Cabbage Stir Fry is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal.
Packed with nutrients and made with simple ingredients, it’s a versatile recipe that can easily be customized to suit your tastes.
Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a side dish to complement a hearty meal, cabbage stir fry is an excellent choice.
The crunchy texture of the cabbage combined with savory seasonings and the option to add your favorite protein makes it a go-to option for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Stir Fry
This cabbage stir fry is not only easy to make, but it’s also incredibly satisfying.
The cabbage retains its crispiness when stir-fried, giving each bite a delightful crunch.
It’s a healthy dish that is low in calories and high in fiber, making it an excellent option for those looking for a nutritious meal.
It’s also super versatile—whether you prefer it as a vegetarian dish or with added protein like chicken, shrimp, or tofu, it can be tailored to your preferences.
Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need something fast but nutritious.
Ingredients for Cabbage Stir Fry
The beauty of cabbage stir fry lies in its simplicity, with most of the ingredients being pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 medium head of cabbage: Thinly sliced or shredded for quick cooking and better texture.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: For stir-frying the vegetables.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced to infuse the dish with flavor.
- 1 small onion: Thinly sliced for sweetness and aroma.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: For a savory, umami base (use tamari for gluten-free).
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Adds a nutty, rich flavor.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: A splash of tanginess to balance the savory ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: To enhance the sweetness of the cabbage and balance the flavors.
- Optional vegetables: Bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for added color and nutrients.
- Protein (optional): Tofu, shrimp, or chicken for extra protein (optional, but a great addition for a heartier meal).
- Salt and pepper: To taste, to enhance the natural flavors of the cabbage.
These simple ingredients come together to create a dish that is both delicious and nutritious.
Feel free to add or subtract based on what you have available in your kitchen.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cabbage Stir Fry
Prepare the Cabbage and Vegetables
Begin by preparing the cabbage. Remove any outer leaves and cut the cabbage into quarters, then shred or thinly slice it.
If you’re using additional vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or onions, slice them into thin strips or bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
Heat the Oil
In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot but not smoking to prevent burning the ingredients.
Sauté the Aromatics
Add the minced garlic and sliced onion to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and the onion begins to soften.
Be careful not to let the garlic brown, as it can become bitter.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Add the shredded cabbage (and any other vegetables you’re using) to the skillet.
Stir-fry the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cabbage begins to wilt but still retains some of its crisp texture.
Add the Seasonings
Once the cabbage is mostly tender but still crisp, add the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sugar.
Stir well to ensure the cabbage is evenly coated in the sauce. Allow the flavors to blend for 1-2 minutes, adjusting the seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.
Finish and Serve
If you’d like to add protein, such as tofu, shrimp, or chicken, now is the time to incorporate it.
Cook the protein separately before adding it to the stir fry, or toss it in once everything is combined.
Stir everything together for another minute and serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Cabbage Stir Fry
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
If you’re making a larger batch, consider cooking the cabbage in two batches.
Overcrowding the pan can cause the vegetables to steam rather than stir-fry, which could result in soggy cabbage.
Use High Heat
Stir-frying is all about cooking quickly on high heat.
Make sure your pan is hot enough before adding the ingredients to get that perfect stir-fry texture.
Maintain Crispness
Cabbage cooks quickly and should remain crisp in the stir fry.
Avoid overcooking it—if it becomes too soft, it loses its refreshing crunch. Stir frequently, but don’t cook for too long.
Balance the Flavors
The key to a great cabbage stir fry is balancing savory, sweet, and tangy flavors.
Adjust the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar until you get the flavor profile that you love.
Experiment with Add-ins
You can customize your cabbage stir fry with various add-ins, such as chopped bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, or even mushrooms.
Experiment with different vegetables to add more color, flavor, and nutrients to the dish.
Make It Spicy (Optional)
If you like a little heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a small amount of chili paste to the stir fry. This will give it a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Use a Wok for Best Results
A wok is ideal for stir-frying because its sloped sides allow for even heat distribution and plenty of space for stirring. If you don’t have a wok, a large skillet will work just fine.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storing Leftovers:
If you have leftover cabbage stir fry, let it cool down to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container.
It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To maintain its crispness, try to avoid overcooking it during the reheating process.
Reheating Leftovers:
To reheat, place the stir fry in a skillet or wok over medium heat.
Add a splash of water or broth to help retain moisture and stir occasionally.
You can also microwave it, but be sure to cover it with a damp paper towel to keep the cabbage from drying out.
Reheat until it’s heated through, but be careful not to cook it for too long, as it may lose its crunchy texture.
Conclusion
Cabbage stir fry is the ultimate quick, healthy, and versatile dish.
Whether you’re looking for a light meal or a side to complement your main dish, this stir fry offers a satisfying and flavorful option.
With a few simple ingredients, you can create a nutritious dish that’s full of crunch and packed with flavor.
It’s easy to customize, making it perfect for meal prep or adding your favorite protein for a heartier meal.
In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious dish ready to enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other vegetables in this stir fry?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, or snap peas to the stir fry. The more veggies, the better!
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes! Chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even tempeh are great additions. Simply cook your protein separately and add it to the stir fry in the final step.
Is cabbage stir fry gluten-free?
Yes, cabbage stir fry can be gluten-free if you use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute.
How do I make cabbage stir fry spicy?
To add some heat, you can include chili flakes, a touch of chili paste, or even fresh chopped chilies while cooking.
Can I meal prep cabbage stir fry?
Yes! This dish is perfect for meal prep. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat it on the stovetop or microwave when you’re ready to eat.
Cabbage Stir Fry
Equipment
- 1 Wok or Large Skillet
- 1 Knife (for chopping and slicing vegetables)
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Stirring Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cabbage shredded or thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Optional vegetables bell peppers, carrots, snap peas, mushrooms
- Optional protein chicken, shrimp, tofu, tempeh
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Shred or slice the cabbage and chop any additional vegetables like bell peppers or carrots. Slice the onion thinly and mince the garlic.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and sliced onion to the pan. Stir-fry for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the onion softens slightly.
- Add Cabbage and Vegetables: Add the cabbage (and any other vegetables you’re using) to the pan. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the cabbage is wilted but still crisp.
- Season the Stir Fry: Pour in the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sugar. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Protein (Optional): If you’re adding protein, such as tofu or chicken, toss it into the stir fry in the final step and cook until the protein is heated through.
- Serve: Once everything is well combined and heated through, remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Customizing: You can add your choice of vegetables, like carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas, to enhance the dish’s color, texture, and nutrition.
- Protein Add-ins: For a heartier meal, consider adding protein such as tofu, tempeh, shrimp, or chicken. Cook them separately, then toss them in with the cabbage for the last step.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this dish gluten-free, ensure you’re using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
