Side DishMain Course

Spicy Cabbage Stir-fry

Name: Spicy Cabbage Stir-fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: chinese
Ingredients: 0.7 pcs green cabbage outer leaves removed, cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces; 3 clove garlic minced; 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated; 1 pcs red chili thinly sliced; 2 tbsp vegetable oil; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tsp sesame oil; 1 tsp sugar; 1 tsp cornstarch; 2 tbsp water; 1 tsp sesame seed toasted (optional)

Experience a burst of vibrant flavors with this quick and easy Spicy Cabbage Stir-fry, a Chinese-inspired vegan dish. Tender-crisp cabbage is tossed in a savory, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce, making it an irresistible side or light main course that comes together in under 30 minutes.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time: 30 min
Serves: 4
Difficulty: Easy
Per serving: 142 kcal

Vegetarian

Allergen information: may contain gluten, sesame, and soy. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Mise en place

Ingredients

0.7 pcsgreen cabbage, outer leaves removed, cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces
3 clovegarlic, minced
1 tbspfresh ginger, grated
1 pcsred chili, thinly sliced
2 tbspvegetable oil

sauce

3 tbspsoy sauce
1 tbsprice vinegar
1 tspsesame oil
1 tspsugar
1 tspcornstarch
2 tbspwater

garnish

1 tspsesame seed, toasted(optional)

Equipment

Wok · Large skillet (12-inch) (optional) · Small mixing bowl · Whisk · Chef's knife · Cutting board · Spatula or stir-fry spoon

The method

Step by step

1
Prepare the sauce by whisking together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, cornstarch, and water in a small bowl until thoroughly combined.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Ensure the cornstarch is completely dissolved to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, glossy sauce. You can use a fork if you don't have a whisk.
2
Finely mince the garlic cloves, grate the fresh ginger, and thinly slice the red chili.
Cook’s note: For less heat, remove the seeds and white pith from the red chili before slicing. For more heat, leave them in.
3
Roughly chop the green cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
Cook’s note: Aim for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. A sharp chef's knife will make this task easier.
4
Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and just begins to smoke lightly.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: A properly heated wok is crucial for achieving that signature 'wok hei' flavor and preventing the vegetables from steaming.
5
Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced red chili to the hot oil.
Cook’s note: Keep the ingredients moving to prevent burning, as garlic can turn bitter quickly.
6
Stir-fry the aromatics for 30 seconds until they become fragrant and lightly golden.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: The kitchen should fill with a wonderful aroma, indicating the flavors are developing.
7
Add the chopped green cabbage to the wok.
Cook’s note: If your wok is not large enough, stir-fry the cabbage in two batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to steaming instead of stir-frying.
8
Stir-fry the cabbage for 5-7 minutes, tossing frequently, until it is tender-crisp and slightly wilted but still retains some crunch.
About 7 min
Cook’s note: Taste a piece of cabbage to check for desired tenderness. It should be cooked through but not mushy.
9
Give the prepared sauce a quick whisk again, then pour it evenly over the cabbage in the wok.
Cook’s note: Whisking again ensures the cornstarch hasn't settled at the bottom of the bowl.
10
Toss continuously for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens and beautifully coats all the cabbage pieces.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: The sauce will become glossy and cling to the cabbage, indicating it's ready.
11
Remove the wok from the heat and transfer the spicy cabbage stir-fry to a serving dish.
12
Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds, if desired, and serve immediately.
Cook’s note: Toasting sesame seeds briefly in a dry pan enhances their nutty flavor.

Per serving

Nutrition

68%Score

Calories: 141.5kcal
Protein: 3.4g
Carbs: 14.5g
Fat: 8.8g
Fibre: 4.7g
Sugar: 6.9g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Cook’s note:

This spicy cabbage stir-fry is incredibly versatile. Serve it alongside steamed rice and your favorite protein like tofu, tempeh, or chicken for a complete meal. It also pairs wonderfully with other Asian-inspired dishes. For an extra layer of flavor, a sprinkle of toasted peanuts or cashews would be a delightful addition. Adjust the amount of red chili to suit your preferred spice level.

Storage

Store leftover stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat in a microwave until warmed through, or in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. Add a splash of water if it seems dry.