Chinese Cabbage Stir Fry Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s the perfect blend of savory goodness and wholesome ingredients that come together in just minutes, making it ideal for a busy weeknight. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about transforming simple napa cabbage into a deliciously fragrant, soy-infused dish that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl!

I love making uncomplicated but delicious recipes, and this Chinese Cabbage Stir Fry is one of my go-tos. It’s a dish that comes together pretty rapidly and that really satisfies.

Crisp Napa cabbage and a good amount of garlic mingle with soy and oyster sauces to give this dish my kind of flavor and a super-easy-to-make sauce. A drizzle of sesame oil at the end really rounds out the taste, and I always top this dish with plenty of fresh, budget-friendly scallions.

Ingredients

Napa cabbage, or Chinese cabbage, is a low-calorie, high-fiber, and vitamin-rich food.

Garlic: Contributes a fragrant flavor, brings antioxidants, backs immunity and heart wellness.

Soy sauce: Delivers umami flavor; provides protein; boosts the dish’s savory profile.

Oyster sauce: Complexity that is sweet-salty, rich in iron and zinc; boosts flavor depth.

Oil of sesame: Provides a flavor of nuttiness, consists of fats that are good for health, augments the aroma.

Scallions possess a fresh, mild flavor; they are rich in vitamins A and C and antioxidants.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 medium Chinese cabbage (napa cabbage), about 1.5 pounds
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 scallions, chopped

Instructions

1. Start by getting the Chinese cabbage ready. Strip off any outer leaves that are past their prime. Then chop the cabbage into sections. You want it to be about 1 inch wide but don’t stress if some pieces end up being a bit thicker or thinner; rustic is part of its charm. Remember: If you have a super large head of cabbage, do what I did and use half of it for this recipe and half for Kimchi.

2. In a large wok or skillet, set over medium-high heat, add the vegetable oil. Let the oil heat up sufficiently so that it reaches the shimmering stage.

3. Add the garlic, minced, to the wok and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, or until the garlic becomes fragrant, but not browned.

4. Raise the heat to high and put the cabbage strips in the wok. Stir-fry for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until the cabbage starts to droop and decrease in volume.

5. Add the soy sauce and oyster sauce, then mix the cabbage to ensure it is evenly coated with the sauces.

6. Include the sugar, salt, and white pepper in teaspoon amounts. Stir and fry for 2 more minutes, and then—if you think you can fold an omelet—add the beaten eggs and work them around a bit until they’re set.

7. Pour the sesame oil over the cabbage, and add 2 tablespoons of water to create a little bit of steam, which helps to cook the cabbage all the way through.

8. Continue to stir-fry for 1-2 minutes more until the cabbage is tender yet crisp and the liquid has evaporated mostly.

9. Toss the chopped scallions in at the end and finalize your dish by tossing everything together to combine.

10. Place the stir-fried cabbage in a serving dish and serve hot as either a side dish or part of a larger meal.

Equipment Needed

1. Chef’s knife
2. Cutting board
3. Large wok or skillet
4. Measuring spoons
5. Mixing spoon or spatula
6. Small bowl (for beating eggs)
7. Serving dish

FAQ

• Can I use regular cabbage instead of Chinese cabbage?Although Napa cabbage has a delicate flavor and a tender texture, you can replace it in dishes with regular green cabbage. Just keep in mind that you may need to cook the dish a little bit longer.
• What can I use instead of oyster sauce for a vegetarian option?One alternative is to use a mushroom-based vegetarian oyster sauce. Another is to increase the soy sauce in the recipe and add a little hoisin sauce to approximate the flavor of oyster sauce.
• Is it essential to use sesame oil in this recipe?Sesame oil contributes a notably nutty flavor, but if you don’t have that, you can just leave it out or make a few drops of toasted sesame seeds substitute for it.
• Can I add other vegetables to this stir-fry?Certainly! Think about adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots to boost the color and nutrient content.
• How do I store leftovers?Store uneaten food in the refrigerator in a sealed container, keeping it as airtight and watertight as possible. That way, it’s good for up to 3 days. The next time you want to eat some, you’re going to have to reheat it—but more on that in a bit.
• What is the best way to prepare the garlic?Finely mince the garlic to ensure it flavors the oil efficiently when cooking.
• Can this dish be made spicier?Indeed, one can incorporate chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce to achieve a spicier version.

Substitutions and Variations

Canola oil or peanut oil can be used in place of vegetable oil with similar results when cooking.
You can use tamari for a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce.
Hoisin sauce can be used in place of oyster sauce, yet it is sweeter; mushroom stir-fry sauce is an option for vegetarians.
Honey or maple syrup can be used to replace sugar, providing options for natural sweeteners.
If needed, black pepper can take the place of white pepper, but the flavor profile will change slightly.

Pro Tips

1. Prep Ingredients in Advance Have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. Stir-frying is a fast process, so having everything lined up and within reach can help everything go smoothly.

2. Control Heat during Cooking Pay attention to the heat levels. Start with medium-high heat to fry the garlic without burning it, and then turn the heat to high when adding the cabbage to ensure quick cooking.

3. Enhance Flavor with Ginger Consider adding a small amount of freshly grated ginger along with the garlic to enhance the aromatic flavors of the dish. Just a teaspoon can add a nice zing without overpowering the other ingredients.

4. Texture is Key To maintain a slight crunch in the cabbage, be careful not to overcook it. Stir-fry just until it starts to wilt and is tender-crisp, which will ensure it remains vibrant and retains some texture.

5. Garnish for Freshness For a final fresh touch, you can add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top just before serving. This will provide a nutty flavor and pleasing visual appeal to the dish.