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Spicy Stir-Fried Cabbage Recipe

Spicy Stir-Fried Cabbage Recipe

4.8 from 26 reviews

A flavorful and easy Spicy Stir-Fried Cabbage recipe featuring a vibrant mix of garlic, fresh chilies, smoky spices, and tangy soy sauce. This quick vegetable stir-fry delivers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami, making it an ideal side dish or a light, healthy main course.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 medium green cabbage, finely shredded
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or neutral vegetable oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1 small onion, thinly sliced
  • 12 fresh red chilies, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon chili flakes
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Seasonings & Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (halal-certified)
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
  • Salt, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, finely chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the olive oil or vegetable oil, warming it until shimmering but not smoking.
  2. Sauté the onions. Add the thinly sliced onions to the pan and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until they begin to soften and become translucent.
  3. Add garlic and fresh chilies. Stir in the sliced garlic and finely chopped fresh red chilies, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant without burning the garlic.
  4. Bloom the spices. Sprinkle in the chili flakes, smoked paprika, and ground cumin; stir quickly to release their flavors and coat the onion mixture evenly.
  5. Add cabbage. Toss in the shredded green cabbage, stirring well to combine it with the oil, spices, and aromatics.
  6. Stir-fry the cabbage. Continue stir-frying for 5 to 7 minutes, tossing frequently until the cabbage becomes tender but still retains a slight crispness for texture.
  7. Season the dish. Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar or lemon juice, and sugar or honey; toss everything together to blend the flavors thoroughly.
  8. Adjust seasoning. Taste the stir-fry and add salt as needed to balance the flavors according to your preference.
  9. Garnish and serve. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro and toasted sesame seeds if using. Serve immediately as a spicy side dish or a light main course.

Notes

  • Adjust the number of fresh red chilies and chili flakes to control the spiciness of the dish.
  • Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil if you prefer a milder oil flavor over olive oil.
  • Substitute tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
  • For extra protein, consider adding tofu, shrimp, or thinly sliced chicken breast.
  • To keep the cabbage crunchy, avoid overcooking beyond 7 minutes.
  • This dish is best served fresh but can be reheated briefly in a skillet; avoid overcooking when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy stir-fried cabbage, cabbage stir-fry, spicy vegetable side dish, easy stir fry, quick healthy recipe, Asian stir-fry