Cabbage Stir Fry

All the Asian flavors you love and crave without any fuss. This low-carb and easy cabbage stir fry recipe comes together in less than 20 minutes.

Tofu and edamame provide plant-based protein and the veggies and seasoning provide flavor and texture. Make this stir fry when you want to get dinner on the table fast. Prep time is minimal and in only takes a few minutes on the stovetop.

Ingredients for Cabbage Stir Fry

• High Protein Extra Firm Tofu. You can replace it with any other plant-based protein.
• Toasted Sesame Oil. Provides a great nutty flavor.
• Soy Sauce. You can also use Tamari or Coconut Aminos especially if you need gluten-free or soy-free.
• Cabbage. You will only need half a head of cabbage. This recipe can be made with green or purple cabbage.
• Medium Carrots. About four cups of carrots, julienned for quick cooking.
• Red Bell Pepper. Sub out other types of bell peppers as needed.
• Shelled Edamame.
• Freshly Grated Ginger.
• Garlic Cloves.
• Sambal Olek. Optional, but recommended for a little heat.
• Scallions.
• Black Sesame Seeds. Use white sesame seeds, if you can't find black.

How to Make Cabbage Stir Fry

First, get a large skillet hot and add one tablespoon of the sesame oil. Then add the tofu and cook it for 2-3 minutes on high heat to start getting it crispy. When this is finished, add another tablespoon of sesame oil and soy sauce. Cook until it is well coated, another 2-3 minutes. Set aside.

Next, use the same hot skillet with the remaining sesame oil and add all of the vegetables, seasoning, and the remaining soy sauce. Cook for 5-7 minutes on medium-high heat until the cabbage and veggies are cooked to your desired crispness.

Combine everything together including the scallions and black sesame seeds right before serving.

Storing Leftover Stir Fry

Keep your leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container and reheat them in a hot skillet or use it in other dishes such as soup or spring rolls.

Pro Tips

• When the veggies are cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed right before removing the stir fry from the heat source.
• Thinly cut the vegetables, so they can cook quickly.
• Use your leftovers to make vegetable spring rolls! Just fill the spring roll wrappers, wrap them up, and fry them in an air fryer, oven or skillet until the wrapper is golden brown and crispy. Dip in peanut sauce. Delicious!

Different Types of Cabbage

There are 4 main different types of cabbage. Each type has a unique flavor and texture, and is used in different ways in cooking. Some are best eaten raw, while others are better cooked. They also have a different nutritional value and health benefits. Here are the main types of cabbage.

Green cabbage: This is the most common type of cabbage and has a firm, tight head with a pale green color. It has a mild flavor, and is ideal for coleslaws, salads, sauerkraut, cabbage steaks, stir fries and to add to cabbage soup.

Red cabbage: Has a deep purple color and is slightly stronger flavor than green cabbage. It can be eaten raw in coleslaws, salads, pickling. Red cabbage gets sweeter when cooked and it tastes great in this warm salad, and this stir fry

Savoy cabbage: Has a crinkly, wavy leaf texture, and a mild, sweet flavor. It's better eaten cooked and works great in soups, stews, and stir-fries.

Napa cabbage: Also known as Chinese cabbage, it has long, delicate leaves and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It is eaten cooked and it's often used in Asian cuisine, and added to soups and stir-fries.

Other Veggies from the the cabbage family: Bok choy, brussels sprouts, kale, kohlrabi, Romanesco cabbage

Variations:

• Add any veggies you have on hand, make sure you cut they are cut thin
• Red pepper flakes are another great way to add heat.
• If you want a protein variation, you can add veggie chicken, veggie beef, seitan, or tempeh.

What Other Vegetables Can I Add to Cabbage Stir Fry?

Our recipe calls for carrots, scallions, bell peppers, and edamame. You could also add bok choy, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, zucchini, yellow squash, bean sprouts, green beans, snap peas, onions, water chestnuts, or mushrooms.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I stir-fry cabbage?

Our recipe calls for five to seven minutes once you add the cabbage. Just until the cabbage is wilted. This can be adapted to your preference for how cooked you want the vegetables.

What type of cabbage should I use in stir fry or sauce?

Choose from any of these types: napa, savoy, green, purple, or red.

How do I cut cabbage?

Using a sharp knife, cut the cabbage in halves and then halves again to get fourths. Next, simply remove the core and slice ribbons of the remaining cabbage. Depending on how small you want it, you can cut thin ribbons and then cut smaller pieces or just do a rough chop. For this recipe, we actually just recommend shredding the cabbage which you can do by hand, in a food processor or with a box grater.

Is stir fry cabbage healthy?

Yes. This recipe is low-carb, paleo, keto, gluten-free (with the right soy sauce), dairy-free, and filled with vitamins and minerals your body needs.

Should I blanch the cabbage before frying it?

No. There is no reason to blanch the cabbage and it will actually make it mushy.

How do you keep cabbage from getting mushy or soggy?

Don't overcook the cabbage. Larger pieces will also be less likely to turn to mush, so if you want a different texture chop instead of shredding.

Is it okay to eat cabbage every day?

Yes. Just don't rely on cabbage exclusively or you will not be getting all of the nutrition you need.

Can you freeze cabbage stir fry?

No. Frozen cooked cabbage will turn to mush.

How to Serve Cabbage Stir Fry?

You can serve this beautiful dish as is or with rice, noodles, farro, or zoodles. If you need to feed a crowd, you can also add potstickers or veggie spring rolls to round the meal out.

More Great Asian Dinners

• Sweet Potato Noodles Stir Fry with Peanut Sauce
• Sesame Teriyaki Tofu and Roasted Broccoli Sheet Pan Dinner
• Asian Cucumber Salad
• Vegan Lettuce Wraps

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