Super Easy Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

Name: Super Easy Cabbage Stir Fry
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound shredded cabbage; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine)

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound shredded cabbage
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon Chinese cooking wine (Shaoxing wine)

Directions

Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 3 to 5 seconds, or until it begins to brown.
Stir in the shredded cabbage and toss to coat with the oil. Cover the wok and cook for 1 minute.
Pour in the soy sauce, stir, and cook for an additional minute.
Increase the heat to high and pour in the Chinese cooking wine. Stir and cook until the cabbage is tender, about 2 minutes more.
Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	65
Total Fat	4g	4%
Saturated Fat	1g	3%
Sodium	270mg	12%
Total Carbohydrate	7g	3%
Dietary Fiber	3g	10%
Total Sugars	4g
Protein	2g	4%
Vitamin C	42mg	47%
Calcium	49mg	4%
Iron	1mg	3%
Potassium	208mg	4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Super Easy Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

This simple and delicious stir-fry recipe combines shredded cabbage with garlic, soy sauce, and Chinese cooking wine. Its a perfect side dish thats light, healthy, and quick to make!

History and Origins

Cabbage stir fry is a popular dish in many Asian cuisines, particularly Chinese cooking, where stir-frying is a fundamental technique. The dish itself has been part of Chinese cuisine for centuries, with cabbage being a staple vegetable in both rural and urban areas. Cabbages versatility and long shelf life made it an important ingredient in the local diets. The use of soy sauce and Chinese rice wine adds layers of savory depth to the otherwise simple cabbage, making it a beloved comfort food.

Regional Variations

While this cabbage stir fry recipe reflects the typical flavors of Chinese cuisine, regional variations exist. In Southern China, where rice and vegetables are primary dietary components, the stir-fry often includes additional ingredients like bell peppers, mushrooms, or other vegetables. In contrast, northern Chinese stir-fried dishes might incorporate stronger, heartier seasonings, such as fermented bean paste or chili oil. This dish is versatile and can be adapted to different tastes by experimenting with different types of soy sauce or even using a mix of cabbage and other leafy greens like bok choy or napa cabbage.

How This Dish Differs from Similar Recipes

Although cabbage stir fry shares similarities with other stir-fried vegetable dishes, its simplicity makes it stand out. Unlike more complex stir-fry recipes that feature meat, seafood, or multiple vegetables, this dish keeps the focus on the cabbage, allowing the delicate flavor of the vegetable to shine through. Other stir-fry recipes often use heavy sauces or broths, while this cabbage stir fry remains light, relying on soy sauce and Chinese rice wine for flavor.

Where It's Typically Served

Super Easy Cabbage Stir Fry is commonly served as a side dish in Chinese meals. It pairs well with protein-rich dishes such as stir-fried chicken, pork, or tofu, and can also complement a bowl of steamed rice. In Chinese households, this dish is often made as a quick and healthy addition to a larger meal, especially when time is short. It is also a favorite for family dinners or gatherings, where multiple dishes are served to balance flavors and textures. Additionally, its often found in vegetarian Chinese restaurants as a light, low-calorie option.

Interesting Facts

Cabbage has been cultivated for thousands of years, and it is one of the oldest vegetables grown for human consumption. It is highly nutritious, containing an abundance of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to any diet. In ancient China, cabbage was even used for medicinal purposes, believed to help with digestion and improve skin health. Interestingly, Chinese cabbage is often used in both stir-fries and soups, showcasing its adaptability in various cooking methods. Additionally, Chinese rice wine (Shaoxing wine) adds a signature depth to stir-fry dishes, and its use in this recipe brings an authentic taste that many consider essential for a traditional flavor profile.

Conclusion

This Super Easy Cabbage Stir Fry recipe is not just a tasty and healthy side dish, but it also represents a piece of Chinese culinary tradition. Its simplicity makes it a perfect starting point for those new to cooking stir-fries, while the versatility of the recipe allows for endless variations depending on what ingredients are available. Whether you serve it as a side dish or enjoy it as a quick and light meal on its own, this cabbage stir fry is sure to become a favorite in any home kitchen.

FAQ about Super Easy Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

Store leftover cabbage stir fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before consuming.

It's not recommended to freeze cabbage stir fry, as cabbage may become mushy when thawed. However, if you must, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month and reheat by stir-frying it again.

If you don't have Chinese cooking wine, you can substitute it with dry sherry, rice wine vinegar, or white wine. For a richer flavor, try using mirin.

Yes, you can add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for added flavor and texture. Just ensure they are cut into small pieces so they cook evenly.

To make the dish spicier, you can add sliced fresh chili peppers, chili flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the stir fry during cooking.

Yes, pre-shredded cabbage is a convenient option and can be used in place of fresh cabbage. Just be sure to check if it’s fresh and crisp.

If you need a soy-free alternative, you can use coconut aminos, tamari sauce, or a low-sodium soy sauce for a lighter flavor.

Cabbage stir fry is a versatile side dish that pairs well with grilled meats, stir-fried rice, or noodles. It can also be served as a light vegetarian main dish.

Yes, you can use other oils such as sesame oil, peanut oil, or olive oil depending on your preference and availability.

If you prefer softer cabbage, cook it a bit longer after adding the Chinese cooking wine. You can also add a splash of water or broth to help soften the cabbage.

Comments

Lady Madonna

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Okay, I was a little wierded out by the thought of eating straight cabbage, but this dish is amazing! I also tried it with apple cider vinegar in place of the wine, and it's great either way.

horsepro

03/27/2019 10:44:53 PM

I used 1 large Vidalia onion sliced into thin half circle strips, a medium head of cabbage cut into small strips. Then cooked it all in 2 Tbs of EVO with a Tbs of Ghee, ¼ cup Merlot, 1 Tbs low sodium Soy sauce. Then finished it all with a Tsp of corn starch to make the remaining liquid adhere to the cabbage and onion. Seasoned with fresh ground pepper and Himalayan fresh ground salt to taste. Cooked it all on a Wok on medium high. It turned out delicious.

UniqueDonut4844

02/21/2024 01:26:16 AM

Absolutely LOVE this for simple prep, Asian flavor and healthy ingredients (cabbage, garlic). As someone else mentioned, great for a low carb diet. I use this cabbage to replace half - or all! - of the rice I’d normally eat alongside a more complex meat/vegetable dish. Also delicious on its own! (Of course the Shaoxing & soy sauce add a little carb.) I used mirin in place of Shaoxing only because it was on hand. Turned out great. Shaoxing, though, will give you much richer flavor (maybe some of the commenters here didn’t have any or forgot to use a decent substitute). I’ll definitely be grabbing some Shaoxing next trip to the Asian grocery.

lutzflcat

11/13/2023 11:25:53 AM

We enjoy stir-fried/sauteed cabbage, but we thought the seasoning on this was weak. I didn’t have any Chinese cooking wine, so I sub’d dry sherry which worked out fine. I ended up doubling the soy sauce and sherry, and added some sliced bell pepper for a pop of color. Turned out pretty well, served with grilled, marinated flank steak..

CleverSnap5520

07/26/2023 02:35:51 PM

Simple, tasty and quick. I did not have the Chinese wine, but dry sherry worked very well. Thank you!!

Rick Carter

02/07/2024 10:32:08 PM

This turned out amazing! I did make changes like garlic powder and white wine vinegar since I did not have the correct ingredients. But is was good anyway. Perfect for my lower carb diet meal with some added chicken.

DREGINEK

06/24/2023 05:45:42 PM

Really good and paired well with Asian Orange Chicken I made from this site. I didn’t have the specified wine so I used 1/2 TBLS of rice wine vinegar and 1 TBLS of apple cider vinegar. Debated about adding some thinly sliced onions to the sauté but didn’t. I think I will next time. Super easy side dish! Thanks iken!

Love a curry

04/01/2013 01:41:31 AM

Was a bit dubious about a cabbage recipe but had some left over I wanted to use. Wow. Recipe is great. I added onions also and some fresh red chillies . Cooked it a bit longer until a bit crispy..mmmm yum. Happy.

dbray

01/10/2010 06:34:45 PM

Oh my this is good and easy to make. Didn't have the wine so substitued rice vinegar as others suggested. Used Napa cabbage cooked for about 3 min and kept warm in oven (at 190deg) while I stir fried the rest of dinner.. This is not a spicy dish and so it was a nice balance to the spicy pork and fried rice main course and also had a cucumber salad (rice vinegar style).

Dar

03/26/2025 01:24:42 PM

Excellent, easy and perfect for a quick nutrition add to any recipe. I had my cabbage pre-cut when I prep on the weekend, and this is the quickest and most delicious way to cook the veggies when it gets busy during the week. Thank you for such a simple but umami recipe!

Michele Finch

12/03/2024 11:52:43 PM

I used a bag of coleslaw mix, hot sesame oil, chopped onions and garlic cloves. I only had white wine so I used that. It turned out great! Thanks for the idea. Nice side to my shrimp fried rice and bourbon chicken.

RowdyPho6439

09/01/2025 07:20:30 PM

I added more soy sauce because I like my food extra seasoned. All and all a very good framework for an Asian dish when you have cabbage.

PeppyEgg3834

05/20/2025 12:58:47 PM

No except I let it cooked a little bit more than one minute after adding soy sauce.

Dallas mosque48

04/10/2025 09:06:25 AM

I used a different kind of wine

Nicholas Adams

04/02/2025 03:16:25 AM

Made it and my stomach is thanking me.

RedNut3970

02/01/2025 01:03:49 AM

This was an easy recipe, and surprisingly good (for cabbage). My husband doesn’t love cabbage, but said that this was probably the best one he’s had besides the egg roll in a bowl recipes. I know that doesn’t sound like a glowing review, but it was much better than other boring cabbage recipes! I used dry sherry cooking wine.

Michele Finch

12/03/2024 11:52:43 PM

SpeedySpud7807

09/13/2024 08:40:23 PM

I've been making this for years, I also put in little smoke sausages cut up to bite size pieces as well. It just gives you that extra juiciness and flavor that your looking for.

JoyfulMixer9415

04/03/2024 02:30:25 AM

I actually used this recipe as an addition to a stir fry I had already planned - because I hadn’t cooked/sautéed cabbage before & I was simply looking for some basic instructions…it was so simplistic and DELICIOUS!! THIS became the base of my stir fry!!

Kenneth Perez

03/11/2024 11:46:40 PM

Tried it today — nailed it perfectly.

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