Stir-Fried Cabbage
A Quick and Flavorful Chinese Delight
Stir-fried cabbage is a quick and easy dish that highlights the natural sweetness and crisp texture of cabbage. This recipe is perfect for a healthy side dish or a light main course. With its vibrant color and fresh flavor, it’s sure to be a hit at any meal.
Ingredients
- Cabbage: 1 small head (about 500g), shredded
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1 tablespoon, sliced
- Red chili pepper: 3, sliced
- Vegetable oil: 2 tablespoons
- Soy sauce: 2 tablespoons (light soy sauce preferred)
- Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon (optional, for added richness)
- Salt: to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage:
Remove the core from the cabbage and separate the leaves. Wash the leaves thoroughly and dry them well to prevent the stir-fry from becoming watery. - Process the Cabbage Leaves:
Tear the cabbage leaves into bite-sized pieces. This hand-tearing technique creates uneven edges that help the cabbage absorb more flavor. - Prepare the Aromatics:
Finely chop the garlic. Slice the red chili pepper into thin rounds. - Heat the Wok:
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat until it begins to shimmer. - Cook the Aromatics:Add the minced garlic and sliced red chili pepper to the wok. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the Cabbage:
Add the shredded cabbage to the wok. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until the cabbage begins to wilt slightly but still maintains its crispness. - Season the Dish:
Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce. Sprinkle with salt to taste. - Final Cooking:
Stir-fry for another 30 seconds, tossing constantly to ensure the sauce coats all of the cabbage evenly. The cabbage should be slightly wilted but still maintain a pleasant crunch. - Serve Immediately:
Transfer the stir-fried cabbage to a serving plate and enjoy while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Tips for Perfect Stir-Fried Cabbage
- High Heat: Stir-frying requires high heat to quickly cook the vegetables and retain their crisp texture.
- Even Cooking: Tear the cabbage into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Flavor Balance: Adjust the seasonings to your taste. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness or a bit of sugar to balance the flavors if needed.