Simple Secrets For A Tasty Chinese Cabbage Stir Fry

Cabbage is an adaptable vegetable that can be transformed into a quick, healthy, and tasty meal with the right preparation. Enter Chinese cabbage stir fry – a fast, easy dish that highlights cabbage’s best qualities. This article will provide everything you need to know to make this flavorful stir fry at home.

Selecting the Best Cabbage for Stir Frying

Choosing the right type of cabbage is the first step to stir fry success. Many varieties work well, but Napa cabbage is the best choice. Napa cabbage has soft, ruffled leaves that cook rapidly but keep a satisfying crunch. The mild, slightly sweet flavor also pairs well with stir-fry sauces. Look for heads with crisp, tightly packed leaves, avoiding any with browning or sliminess.

Prepping the Cabbage and Other Ingredients

Proper prep ensures quick cooking and the best texture. The cabbage’s outer leaves should be stripped of any wilt. Cut the head in half lengthwise, then into 1/2-inch strips across the leaves. Stack a few strips and slice into 1/4-inch wide pieces. Keep the sliced cabbage pieces fluffy and separated as you prep other ingredients.

Thinly sliced chicken breast, pork, shrimp, or extra firm tofu are all good options for a protein boost. Chop bell peppers, carrots, broccoli, and snap peas to add color and crunch. Mince 2 cloves garlic and grate a 1-inch knob of fresh ginger.

Selecting the Best Cooking Equipment

A well-seasoned wok and a good pair of cooking chopsticks are ideal, but a large nonstick skillet will also work. Heat 1 Tbsp vegetable oil in the wok or skillet over high heat until shimmering. Have all ingredients within easy reach before starting to stir fry.

Quickly Stir Frying for the Best Flavor and Texture

Once the oil is very hot, add the protein and stir fry briefly until it browns. Remove and set aside. Add the garlic, ginger, and any dense vegetables like carrots. Stir fry for 1 minute.

Add the cabbage and continue stir-frying for 2 minutes, keeping the ingredients moving constantly. The cabbage will start to wilt and brown slightly.

Return the protein to the wok or skillet. Add the sauce ingredients – 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, a splash of rice wine vinegar, and a pinch of sugar. Continue stir-frying for 1 final minute until the sauce coats everything. Serve immediately after adding toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions.

Sauce Options to Suit Any Taste

The simple sauce above allows the fresh cabbage flavor to shine. But it’s also easy to customize your stir fry with different sauce ingredients. Here are some tasty options:

• Spicy Sichuan Sauce – 1 Tbsp Sichuan peppercorns, 3 dried chiles, 2 tsp chili oil, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar
• Ginger Sauce – 3 Tbsp minced ginger, 1 Tbsp rice wine, 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp oyster sauce
• Garlic Sauce – 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 tsp honey
• Sweet and Tangy Sauce – 3 Tbsp rice wine vinegar, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, 2 Tbsp honey

Making it a Full Meal

While cabbage stir fry is delicious, it also pairs well with other healthy side dishes. Here are some options:

• Steamed jasmine or brown rice
• Sautéed greens like spinach or chard
• Roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts
• Veggie fried rice

Enjoy added protein with tofu, eggs, chicken, beef or shrimp. The possibilities are endless!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

The leftover cabbage stir fry is stored and refrigerated well for 3-4 days. Gently reheat in a skillet with a little water until thoroughly hot. The texture will soften, but it will still taste great.

Cabbage stir fry also freezes nicely for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Before serving, add a dash of soy sauce and vinegar.

Recipes for Delicious Cabbage Stir Fries

Here are two recipe options so you can make your Chinese cabbage stir fry at home:

Chicken and Napa Cabbage Stir Fry

Serves 3-4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of 1-inch-long chunks of boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 medium head Napa cabbage, sliced (about 6 cups)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger
• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Chicken pieces should be mixed with soy sauce, sesame oil, pepper, and salt in a small bowl. Let marinate for 10-15 minutes.
2. In a wok or sizable skillet, heat the oil over high heat. Add chicken and stir fry until browned, about 3-5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. Add garlic, ginger, bell pepper and stir fry for 1 minute.
4. Add cabbage and continue stir-frying for 2 minutes.
5. Return chicken to the pan and stir fry for 1 final minute.
6. Serve immediately over steamed rice.

Tofu and Cabbage Stir Fry

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• drained and cut into 1/2-inch cubes, one block of extra-firm tofu
• 2 Tbsp cornstarch
• 1 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 small head of Napa cabbage, sliced (about 4 cups)
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 2 Tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions:

1. Toss tofu cubes with cornstarch—Heat oil in a wok over high heat. Add tofu and stir fry until lightly browned. Remove and set aside.
2. Add garlic, ginger, carrot and stir fry for 1 minute.
3. Add cabbage and stir fry for 2 minutes until starting to wilt.
4. Return the tofu to the wok. Use rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes.
5. Stir fry for 1 final minute until sauce coats everything.
6. Top with green onions and serve over rice.

Chinese cabbage stir-fries of restaurant-quality may be made at home with a few basic ingredients and little preparation. Experiment with different proteins, vegetables, and sauces until you find your favorite combination. Your taste buds will thank you!

Frequently Asked Questions