Crispy Asian Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe: A Zesty Weeknight Wonder

Weeknight dinners demand quick, flavorful solutions that pack a punch of nutrition and taste.

This simple Asian cabbage stir fry recipe delivers a delightful blend of crisp vegetables and savory seasonings.

Crunchy cabbage dances with vibrant aromatics, creating a harmonious dish that comes together in minutes.

Fresh ingredients and a blazing hot wok turn ordinary vegetables into an extraordinary meal.

Tender cabbage absorbs the rich, umami-packed sauce, transforming humble ingredients into something truly special.

You’ll love how effortlessly this stir fry satisfies hunger and delights the palate.

Grab your chopsticks and prepare for a culinary journey that celebrates the bold, fresh flavors of Asian cuisine.

Asian Cabbage Stir Fry: Bold and Bright

  • Whip up this delicious stir fry in just a few minutes with minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills.
  • Packed with cabbage and carrots, this dish offers a healthy, low-calorie meal that's full of vitamins and crunch.
  • Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner or as a side dish that can be easily customized with additional proteins or vegetables.
  • Uses affordable, readily available ingredients that won't break the bank while still delivering amazing flavor and satisfaction.

Ingredient List for Flavorful Stir Fry

Main Protein:
  • Eggs: Fresh eggs provide protein and create a scrambled base for the stir fry.
Vegetables:
  • Cabbage, Carrot, Onion, Garlic: Crisp vegetables that add texture, flavor, and nutrition to the dish.
Sauces and Seasonings:
  • Soy Sauce, Dark Soy Sauce, Oyster Sauce, Sugar, Salt: Savory and sweet condiments that enhance the overall flavor profile of the Asian cabbage stir fry.
Cooking Fat:
  • Olive Oil: A neutral oil used for sautéing and cooking the ingredients evenly.

Stir Fry Essentials You’ll Need

  • Skillet: Large, heavy-bottomed pan for even cooking and stir-frying.
  • Spatula: Wooden or silicone tool for stirring and mixing ingredients.
  • Cutting board: Sturdy surface for chopping vegetables.
  • Chef's knife: Sharp blade for precise vegetable preparation.
  • Measuring spoons: Ensure accurate sauce and oil measurements.
  • Plate: For transferring cooked eggs temporarily.

Cooking Steps for Cabbage Stir Fry

Step 1: Whip Up Scrambled Eggs

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Crack eggs into a bowl, whisk them until well combined, and pour into the skillet.

Gently scramble the eggs until they’re soft and fluffy.

Transfer the cooked eggs to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Drizzle another splash of olive oil into the same skillet.

Toss in finely chopped onions and minced garlic.

Sauté these fragrant ingredients for about a minute, letting their rich flavors bloom and fill your kitchen with an enticing aroma.

Step 3: Bring Vegetables to Life

Add a generous glug of olive oil to the skillet.

Tumble in:
  • Shredded cabbage
  • Julienned carrots

Stir the vegetables thoroughly, then cover the skillet.

Let them cook and soften for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to become tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 4: Create a Flavor Symphony

Pour in your saucy ingredients:
  • Soy sauce
  • Dark soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Sugar

Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

Step 5: Final Flourish

Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt if needed.

Gently fold the reserved scrambled eggs back into the skillet, mixing everything together until well combined and heated through.

Insider Tips for Cabbage Stir Fries

  • Cook eggs separately first to keep them fluffy and prevent overcooking when mixing with vegetables.
  • Cut cabbage and carrots into thin, uniform pieces for even cooking and better sauce absorption.
  • Adjust soy sauce and sugar proportions to match your taste preference, creating a personalized flavor profile.
  • Use medium-high heat for quick stir-frying to maintain vegetable crispness and prevent soggy texture.
  • Easily transform this dish by adding cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp for extra protein and variety.

Stir Fry Mix-Ins and Combos

  • Protein Power: Replace eggs with tofu cubes for a plant-based protein alternative that adds texture and nutrition.
  • Low-Carb Swap: Substitute cabbage with cauliflower rice to create a keto-friendly version of the stir fry.
  • Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or gochujang sauce to increase heat and create a more intense flavor profile.
  • Vegetable Medley: Include additional colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to boost nutritional value and variety.

Serving Cabbage Stir Fry with Style

  • Flavor Burst Plate: Serve this vibrant stir fry over steamed jasmine rice for a perfect balance of textures and tastes.
  • Protein Power-Up: Top with crispy toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or crushed peanuts for extra crunch and nutrition.
  • Quick Meal Companion: Pair with a light cucumber salad or quick pickled vegetables to add freshness and contrast to the warm, savory stir fry.
  • Spice Lover's Twist: Drizzle with sriracha sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes for those who enjoy an extra kick of heat.

Leftover Cabbage Stir Fry Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Place stir fry in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent dryness, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
  • Warm a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat, add stir fry, and gently stir for 2-3 minutes until heated evenly.
  • This dish contains eggs and fresh vegetables, which can lose texture and quality when frozen, so best consumed within original refrigeration timeframe.

FAQs

  • What type of cabbage works best for this stir fry?

Green cabbage is ideal due to its crisp texture and mild flavor, but you can also use Napa or savoy cabbage for slightly different taste profiles.

  • Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the eggs and replace oyster sauce with vegetarian oyster sauce or mushroom-based sauce to maintain the umami flavor.

  • How do I prevent the cabbage from becoming too soggy?

Cook the cabbage on high heat for a short time, stirring frequently to maintain its crunch and prevent overcooking. Aim for 3-4 minutes of cooking to keep the vegetables crisp and vibrant.

Print
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Asian Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe


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4.8 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mouthwatering asian cabbage stir fry recipe brings sizzling wok-fresh flavors from Southeast Asian kitchens. Crisp vegetables and savory sauce create a quick, nutritious meal packed with authentic regional spices you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables:

  • 12 green cabbage (about 1 pound / 454 grams)
  • 1 medium carrot, cut into matchsticks
  • 2 tablespoons onion, diced small
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Protein:

  • 3 medium eggs, beaten

Sauce and Seasoning:

  • 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons dark soy sauce
  • 2 teaspoons oyster sauce
  • 2 teaspoons white sugar
  • 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Whisk eggs thoroughly and pour into a heated skillet with olive oil over medium temperature. Scramble eggs until softly cooked and transfer to a separate plate.
  2. Without cleaning the skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil and quickly sauté minced onions and crushed garlic for approximately 60 seconds, releasing their aromatic flavors.
  3. Introduce additional olive oil into the skillet, then add shredded cabbage and julienned carrots. Stir ingredients to ensure even coating and cover, allowing vegetables to steam and soften for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Pour both varieties of soy sauce, oyster sauce, and granulated sugar into the vegetable mixture. Continue cooking and stirring for 1-2 minutes, ensuring sauces caramelize and coat vegetables evenly.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if necessary. Gently fold scrambled eggs back into the skillet, incorporating them thoroughly with the vegetable mixture.

Notes

  • Prep Cabbage Shred cabbage thinly for even cooking and better texture absorption.
  • Customize Heat levels by adjusting olive oil and using different types of soy sauce for varied flavor profiles.
  • Make Vegetarian Replace eggs with tofu or extra firm scrambled tofu for protein-rich alternative.
  • Enhance Nutrition Add protein-packed edamame or sprinkle sesame seeds on top for extra crunch and nutrients.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 500 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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