Description
This Spicy Stir-Fried Cabbage is a quick, crunchy, and flavorful side dish perfect for adding a vibrant kick to any meal. It features thinly sliced green cabbage stir-fried with garlic, fresh ginger, red chilies, and a savory blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil, garnished with green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an easy and nutritious addition to your weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 small head green cabbage, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
- 1–2 red chilies, thinly sliced (adjust to heat preference)
- 2 green onions, chopped
Oils & Sauces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Sweetener & Garnish
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional)
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable or olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and thinly sliced red chilies to the hot oil. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant to release their flavors.
- Stir-Fry Cabbage: Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5 to 7 minutes, allowing it to soften slightly but retain a crunchy texture for a satisfying bite.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon honey or sugar if using. Toss everything together to ensure the cabbage is evenly coated.
- Cook Further: Continue cooking for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, so the flavors meld and the cabbage is cooked to your preferred tenderness.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish the stir-fried cabbage with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot as a side dish or over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can adjust the number of red chilies to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- Use tamari to make the dish gluten-free if needed.
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with sugar or omit it entirely.
- The cabbage is best when it retains some crunch; avoid overcooking to keep the texture vibrant.
- Serving this over rice or noodles makes it a wholesome vegetarian main course.
