Spicy Cumin Beef Stir-Fry with Red Cabbage and Jasmine Rice

This fiery stir-fry draws inspiration from Hunan province, where cumin seeds add an earthy, aromatic kick to classic Chinese flavors. The combination of toasted cumin, chili flakes, and soy sauce creates a deeply savory sauce that coats tender ground beef, while roasted red cabbage adds a smoky crunch.

Served over fluffy jasmine rice and finished with fresh cilantro and lime, this dish is a satisfying balance of heat, tang, and umami. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels anything but ordinary.

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Ingredients

10 ounce Ground BeefView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 thumb GingerView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 clove GarlicView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Soy SauceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Sesame OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Cumin SeedsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Chili FlakesView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 ounce CilantroView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Yellow OnionView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

8 ounce Shredded Red CabbageView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Sesame SeedsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.75 cup Jasmine RiceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit LimeView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.5 unit SugarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

unit SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

unit PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit Vegetable OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Wash and dry all produce. Preheat broiler to high or oven to 500°F. Bring 1¼ cups water to a boil in a small pot. Halve, peel, and thinly slice onion. Mince or grate garlic. Peel and mince ginger until you have 2 tablespoons. Halve the lime.
2. Once water is boiling, add rice to pot. Cover, lower heat, and reduce to a simmer. Cook until tender, 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and keep covered until ready to serve.
3. Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, tossing, until softened, 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic, ginger, 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, and a pinch of chili flakes (to taste). Cook until softened and fragrant, 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. While onions cook, toss cabbage on a baking sheet with a drizzle of oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Broil (or bake) until lightly browned and crispy at edges, 8-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
5. Add beef to pan with onions. Break up meat into pieces with a spatula or wooden spoon. Cook, tossing occasionally, until no longer pink and slightly browned at edges, about 5 minutes. Stir in soy sauce and ½ teaspoon sugar. Remove pan from heat, then stir in a squeeze of lime and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Divide rice between plates and top with cabbage and beef mixture. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, remaining chili flakes (to taste), and a squeeze of lime. Tear cilantro leaves over top and serve.

Useful Cookware

A few helpful kitchen tools for this recipe, with relevant Amazon picks for each item.

Small pot

SENSARTE Nonstick Saucepan with Lid, 1.5 Quarts Small Pot with Swiss Granite Coating, Stay-cool Handle, Multipurpose Handy Sauce Pot Small Kitchen Cooking Pot, Induction Comptable, PFOA FreeView on AmazonCuisinart 1.5 Quart Sauce Pan with Cover, Stainless Steel Pot with Lid, Small Kitchen Pots, Dishwasher Safe, Compatible with Induction, Electric, Gas Cooktops, Oven Safe Saucepan, Cool Grip HandlesView on AmazonCuisinart 8919-14 Professional Series 1-Quart Saucepan with Cover, Stainless Steel, Mirror FinishView on Amazon

Large pan

SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet with Lid, 12 Inch Large Deep Frying Pan, 5 Qt Non Stick Saute Pan with Cover, Induction Pan, Healthy Non Toxic Cooking Pan with Helper Handle, PFOA PFOS FreeView on AmazonFarberware Dishwasher Safe Nonstick Jumbo Cooker Chef's Pan with Lid and Helper Handle, Kitchen Cookware, 6-Quart, BlackView on AmazonSNOWCLAD Frying Pans Nonstick with Lid,Hybrid Non Stick 5 Quart Saute pan,PFOA Free Cookware,Stainless Steel skillet,12 inch Deep Saute Pan,Dishwasher&Oven Safe,Works on All CooktopsView on Amazon

Baking sheet

GoodCook Everyday Nonstick Baking Sheet Set, 3 Pack Includes Small (13×9) Medium (15×1) and Large (17×11) Pans Carbon Steel Construction Cookie Sheets Bakeware Set, GrayView on AmazonNutriChef 3-Piece Nonstick Kitchen Oven Baking Pans - Premium & Stylish Non-Stick Steel, Commercial Grade Restaurant Quality Metal Bakeware with Red Silicone Handles - Easy to Clean, NCSBS3SView on AmazonNordic Ware Naturals Half Sheet - USA Made Aluminum Commercial Quality Sheet Pan for Baking or Roasting, Encapsulated Galvanized Steel Rim Prevents Warping, 2-PackView on Amazon

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different protein instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground pork, chicken, or turkey work well. Adjust cooking time as needed.

Is this dish gluten-free?

It can be if you use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce. The recipe as written uses soy sauce which contains wheat.

Can I make this ahead of time?

The stir-fry is best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients in advance. Store cooked components separately and reheat gently.