 27 grams of carbs per serving, this recipe fits well into low-carb or keto-friendly diets.
Wholesome Ingredients for This Sesame Ginger Ground Beef Slaw
Let’s take a closer look at some of the star ingredients in this recipe and how they contribute to both flavor and nutrition:
- Ground Beef: A lean protein that’s rich in key nutrients like iron and B vitamins. You can opt for grass-fed beef for added omega-3s and a lower fat content.
- Cabbage: Both white and red cabbage are loaded with antioxidants like vitamin C and anthocyanins, which support a healthy immune system and reduce inflammation. For even more variety, try swapping in Napa cabbage.
- Fresh Ginger: Ginger not only delivers a bright, zesty flavor but also provides anti-inflammatory properties and aids digestion.
- Sesame Oil: This ingredient is key to the dish’s nutty, rich aroma while offering healthy polyunsaturated fats. If you prefer, toasted sesame oil can add an even deeper flavor.
Pro Tip: For a vegan version, use crumbled tofu or tempeh instead of ground beef and a plant-based soy sauce alternative.
Sesame Ginger Ground Beef Slaw Recipe Details
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Sesame Ginger Ground Beef Slaw Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced, or more to taste
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ head white cabbage, shredded
- ½ head red cabbage, shredded
- 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into thin strips
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into very thin strips
- ½ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 dash hot sauce, or to taste
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, or to taste
- 1 lime wedge
How to Make Sesame Ginger Ground Beef Slaw
- Heat the canola oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook, stirring and breaking it apart, for 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
- Toss in the white and red cabbage, carrots, and red bell pepper. Stir everything together and cook for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are just tender but still crisp.
- Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and a dash of hot sauce. Stir well to combine and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge. Add extra hot sauce for a spicier kick!
How to Customize This Sesame Ginger Ground Beef Slaw for Your Diet
- Vegan Option: Swap ground beef for crumbled tofu, tempeh, or plant-based ground meat alternatives.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Use only white cabbage to reduce carbs further and consider adding more ground beef for increased protein and fat.
- Gluten-Free: Opt for a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for a naturally gluten-free dish.
- Nut-Free: This recipe is already nut-free, but double-check soy sauce brands for cross-contamination warnings.
- Lower Calorie: Reduce the sesame oil to 1 tablespoon and use lean ground turkey instead of beef.
Our Team’s Tips for the Best Sesame Ginger Ground Beef Slaw
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic make a world of difference in flavor compared to dried or powdered versions.
- Don’t Overcook the Veggies: Cabbage should maintain a slight crunch for the best texture.
- Customize Heat Levels: Adjust the hot sauce to your spice tolerance – start small and add more after tasting.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe stores well for up to 3 days in the fridge, making it an ideal option for batch cooking.
- Storage Tip: Keep the slaw and garnishes (like lime wedges) separate until ready to serve to retain their freshness.
Sesame Ginger Ground Beef Slaw FAQs
Can I make this sesame ginger ground beef slaw ahead of time?
Yes! It’s a fantastic meal prep option. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet for the best results.
Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, with just 27g of carbs per serving, this recipe is relatively low-carb and can be adjusted further by reducing the vegetables with higher carb content.
What’s the best ground beef to use?
Lean ground beef (85% lean) works well, but you can also use extra-lean or grass-fed beef for less fat and extra omega-3s.
Can I freeze sesame ginger ground beef slaw?
We don’t recommend freezing, as the texture of the vegetables softens too much. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated within a few days of cooking.
This **sesame ginger ground beef slaw** is the perfect balance of health and taste, proving that nutritious meals don’t have to sacrifice flavor. What dietary change are you excited to try with this recipe? Let us know in the comments below!

Sesame Ginger Ground Beef Slaw
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced, or more to taste
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ head white cabbage, shredded
- ½ head red cabbage, shredded
- 2 large carrots, peeled and cut into thin strips
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into very thin strips
- ½ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 dash hot sauce, or to taste
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, or to taste
- 1 lime wedge
Instructions
- Heat the canola oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the garlic and ginger, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef and cook, stirring and breaking it apart, for 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
- Toss in the white and red cabbage, carrots, and red bell pepper. Stir everything together and cook for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are just tender but still crisp.
- Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, and a dash of hot sauce. Stir well to combine and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a lime wedge. Add extra hot sauce for a spicier kick!
