Imagine a side dish that transforms the humble cabbage into a fiery, flavor-packed sensation that will wake up your taste buds and elevate any meal. This spicy stir-fried cabbage recipe combines the crunch of fresh cabbage with a bold blend of Asian-inspired seasonings, creating a dish that’s both incredibly simple to prepare and explosively delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 6-7 cups or 900g)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil or sesame oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-inch (2.5 cm) piece ginger, minced
- 2-3 dried red chilies (or 1-2 tsp crushed red pepper)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar
- 1 tsp Sriracha or chili garlic sauce (optional)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat
- Add dried chilies, minced garlic, and ginger
- Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant and aromatic
- Cook the Cabbage
- Add sliced cabbage to the skillet
- Toss to coat with the aromatic oil and chilies
- Stir-fry for 3-5 minutes until cabbage wilts but remains crisp
- Add Flavor Enhancers
- Pour in soy sauce and rice vinegar
- Add Sriracha or chili garlic sauce if using
- Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes to blend flavors
- Final Touches
- Drizzle with sesame oil
- Season with salt and pepper to taste
- Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions
Nutrition & Serving Details
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Approximate Nutrition per Serving:
- Calories: 85
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fat: 6g
Why This Spicy Cabbage Recipe is a Healthy Choice
This stir-fried cabbage is not just a delicious side dish – it’s a nutritional powerhouse. Cabbage is incredibly low in calories while being rich in vitamins K and C, and loaded with antioxidants. The addition of garlic and ginger provides anti-inflammatory benefits, while the minimal oil keeps the dish light and heart-healthy.
The spicy elements not only add exciting flavor but can also boost metabolism and provide potential health benefits. By using minimal oil and maximizing flavor through herbs and spices, this recipe proves that healthy eating can be both simple and incredibly satisfying.