Flavorful Asian Cabbage Stir Fry: Quick Weeknight Meal (Print Version)
Quick, flavorful Asian Cabbage Stir Fry recipe. A vibrant, easy weeknight meal with tender cabbage and savory sauce. So simple!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Asian
Dietary: Dairy-Free, Can be Gluten-Free (use tamari)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 medium green cabbage, thinly shredded (about 8 cups)
02 -
1 lb ground pork (or chicken/turkey)
03 -
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
1.5 inch piece fresh ginger, grated or minced
05 -
1 small onion, thinly sliced
→ Sauce & Flavor Boosters
06 -
1/4 cup light soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
07 -
2 tbsp oyster sauce (or vegetarian oyster sauce)
08 -
1 tbsp rice vinegar
09 -
1 tsp sesame oil
10 -
1 tsp sugar (brown or white)
11 -
1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water (slurry)
→ Finishing Touches
12 -
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
13 -
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
→ Optional Extras
14 -
1/2 cup sliced bell peppers
15 -
1/4 cup shredded carrots
16 -
Pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get all your chopping done. Shred that cabbage, mince the garlic and ginger, slice the onion. I always feel like a proper chef when my mise en place is all lined up! Don't forget to get your pork out too. This is where I sometimes get distracted and forget to fully thaw the meat, oops. Just make sure everything is ready to go because stir-frying moves fast!
02 -
Heat a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Once it's shimmering, add your ground pork. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it's beautifully browned and no longer pink. You want some nice crispy bits here, honestly, that's where the flavor lives! Drain any excess fat if there's a lot; I usually don't have to with lean pork, but it's good to check.
03 -
Push the pork to one side of the wok, or remove it temporarily. Add a tiny bit more oil if needed, then toss in your minced garlic, ginger, and sliced onion. Sauté them for about a minute, until they smell fragrant and the onion starts to soften. Oh, the smell here is just heavenly, it instantly makes me hungry! Don't let the garlic burn, that's a mistake I've made before, and it turns bitter, ugh.
04 -
Now, bring the pork back into the center (if you removed it) and add the shredded cabbage. It'll look like a mountain at first, but don't worry, it wilts down quickly. Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes, tossing constantly, until the cabbage is tender-crisp. You still want a bit of bite, not mushy! This is where I always get impatient and want to add the sauce too soon, but resist!
05 -
While the cabbage is cooking, quickly whisk together your soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and cornstarch slurry in a small bowl. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved, no lumps! I usually do this right before the cabbage is done so it's ready to pour. This sauce is what makes this a truly Flavorful Asian Cabbage Stir Fry, so mix it well!
06 -
Pour the sauce mixture over the cabbage and pork, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats everything beautifully. This usually takes just a minute or two. Remove from heat, drizzle with sesame oil, and give it one last good stir. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. The whole dish should look glossy and inviting, with that amazing savory aroma. Serve hot over rice, and honestly, it's just delightful!
# Notes:
01 -
Always have all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking; stir-fries move super fast!
02 -
Storage advice that actually works from my kitchen trials: keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, reheat gently on the stovetop.
03 -
Substitution I've tried that worked surprisingly well: ground chicken or even firm tofu instead of pork.
04 -
Serving suggestion that makes this dish extra special: serve over fluffy white rice with a side of chilled lager.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large wok or large skillet
02 -
cutting board
03 -
sharp knife
04 -
whisk
05 -
small bowl
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 350-400 kcal
Total Fat: 20-25g
Total Carbohydrate: 25-30g
Protein: 25-30g