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Quick Savory Cabbage Stir-Fry with Soy Sauce

quick savory cabbage stir-fry - featured image

A fast and flavorful cabbage stir-fry tossed with soy sauce and garlic, ready in under 10 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish offers a savory-sweet balance with a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups green cabbage, shredded or chopped (about 300g / 10.5 oz)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (preferably low sodium)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • ¼ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
  • 12 stalks green onions, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
  • Pinch of freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Rinse about 4 cups (300g / 10.5 oz) of green cabbage and pat dry. Slice into thin strips or roughly chop, depending on your texture preference. Set aside.
  2. Mince 2 garlic cloves and grate 1 teaspoon fresh ginger if using. Slice green onions thinly and keep separate for garnish.
  3. Place a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Wait until the oil shimmers but doesn’t smoke.
  4. Toss in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Stir constantly to avoid burning, cooking until fragrant (about 20-30 seconds).
  5. Add the chopped cabbage to the pan. Stir-fry, tossing frequently, for about 3-4 minutes until the cabbage softens but still holds a slight crunch and starts to turn golden at the edges.
  6. Pour in 2 tablespoons soy sauce and sprinkle a pinch of black pepper and optional chili flakes. Stir quickly and evenly to coat the cabbage. Let the soy sauce sizzle for about 1-2 minutes until it slightly caramelizes around the edges.
  7. Remove from heat. Garnish with sliced green onions. Toss quickly and transfer to a serving dish immediately to keep the texture crisp.

Notes

Avoid overcooking to keep cabbage crisp. Cook on high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent sogginess. Use low sodium soy sauce to control saltiness. For gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: cabbage stir-fry, quick recipe, soy sauce, easy dinner, weeknight meal, savory, gluten-free option, healthy stir-fry