Description
This Spicy Stir-Fried Cabbage is a quick and flavorful side dish featuring crunchy green cabbage stir-fried with garlic, fresh ginger, and red chilies. Tossed in a tangy soy and rice vinegar sauce with a hint of sweetness and finished with toasted sesame seeds for an irresistible Asian-inspired flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 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 and 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 and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional)
- Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until hot.
- Sauté aromatics: Add minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced red chilies to the hot oil. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook the cabbage: Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the pan. Stir-fry for 5–7 minutes until the cabbage begins to soften yet retains a slight crunch for texture.
- Add sauces and sweetener: Stir in soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar (or lime juice), sesame oil, and honey or sugar if using. Toss thoroughly to coat the cabbage evenly in the sauce.
- Finish cooking: Continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently to allow flavors to meld and cabbage to soften just a bit more.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve hot as a side dish or over rice or noodles.
Notes
- Adjust the number of red chilies to control the level of spiciness.
- Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
- Serve this dish immediately to maintain the cabbage’s crunchy texture.
- Can be enjoyed as a side dish or added as a topping for rice or noodle bowls.
- For a vegan version, ensure honey is replaced with sugar or omit it altogether.
