Cabbage Stir Fry

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Let me take you on a delightful journey of flavors and textures that only cabbage stir fry can bring to your table. Picture this: a vibrant mix of vegetables, a touch of spice, and protein all stir-fried together to create a dish that not only fills your belly but also your heart.

I’ve explored many recipes over the years, but this one holds a special place in my kitchen. It’s quick, satisfying, and adaptable to whatever you have on hand.

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What is Cabbage Stir Fry?

Cabbage stir fry is the star of the show when it comes to healthy cooking. This dish combines shredded cabbage with an assortment of ingredients, resulting in a colorful, nutritious meal. Traditionally, stir-frying stems from Asian cuisine. The process involves high heat and quick cooking, keeping the veggies crunchy and full of flavor. You can get your veggies cooked and on the table in record time. This dish offers flexibility; you can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have or prefer.

I stumbled upon this recipe during my quest for quick vegetarian meals. My family often craved flavorful dishes, and I wanted something light yet filling. The mingling of cabbage, spices, and protein seemed like a match made in heaven. Trust me; cabbage stir fry quickly became a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love this Cabbage Stir Fry

The love for this dish goes beyond just its delicious flavor. Here’s a shortlist of reasons why I think you’ll adore this cabbage stir fry:

Nutritious Powerhouse: Cabbage is low in calories but rich in vitamins C and K. It’s great for your health!
Quick Meal: You can whip this dish up in about 30 minutes or less. Perfect for those busy weeknights.
Versatile: This dish allows you to be creative. Feel free to throw in any veggies or proteins you have available.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week, saving you valuable cooking time.
Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters in your household might be willing to try cabbage when it’s fried up with all its colorful companions.

The Ingredients

To make this tantalizing cabbage stir fry, you’ll need the following:

1½ tablespoons finely minced garlic (about 5 cloves)
2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
1 small green cabbage (1 to 1½ pounds), thinly sliced
1 tablespoon low-sodium hoisin sauce
1 pound ground chicken (or lean turkey, pork, or beef, if you prefer)
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil, divided (this brings a gorgeous nutty flavor)
¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust according to your heat preference)
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems
2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
2 cups julienned carrots (about 10 ounces or 4 medium)
4 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce, divided, plus more to taste if needed
1½ tablespoons pure maple syrup (or honey, for sweetness)
¼ teaspoon ground allspice (for a milder warmth)
6 small green onions, finely chopped
Optional: Steamed brown rice or brown rice noodles for serving (omit for low-carb)

As you can see, the ingredients are straightforward, yet they come together beautifully. The hoisin sauce and sesame oil play crucial roles in adding depth and rich flavors to this dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s dive into the cooking process. The following steps will guide you through creating this hearty cabbage stir fry.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients. It’s essential to have everything ready to go. Chop the cabbage, peel the garlic and ginger, julienne the carrots, and gather your spices. Having everything prepped will make cooking a breeze.

Step 2: Heat the Pan

Grab a large skillet or wok and heat it over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil. Allow it to warm for about 30 seconds. You should see shimmering against the pan’s surface.

Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Ginger

Now, toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir them around for about 30-60 seconds. The aroma will be inviting! You just want them to become fragrant without letting them brown too much.

Step 4: Add Ground Chicken

Next, add the ground chicken (or your protein of choice) into the skillet. Break it up with your spatula as it cooks. You want it to become brown and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Stir often to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Toss in the Cabbage

Once the chicken is brown, it’s time to add the sliced cabbage. Now, this is where the magic truly happens. Add that vibrant, green cabbage into the mix and stir. You’ll notice that the volume decreases as it wilts down. Cook it for about 3-5 minutes until it’s tender-crisp.

Step 6: Mix in Carrots and Seasoning

Stir in the julienned carrots and leave it for another minute. Next, drizzle in the remaining sesame oil, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Combine everything thoroughly and taste it. This is when you can adjust the seasonings according to your preference. If you like it sweeter, add a splash more of maple syrup or honey.

Step 7: Finish with Spice and Herbs

Now, add in the crushed red pepper flakes according to your heat preference. Finally, toss in the fresh cilantro and chopped green onions. Give everything a good stir, and let it cook for another minute. The fresh herbs will brighten up the dish!

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve this colorful mixture over steamed brown rice or brown rice noodles if desired. You can also enjoy it on its own or as part of a larger meal. Watching everyone dig in is a beautiful thing!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking can be a fun adventure, but there are always ways to make it smoother. Here are some pro tips to keep in mind:

Prep Ahead: Chop your veggies ahead of time to save time during cooking.
Adjust the Heat: If you want more kick, experiment with different kinds of chili sauces or pepper flakes.
Use a Wok: A wok heats up quickly and distributes heat evenly, making the stir-frying process efficient.
Don’t Overcook the Veggies: Keep them crunchy for better texture and taste.
Experiment with Proteins: Feel free to swap in tofu, shrimp, or beans for variety.

Nutrition Information

This cabbage stir fry isn’t just delicious; it also checks off boxes on the nutrition front. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutrition per serving (without rice):

Calories: 350
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 5g
Fat: 15g
Vitamin C: 75% of the Daily Value
Calcium: 10% of the Daily Value

This dish is perfect for a balanced meal, offering a rich source of vitamins and minerals while keeping the calorie count in check.

Can I Store Cabbage Stir Fry?

Absolutely! Leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, the veggies might lose some crunch. To reheat, just toss it back in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to steam it up a bit. You can also use a microwave for a couple of minutes if you’re in a hurry.

What Can I Serve with Cabbage Stir Fry?

The beauty of cabbage stir fry is that it can be paired with various sides:

Brown rice or noodles: For a heartier meal.
Quinoa: Adds protein and nutrients.
Salad: A fresh side salad brightens the meal.
Egg rolls or spring rolls: Great for an Asian-themed dinner.
Tofu or meat skewers: For that extra protein punch.

Variations

While this recipe is fantastic as is, sometimes it’s fun to switch things up. Here are five ideas to customize your cabbage stir fry experience:

Add More Veggies: Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas can enhance the color and nutrition. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and toss them in during the cooking process.
Switch Up the Sauce: Try using teriyaki sauce for a sweeter taste or sriracha for additional heat.
Go Vegan: Leave out the meat and substitute it with edamame or chickpeas for plant-based protein.
Experiment with Nuts: Adding chopped peanuts or cashews gives an enjoyable crunch and nutty flavor.
Sweet and Sour Twist: Mix in some pineapple chunks for a refreshing, tangy flavor profile that kids will love.

Content Editor

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 12

Total Time 27

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

Skillet

Ingredients

1½ tablespoons finely minced garlic about 5 cloves
2 tablespoons freshly grated ginger
1 small green cabbage 1 to 1½ pounds, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon low-sodium hoisin sauce
1 pound ground chicken or lean turkey, pork, or beef, if you prefer
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil divided (this brings a gorgeous nutty flavor)
¼ to ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes adjust according to your heat preference
½ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems
2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
2 cups julienned carrots about 10 ounces or 4 medium
4 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce divided, plus more to taste if needed
1½ tablespoons pure maple syrup or honey, for sweetness
¼ teaspoon ground allspice for a milder warmth
6 small green onions finely chopped
Optional: Steamed brown rice or brown rice noodles for serving omit for low-carb