Healthy Garlic Ginger Cabbage Stir Fry

Written by Sarah Gardner
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Looking for a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy cabbage? This Healthy Garlic Ginger Cabbage Stir Fry is one of the best fried cabbage recipes: easy to make, packed with aromatic flavors, and light enough to work as a side dish. The slight crunch of cabbage, combined with a savory umami sauce, makes this dish a winner for busy weeknights. If you're searching for stir fried cabbage recipes that are vegan, gluten-free, and quick to prepare, this one is for you!

Choosing the Best Cabbage for Stir Fry: Green, Red, or Savoy?

When it comes to stir frying cabbage, not all varieties are created equal. Each type offers a different texture, color, and flavor profile, so your choice can make a big difference in the final dish.

Green cabbage is the most common choice, thanks to its slightly sweet flavor and firm texture. It holds up well to heat without getting mushy, making it perfect for quick stir frying.

Red cabbage is equally delicious and offers a vibrant pop of color. While it tends to be a bit tougher than green cabbage, it still softens nicely with stir frying. Just note that it can stain other ingredients slightly and has a more peppery taste.

Savoy cabbage has a crinkled leaf and a tender texture, which makes it cook faster. It brings a delicate flavor to stir fries but can wilt quickly if overcooked.

For this recipe, green cabbage is the go-to option, but feel free to mix and match based on what you have on hand or the flavor you're going for.

Tips for Perfectly Stir-Fried Cabbage Every Time

Stir frying cabbage may seem simple, but a few small tweaks can make a huge difference in flavor and texture:

  • Use high heat: Stir frying is all about fast, high-heat cooking. Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding ingredients.
  • Cut cabbage evenly: Uniform thin slices ensure the cabbage cooks at the same rate and maintains a pleasant texture.
  • Avoid overcrowding: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding causes the cabbage to steam instead of fry, leading to a soggy result.
  • Don’t overcook: Cabbage should be slightly wilted but still have a bit of crunch. Five to seven minutes is usually enough.
  • Add aromatics first: Start with garlic and ginger to infuse the oil with flavor before adding the cabbage.
Healthy Ginger Garlic Cabbage Stir fry PIN IT

Garlic Ginger Cabbage Stir Fry

Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Chinese, South Asian
Servings 4

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Sharp knife or mandoline
  • Spatula or tongs
  • Grater or microplane for ginger

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Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium head of green cabbage thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or sesame oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1- inch piece ginger grated
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional for heat
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish
  • 2 green onions sliced for garnish

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Instructions
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
    minced garlic and grated ginger sizzling in hot oil PIN IT
  3. Add the sliced cabbage and toss to coat with the garlic and ginger.
  4. Stir-fry for 5-7 minutes until the cabbage softens but still retains some crunch.
  5. Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
  6. Remove from heat and drizzle with toasted sesame oil.
    sautéed shredded cabbage, minced garlic, and grated ginger glistening in oil PIN IT
  7. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions before serving.

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Pairings

If you're exploring recipes using cabbage, this stir fry pairs well with steamed jasmine rice, quinoa, or a protein like grilled tofu or chicken. For an extra kick, serve it alongside a spicy chili crisp or a drizzle of sriracha.

Global Flavor Twists: International-Inspired Stir Fry Variations

Want to give your stir fry a new spin? Try infusing it with global flavors:

  • Thai-style: Add a splash of lime juice and chopped cilantro at the end, and garnish with crushed peanuts for a Thai cabbage stir fry vibe.
  • Korean twist: Stir in a teaspoon of gochujang for a spicy-sweet kick, and serve with kimchi on the side.
  • Japanese influence: Replace soy sauce with tamari and add a drizzle of mirin or a sprinkle of furikake seasoning.
  • Indian-inspired: Add turmeric, cumin seeds, and a pinch of garam masala with the aromatics to make a quick spiced cabbage sabzi.
    These creative variations keep the base recipe fresh and exciting for repeat meals.

Health Benefits of Cabbage: Why You Should Eat More of This Superfood

Cabbage is often underrated, but it’s a powerhouse of nutrition. Here’s why it deserves a regular spot in your kitchen:

  • Rich in fiber: Great for digestion and gut health.
  • Low in calories: A big bowl of stir-fried cabbage is filling without being heavy.
  • High in antioxidants: Especially red cabbage, which is rich in anthocyanins and vitamin C.
  • Supports heart health: Thanks to compounds like sulforaphane and potassium.
  • Naturally detoxifying: Cruciferous vegetables help support liver function and detoxification.

Adding garlic and ginger boosts these benefits even more, thanks to their anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

Ingredient Substitutions and Customizations: Make It Your Own

This stir fry is incredibly flexible, so you can adjust it based on what’s in your pantry or your dietary needs:

  • Soy sauce: Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten-free version.
  • Vinegar: Rice vinegar adds mild acidity, but you can also use apple cider vinegar or lime juice.
  • Oil: Swap olive oil for avocado oil or omit it entirely if going oil-free.
  • Heat: Red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or fresh Thai chilies work well too.
  • Texture: Add shredded carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms to mix things up.
  • Crunch: Toss in chopped peanuts or cashews just before serving for added texture.

Adding Extra Protein: Tofu, Tempeh, Chicken, and More

Want to turn this stir fry into a full meal? Add protein to boost satiety and nutrition:

  • Tofu: Firm or extra-firm tofu works best. Pan-fry it before adding to the stir fry for a crispy finish.
  • Tempeh: Nutty and firm, tempeh adds plant-based protein and a chewy texture. Slice thin and sauté separately or with the cabbage.
  • Chicken: Thin strips of chicken breast or thigh can be cooked in the same skillet before the cabbage is added.
  • Shrimp: Quick-cooking and flavorful, shrimp pairs well with garlic and ginger.
  • Edamame or chickpeas: For a soy- or legume-based boost, toss in a handful for extra fiber and protein.

Oil-Free Stir Fry Tips: How to Sauté with Broth

Want to keep it oil-free without sacrificing flavor? Here’s how to do it:

  1. Use a good non-stick skillet or wok: This helps prevent sticking without oil.
  2. Sauté in broth: Add a tablespoon or two of low-sodium vegetable broth to the pan, then add garlic and ginger. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Keep ingredients moving: Stir frequently to keep everything cooking evenly and to avoid sticking.
  4. Deglaze as needed: Add a splash more broth if things start to brown too quickly or stick to the pan.
  5. Finish with flavor: Toasted sesame oil adds great aroma even in small amounts—just a few drops after cooking still keep the recipe mostly oil-free.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Cabbage Stir Fry

Got leftovers? Here’s how to keep them tasting fresh:

  • Storage: Let the stir fry cool, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: While cabbage can be frozen, its texture may become softer upon reheating. If texture isn’t a concern, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to rehydrate if needed. Microwave works too—just cover and stir halfway through.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Cabbage

Even simple recipes can go wrong if you’re not careful. Avoid these common cabbage stir fry mistakes:

  • Overcooking: This leads to limp, overly soft cabbage with a sulfurous smell. Aim for tender-crisp.
  • Low heat: Cabbage steams instead of fries, losing the intended flavor and texture.
  • Skipping aromatics: Garlic and ginger are essential for layering flavor in this recipe. Don’t rush them!
  • Using too much liquid: Soy sauce and vinegar add flavor, but too much can leave the cabbage soggy.
  • Crowding the pan: This creates steam and uneven cooking. Cook in batches for best results.

FAQs

1. Can I use red cabbage instead of green?

Yes! Red cabbage works just as well and adds a pop of color, though it may take slightly longer to cook.

2. How do I make it oil-free?

You can sauté the garlic and ginger in a splash of vegetable broth instead of oil to keep it completely oil-free.

3. Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Try adding shredded carrots, bell peppers, or snap peas for more variety and nutrition.

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