Description

This Spicy Stir-Fried Cabbage is a quick, crunchy, and flavorful side dish perfect for adding a vibrant kick to your meals. Thinly sliced cabbage is stir-fried with garlic, fresh ginger, and red chilies, then tossed in a deliciously tangy and savory sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Garnished with green onions and toasted sesame seeds, this dish is both easy and satisfying, suitable as a side or served over rice or noodles.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables & 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 & Sauces

2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
1 teaspoon sesame oil

Other

1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional)
Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Heat the oil: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat to prepare for stir-frying the aromatics and cabbage.
Sauté aromatics: Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and thinly sliced red chilies to the hot oil. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant to release their flavors.
Cook the cabbage: Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the skillet. Stir-fry for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently. The cabbage should begin to soften while retaining a slight crunch for the best texture.
Add sauce ingredients: Stir in soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar (or lime juice), sesame oil, and honey (if using). Toss well to coat the cabbage evenly with the flavorful sauce.
Finalize cooking: Continue cooking the cabbage for an additional 2 to 3 minutes while stirring frequently so it absorbs the sauce and finishes softening without becoming mushy.
Garnish 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

Adjust the number of red chilies based on your heat preference to make the dish milder or spicier.
Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
The honey or sugar addition is optional but helps balance the acidity and heat in the dish.
For a nuttier flavor, you can toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan before garnishing.
This stir-fried cabbage is best enjoyed immediately for its crisp texture but can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.